Big Science Celebration
Big Science Celebration
May 2, 2026 | 11am - 5pm
Join us for the ultimate celebration of science and discovery! The Big Science Celebration (BSC) is a free, outdoor event featuring over 100 exhibitor stations filled with hands-on science activities hosted by STEAM professionals, researchers, and experts from Central Ohio and beyond. Held on the Scioto Peninsula surrounding COSI, this high-energy event also includes live performances, food trucks, and fun for all ages.
Whether you're a science enthusiast or just curious, there's something here for everyone. You don’t need to be a “science person” to enjoy the excitement—just bring your sense of wonder!
2026 Big Science Celebration Interactive Map
2026 Big Science Celebration Schedule
2026 Big Science Celebration Exhibitors
Interact with subject experts from many different STEAM fields including automotive engineering, nature conservation, robotics, genetics, archeology, computer engineering, biology, pharmacology, geology, and even entomology (the study of bugs).
- Battelle
- Explore the World of Science!
- Bath & Body Works
- Science of Fragrance
- Honda
- The Science Of Advanced Manufacturing
- CAS, A division of the American Chemical Society
- Science Takes Flight presented by CAS, A division of the American Chemical Society
- ADB SAFEGATE
- Lighting the Way: Airfield Science in Action
- Cardinal Health
- Printing Better Care
- OSU – Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center
- What Plants Need
- OSU – Astronomy
- Exoplanets
- OSU – Battelle Center for Science, Engineering, and Public Policy
- Design for Zero Gravity: A Classroom in Space
- OSU – Biochemistry Program
- Life’s Tiny Tools: Biochemistry in Action!
- OSU – Biomedical Engineering Department
- Engineering the Future of Medicine
- OSU – Buckeye Language Network
- Language Science in Action
- OSU – Buckeye Solar Racing
- Solar Car Exhibit
- OSU – Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Brain Imaging
- Buckeye Brains
- OSU – Chemistry & Biochemistry Demonstrations Lab
- Bubbles, Pressure, and Fizzy Fun
- OSU – Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
- OSU – College of Medicine, Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity
- How Can Your DNA Cause and Cure Disease?
- OSU – College of Medicine-Divison of Anatomy
- Pump It Up!
- OSU – College of Nursing, Office of Community Outreach and Engagement
- Be A Heart Hero!
- OSU – College of Pharmacy
- Pharmacists: Your Medication Experts
- OSU – College of Pharmacy, Generation Rx
- Medication Safety for All!
- OSU – College of Veterinary Medicine
- So You Want to be a Veterinarian?
- OSU – Department of Chemical Engineering, ChemE Car and STEM Ambassadors
- A Berry Timely Reaction
- OSU – Department of Computer Science and Engineering
- The Science of Light-up Fashion
- OSU – Department of Engineering
- Buckeye Builders: Grow Big. Stand Strong.
- OSU – Department of Entomology
- Bugmobile
- OSU – Department of Integrated and Systems Engineering
- The Shortcut Challenge: Find the Perfect Path
- OSU – Department of Materials Science Engineering and Welding
- Engineering Metal Testing and Evaluation
- OSU – Department of Molecular Genetics
- FUNdamentals of Genetics
- OSU – Extension Family and Consumer Sciences
- Build-A-Better Snack Mix
- OSU – HAMMER Engineering Research Center
- Manufacturing with Play-Doh!
- OSU – Human Nutrition
- Sugar Detectives
- OSU – Infectious Diseases Institute
- Tick Talk, Tick Talk
- OSU – Mathematics
- Math Beyond the Classroom
- OSU – Microbiology Department Sullivan Lab
- Phage Hunters
- OSU – School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Buckle Up With Brutus
- OSU – Society Of Women Engineers
- Can You Make Electricity Flow With Playdoh?
- OSU – STEMcoding Education
- STEMcoding In Your Classes!
- OSU – The EcoCAR Challenge Team
- Charge Into the Future: Build and Learn with Electric Vehicles
- OSU – The Microbiology Club/Department of Microbiology
- Microbes Seeing the Light
- OSU – Wexner Medical Center, Nutrition Services
- Mobile Education Kitchen
- OSU – Wexner Medical Center-Trauma Department
- Preventing Injuries!
- OSU – Wonders of Our World (WOW) Program
- Balloon Rocket
- Vertiv
- How Does a Data Center Work?
- COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority)
- Wheel Fun Starts Here!
- 80 Acres Farms
- American Petroleum Institute & Ohio Natural Energy Institute
- Fueling Your Future
- Andelyn Biosciences
- Advancing Discoveries. Manufacturing Cures.
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
- Engaging Curious Minds
- City of Grove City/ South-Western City School District Career Academy
- “The Glass Box”
- Civil Air Patrol and City of Whitehall
- Start your path to the Sky with CAP
- Club SciKidz Columbus
- STEAM Summer Camps Connecting Science & Tech!
- Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
- Take a Closer Look at the Outdoors
- Columbus Gospelfest
- Science Behind Music
- Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Spaces to Explore Science
- Columbus Museum of Art
- Nature Print Lab
- Columbus Recreation and Parks
- Tree Rings and Things
- Columbus School for Girls
- Columbus School for Girls
- Columbus Soap Box Derby Gravity
- Drag Racing for Kids
- Columbus State Community College
- Space 1: Columbus State Community College: Come Watch Us Grow!
Columbus State Community College - Space 2: Columbus State Community College: The Smart Choice for What’s Next
- Space 1: Columbus State Community College: Come Watch Us Grow!
- Columbus Symphony Orchestra
- Sounds of the Symphony
- Columbus Water & Power
- Sustainability
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Columbus Zoo: Explore Conservation Career
- COSI
- Chalkworks
- COSI – The Platform: 10th Grade Cohort
- Connect Back!
- COSI – The Platform: 11th Grade Cohort
- Virtual Reality Experience!
- COSI – The Platform: 9th Grade Cohort
- Hands On Science Spots!
- Critical Ops
- Critical Ops Drone Flight Zone
- CropKing Inc
- Hands-On Hydroponics
- DarkSky Ohio
- Protect the Night
- Elford
- Think It. BIM It. Build It.
- Forge Biologics
- Forging the Future of Science
- Franklin County Auditor’s Office
- Weights and Measures
- Franklin County Coroner’s Office
- Franklin County Recorder’s Office
- The Science of Record Keeping
- Franklinton Cycle Works
- Bikes and Science
- Giant Eagle Pharmacy
- Get messy in the pharmacy
- Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation
- RoboBattles: 2026 COSI Championship
- iHeartMedia The
- Science of Audio
- LeafFilter Gutter Protection
- LeafFilter Gutter Protection
- Livewell Animal Urgent Care of Worthington
- Think Fast: Inside Animal Urgent Care
- London City Schools
- Racing Into Physics!
- Makerspace Central
- The Design Challenge Zone
- Metro Schools
- MMEC
- Chip Quest: Build It, VR It, Open It
- National Veterans Memorial and Museum
- DIY Paratroopers: Mission Safe Landing
- Naval STEM
- Naval STEM
- NCH Institute for Genomic Medicine/ Research Institute Trainee Association
- DNA Detectives: Solving Mysteries from DNA to Diagnosis
- New Albany High School
- Robotics & Rocketry Clubs Exploring Robotics & Rocketry with New Albany High School
- NSF Center for Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry
- Need a Recharge? Build a Battery!
- Ohio Craft Museum
- Farm to Flutter – Transforming wool into a felted butterfly!
- Ohio Department of Health
- Buzz & Bite: Disease Detectives at ODH
- Ohio Department of Higher Education
- Made in Ohio: STEM Education & Opportunities
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Forestry
- Trees for the Forest
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Geological Survey
- “Anyone Can Be a Geoscientist!”
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Mineral Resources
- The Science of Fire Prevention and Safety
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Natural Areas & Preserves
- Marvelous Macros!
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Wildlife
- Bat Biologists at Work: Discover Ohio’s Bats
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Ohio State Parks & Watercraft
- Explore Water Safety with Ohio State Parks & Watercraft
- Ohio Life Sciences
- BioPathways
- Ohio Wildlife Center and Ohio Lights Out
- Get in Touch with your WILD Side
- Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
- Electric Safety Display
- Reynoldsburg High School Robotics Team
- 4085 STEAM Robotics and Engineering Exploration
- Roto
- Rumpke Waste & Recycling
- Recycling Education
- School of Rock Columbus
- The Science Behind Rock’n’Roll!
