STEM

Pickaway County’s 2020 COSI SciFest Events: Recaps & Recordings

The City of Circleville and OSU Extension, Pickaway County joined forces this spring to participate in the 2020 COSI SciFest, held virtually, to teach and engage communities in science through the COVID-19 pandemic. We were able to offer two unique programs appealing to both youth and adults. The first program, Meet a Polymer Scientist & Engineer Library Youth Program, has Peggy Scott, a polymer scientist, and Christy Yu, a quality engineer, from DuPont sharing their personal experiences and passion for STEM careers to youth and their families. This program teaches about polymer chemistry and exploring science careers. “Click here” to stream recording.

Program 1: Meet A Scientist, Polymer Science Library Youth Program, Webinar recorded by COSI and uploaded to YouTube https://youtu.be/UIYlldO-AnE.

The second program Science Bar Talk teaches the ins and outs of beer from field to glass! The program starts with barley farmer Scott Metzger and OSU Extension Educator Mike Estadt sharing insights and the history of barley in Ohio. To Whitney Thompson of Origin Malt on the science and process of taking barley and turning it into malt. Nick Zachrich of Zachrich Hop Yard Farm shares the science of hop growing and the role of hops here in Ohio. And Jason McKibben, Brewmaster of North High Brewing, concludes with the science behind brewing beer. “Click here” to stream recording.

Program 2: Science Bar Talk, Webinar recorded by COSI and uploaded to YouTube, https://youtu.be/Vz-WcAzedUo. 

Partnerships Matter. Science Matters.

These programs could not be made possible without partnerships. Our local businesses, industries, farmers, educators, and sponsors came together to share their passion and knowledge in their areas of expertise. Many weeks of planning and re-organizing went into switching gears from our face-to-face programs to virtual events in our efforts to adhere to social distancing. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to making science come alive (virtually!)

COSI Science Festival’s Virtual Science Bar Talk

FREE VIRTUAL EVENT, May 7, 2020 – grab an Ohio craft beer and join us for a virtual happy hour paired with a science talk about the ins and outs of beer, from field to glass! We will start in the field focusing on barley and hops grown right here in Ohio and then learn from the talented team at North High Brewing about the brewing process. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: go.osu.edu/sciencebartalk. #COSISciFest (Post-Science Bar Talk, Webinar recorded by COSI and uploaded to YouTube, https://youtu.be/Vz-WcAzedUo.)

We will kick it off with some trivia and prizes at 4:45 p.m. followed at 5:00 p.m. by live chats with industry experts. Starting with barley farmer Scott Metzger and OSU Extension Educator Mike Estadt sharing insights and the history of barley in Ohio. Followed by Whitney Thompson of Origin Malt on the science and process of taking barley and turning it into malt.
And of course, you can’t make beer without hops! Nick Zachrich of Zachrich Hop Yard Farm will share on the science of hop growing and the role of hops here in Ohio. Tie it all together with Jason McKibben, Brewmaster of North High Brewing. Jason will share the science behind brewing beer and share a virtual tour of the brewery!
Independent craft breweries have been severely impacted by COVID-19, as evidenced by a sharp drop in craft category sales, massive furloughs or layoffs, and the high likelihood of a large number of brewery closures while under social distancing mandates. PLEASE DONATE: we’re supporting two charitable campaigns: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/believe-in-beer-relief-fund and https://www.restaurantstrong.org/donations/ohio/
EVENT SPONSORS: COSI, OSU Extension, Metzger Family Farms, Inc., Origin Malt, Ohio Craft Brewers Association, Ohio Farm Bureau, Watt Street Tavern, North High Brewing Co., and Zachrich Hop Yard Farm.

Again, this free event is made possible by your local community’s educators and businesses, pre-registration required: go.osu.edu/sciencebartalk.

(Post-Science Bar Talk, Webinar recorded by COSI and uploaded to YouTube, https://youtu.be/Vz-WcAzedUo.)

COSI Science Festival’s Meet A Scientist Library Youth Program

This free virtual library youth program made possible through a community collaboration between COSI, DuPont (Circleville), Pickaway County Library, and OSU Extension. Pre-register now!

COSI Science Festival’s Meet A Scientist Youth Program, Saturday, May 9, 2020, 11:00 AM – Peggy Scott, a Dupont polymer scientist, and Christy Yu, a Dupont quality engineer, share their personal experiences and passion for STEM careers to youth and their families. Learn about polymer chemistry, science careers, and engage in a virtual polymer-scavenger hunt from the comfort of your home. Pre-registration is required for this free educational event, go to, go.osu.edu/polymeryouthprogram. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information and passcode to join the meeting. We’ll also send a reminder email prior to the event. #COSISciFest

For more information please email, thoreau.1@osu.edu.