Martha Dehoyos and her children enjoyed hands-on activities at the fifth annual South Side Science Festival. Watching her kids dig for fossils, she noted, “Letting them be hands-on makes the biggest difference.” The festival, co-founded by Dr. Maansa Raghavan, saw attendance more than double over five years, showcasing the community’s interest in science.
This year featured 44 booths on the University of Chicago campus, with over 600 graduate students presenting more than 130 demonstrations. Families explored exhibits like interacting with robots and experiencing the effects of liquid nitrogen.
The Dehoyos family has attended since their oldest daughter’s scholarship required it, continuing because the kids learn and have fun. Dehoyos believes the festival fosters curiosity and is a valuable, free experience for families, highlighting the importance of accessible educational events.
