The UC Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) is back with its monthly feature, Cincinnati Science Roundup. Check out events and news related to science happening in August from PEWS, our collaborators, and community partners around Greater Cincinnati!
Writing for the NSTA Blog
Online / Ongoing Call for Submissions
Are you a science educator, researcher, or STEM advocate eager to share your insights with a broader audience? The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is inviting submissions for the NSTA Blog! Whether you are interested in writing about emerging science education trends, practical classroom strategies, hands-on tools, or success stories, NSTA provides a prominent platform to highlight your work and connect with educators nationwide. Articles are typically 600–800 words and written in an engaging, conversational tone. If you are looking to amplify your voice in science education and contribute to the national STEM conversation, explore NSTA’s submission guidelines and share your story today!
HUB 2026: Creative Construction (Camp Washington)
Saturday, August 1st, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Camp Washington Community Garden, 1252 Bates Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225.
Join the Civic Garden Center’s HUB Program for HUB: Creative Construction, a hands-on community build session at the Camp Washington Community Garden! Participants will work together on creative construction projects designed to improve, enhance, and beautify this vital neighborhood garden space. Whether you are building raised beds, assembling garden structures, or helping construct functional garden features, this collaborative workshop offers a great opportunity to learn practical woodworking and building skills while giving back to the community. It’s the perfect way for neighbors, gardeners, and volunteers of all skill levels to connect, dig in, and help build a stronger, more vibrant local food system. If you want to get your hands dirty, learn new skills, and support community agriculture in Camp Washington, this interactive workshop is for you!
For more classes you can take at the Civic Garden Center:
- Saturday, August 8, 10am-12pm: Healthy Harvest (Northgate)
- Saturday, August 15, 10am-12pm: Healthy Harvest (West End)
- Saturday, August 22, 10am-12pm: Creating Space (Daryl Gordon)
Weathering Change Annual Symposium
Thursday, August 6th, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Kettering Lab Complex, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267.
Join the Center for Collaboration on Climate & Community for Health (C4H) for the Weathering Change Annual Symposium, a day-long event bringing together researchers, community engagement professionals, and local advocates to address environmental and health resilience. The morning session features fast-paced 3-minute project presentations, poster sessions, and networking over lunch, followed by an afternoon site visit to Cardinal Land Conservancy’s Bahr Farm for collaborative small-group discussions on climate and health initiatives.
Panel Discussion: Batwa Story and Craft
Thursday, August 8th, 10:00-11:30 AM. 3412 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati.
Join the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, in partnership with the Action for Batwa Empowerment Group and the Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS), for a conversation exploring the history, resilience, and living cultural traditions of the Batwa people in conjunction with Ancestral Weaving. The discussion will feature Sylvia Kokunda, a Mutwa leader and founder of the Action for Batwa Empowerment Group (ABEG). Sylvia is the first Mutwa woman to earn a Master’s degree, and ABEG is the first organization founded and led by Batwa people. She will be joined by collaborators from ABEG and the University of Cincinnati to discuss cultural preservation, storytelling, craft traditions, and the ongoing work of Batwa self-determination.
Green Drinks with Climate Action Fellows
Wednesday, August 12th, 5:15 PM – 7:15 PM. Somerset Bar, 139 E McMicken Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Join Green Umbrella for Green Drinks with Green Umbrella’s Climate Action Fellows, a casual evening of networking and community building at Somerset Bar! This informal gathering brings together local sustainability advocates, community members, and climate leaders to connect, share ideas, and learn more about the impactful work being done by Green Umbrella’s Climate Action Fellows across our region. Whether you are a seasoned environmental professional, a student interested in sustainability, or simply curious about local climate action, this event offers a relaxed, welcoming space to grab a drink, meet like-minded people, and expand your green network. If you’re looking to connect with the local sustainability community and get inspired by local climate initiatives, drop in and join the conversation!
2026 Local Government Climate Action Showcase
Wednesday, August 12th, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM. Digital Futures Building (Room 140), 3080 Exploration Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206.
Join Green Umbrella and the University of Cincinnati for the 2026 Local Government Climate Action Showcase, an inspiring event highlighting how local leaders and communities are driving sustainability across Greater Cincinnati. This interactive showcase features presentations, poster displays, and discussions spotlighting local climate action plans, municipal sustainability initiatives, and collaborative regional resilience projects. It’s a fantastic opportunity for local government officials, community advocates, researchers, and students to share best practices, celebrate recent progress, and discover new strategies for environmental stewardship. If you want to learn how local policy is shaping a greener, more resilient future for our region and connect with leaders making it happen, this event is for you!
Meet A Greenspace Hike with Cardinal Land Conservancy and C4H
Thursday, August 13th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Cincinnati Nature Center (Groesbeck Estate), 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford, OH 45150.
Join Green Umbrella, Cardinal Land Conservancy, and UC C4H for a Meet a Greenspace Hike, a refreshing evening walk through the scenic grounds of the Groesbeck Estate at Cincinnati Nature Center! Designed to bring the community together in nature, this guided hike offers a wonderful opportunity to explore local protected land, learn about ongoing greenspace conservation efforts in Greater Cincinnati, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful evening outdoors, this event is a great way to discover new trails and support local conservation. If you are looking to get moving, enjoy local biodiversity, and meet community members who share a passion for nature, lace up your hiking boots and join the trail!
Mushroom Cultivation with Everyday Items
Thursday, August 13th, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45206.
Join the Civic Garden Center and Rich Life Farm & Fungi for Mushroom Cultivation with Everyday Items, an interactive, hands-on workshop that makes growing your own gourmet mushrooms easy and accessible! Participants will explore the basics of mycology, learn about the fascinating life cycle of fungi, and discover how to repurpose simple household items—like cardboard, coffee grounds, and plastic tubs—into productive home growing setups. Everyone will walk away with practical techniques and their very own active mushroom culture to start growing at home. If you are curious about fungi, interested in sustainable food production, or looking to start a unique indoor gardening project, this engaging class is for you!
Science Time Cincinnati
Wednesday, August 19th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Brink Brewing Co., 5905 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45224.
Science Time supports community engagement and learning across all branches of science. Monthly laid-back educational meetups in a casual setting—everyone is welcome!
DinoBuddies Night Survey & Hike
Wednesday, August 26th, 8:00 PM. Gorman Heritage Farm, 10052 Reading Road, Cincinnati.
JoinGorman Heritage Farm for a family friendly night hike and meet some of the nocturnal creatures that call it home! Grab a flashlight and come explore the farm after dark. We’ll search for salamanders, listen for nighttime sounds, and keep our eyes peeled for the creatures that emerge when the sun goes down. It’s a fun evening of wildlife spotting, fresh air, and discovering a side of the farm most visitors never get to see. This is a fun outdoor adventure for curious nature lovers of all ages!
Monarchs, Milkweed, & More
Wednesday, August 26th, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45206.
Join the Civic Garden Center for Monarchs, Milkweed, & More, an engaging educational session dedicated to protecting one of our region’s most iconic pollinators! Participants will dive into the fascinating biology and annual migration of the Monarch butterfly, explore the vital role native milkweed plays in their survival, and learn practical steps to create pollinator-friendly habitats right in their own backyards. Grounded in local conservation science, this class offers actionable tips on seed collection, garden planning, and supporting native biodiversity for anyone passionate about wildlife conservation and local ecosystems.
