In addition to the in-person festival, WestFest 2023 includes an at-home activity kit component that is accompanied by four instructional YouTube videos to help those at home complete various science activities alongside the instruction booklet available in the physical kit or digital download format.
Visit our YouTube channel to view more information about your activity kit, previous WestFest events, and other science education content.
Activity Kits
WestFest 2023 provides 500 free take-home activity kits to youth in Central Ohio. These kits are made possible thanks to funding from The Ohio State Energy Partners and the Office of Outreach and Engagement, and countless volunteer hours from Ohio State students and staff.
Each activity kit includes supplies to complete STEM activities featured in four WestFest programs. The featured activities are ideal for students in upper elementary through high school.
Participating Community Organizations
Free activity kits are donated to:
The remaining kits are distributed at:
- Franklin Park Conservatory’s September Community Day
- WestFest 2023
List of Supplies and Activity Descriptions
Below is a summary of each WestFest kit and the supplies you will need. You can also download the instruction booklet for all the activities here or for each individual activity by clicking on its title.
Solar Safety and Eclipses
Download the Activity Sheet (PDF)
Eclipses are awe-inspiring events in the sky where the moon covers the sun as we view it from Earth. On Monday, April 8, 2024, Ohio will experience a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1806. In the “Solar Safety and Eclipses” activity, you will learn how to safely view a solar eclipse and are provided activities to explore this phenomenon before the eclipse occurs!
Here’s what you will need from the activity kit:
- Solar eclipse glasses
- White card stock
- Black construction paper
- Push pin
- Paper plate
- Penny
Making Earth-Friendly Paint
Download the Activity Sheet (PDF)
Download Additional Earth-Friendly Art Instructions (PDF)
Paint is something that many of us have likely used to decorate various items and buildings. However, paint is often not an environmentally sustainable product, containing many harmful chemicals and compounds that can be a threat to the environment. In this activity, you will learn how to make your own biodegradable and eco-conscious paint!
Here’s what you will need from the activity kit:
- Water
- Honey
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Paintbrush
- Watercolor paper
- Stirring stick
- Mixing dish
- Orange peel powder
- Spinach powder
- Red cabbage powder
Landslide Game
Download the Activity Sheet (PDF)
Landslides are considered natural disasters that can have disastrous consequences to our infrastructure and environment. Learning about landslides can provide us insight into how we may be able to prevent them or mitigate severe damage resulting from them. This activity will teach you a little bit about how these events occur by making one yourself!
Here’s what you will need from the activity kit:
- Sand
- Water
- Flour (optional)
- Clear plastic bowl
- Playing card
- Plate (from your kitchen)
- Pennies
Lights Science and Kaleidoscopes
Download the Activity Sheet (PDF)
The way we see things around us is through our interactions with light. Light is not fixed, allowing us to manipulate it in fun and fascinating ways by bending, shaping, and blocking it through various means. This activity will provide an example of how we can use light to create awesome patterns and illusions by making your very own kaleidoscope!
Here’s what you will need from the activity kit:
- Container of beads
- 1 sheet mirror board
- 1 cardboard tube
- 1 ornament ball (2 halves)
- 1 sheet origami paper
- glue stick