- Solstice Outreach
- Space Science and Astronomy with Solstice Outreach
- Sparkbyte
- Sparkbyte The Future of Learning Electronics
- SSA Group
- COSI Museum Store
- The Boeing Company
- Electrical Engineering at Boeing
- The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation
- The Sweet Science Behind Glass Fibers
- The City of Hilliard
- The Art of Slime: Slime Egg Experiment
- THK Manufacturing of America, Inc.
- The Science of Linear Motion
- Unlimited Possibilities For All Disabilities (UPFAD)
- Disability Innovators in Science & Technology
- Upper Arlington Public Library
- Build a Bookmark!
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Science is Dam Fun!
- Village of Lockbourne
- Take An Adventure Along the Ohio & Erie Canal
- Wayne National Forest
- Discover Your Forest
- Westerville Community
- Hands-On Biomedical Engineering & Simulation
- WOW That’s STEM Columbus Branch
- Exploring Artificial Intelligence
1. National Veterans Memorial and Museum – Washington’s Spy Ring and Invisible Ink
2. Air Camp USA – Float to Flight: Buoyancy and Aviation Challenge
3. Ohio Craft Museum – Indigo – The Creative Power of Plants!
4. Rumpke Waste & Recycling – Make Your Recycling Count
5. PAST Foundation – Spark Curiosity with Portable Innovation Labs
6. Metro Parks – Take a Closer Look at the Outdoors
7. Columbus Historical Society – History: The Foundation for all STEM Advancements!
8. Columbus Symphony Orchestra – Sounds of the Symphony
9. Franklin County Engineer’s Office – How Drainage Works!
10. New Albany High School – New Albany High School Robotics Club & Rocketry Club
11. Grange Insurance Audubon Center – Migration Station
12. COSI – COSI Chalkworks
13. Bath and Body Works – The Science of Fragrance
14. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Conservation and You
15. Giant Eagle Pharmacy – Get Messy in the Pharmacy
16. HER Academy – BUILD HER Confidence
17. Ohio Life Sciences – Explore Life Science!
18. Franklin County Auditor’s Office – Weights and Measures
19. Franklin County Forensic Science Center – The CSI Effect and Forensic Science Myths
20. Franklin County Recorder’s Office – Science of Record Keeping
21. The Boeing Company – Aerospace Manufacturing
22. Capital University Biology Department – Skin- A Window to the Outside World
23. BBBS of Central Ohio / Camp Oty’Okwa – Bird Buddies
24. US Air Force Metrology and Calibration Program – Air & Space Dominance with Measurement Science
25. Andelyn Biosciences – Advancing Discoveries, Manufacturing Cures
26. COSI Research and Evaluation – Using Our Brain Power
27. SSA Group – COSI Museum Store
28. Information
29. iHeartMedia – The Science of Audio
32. Roto – Create a Cardboard Columbus!
33. NASA’s Glenn Research Center – For the Benefit of All
34. Columbus Recreation and Parks – Columbus Recreation and Parks Bioblitz
35. Squonk – Brouhaha
37. CAS, a div. of the American Chemical Society – CAS presents From Labs to Legends: Female Scientists Igniting Change in the 1960s
38. Westerville Community Booth – Human-Centered Design & Engineering
39. Ohio Department of Agriculture – Ag is Science!
40. CSCC – Dept. of Biological and Physical Sciences – Columbus State Community College: Come Grow With Us!
41. Ohio History Connection – The Toys Are Back in Town: Ohio’s Playful Past
42. EWI – Exploring the World of Robotics
43. ODNR – Division of Mineral Resources Mgmt. – The Science of Fire Prevention and Safety
44. ODNR – Division of Oil and Gas – Explore Products Produced from Ohio’s Oil & Gas
45. ODNR – Division of Forestry – What’s Eating Your Trees and How You Can Help
46. ODNR – Division of Geological Survey – Anyone Can Be a Geoscientist!
47. ODNR – Division of Parks & Watercraft – What’s Beneath Your Feet and In Your Woods?
48. ODNR – Division of Wildlife – Discover Ohio’s Native Wildlife and Their Impact
49. USDA Forest Service – Explore the Forest
50. COSI – The Platform: 9th Grade Cohort – Hands On Science Spots!
51. COSI – The Platform: 10th Grade Cohort – Connect Back!
52. COSI – The Platform: 11th Grade Cohort – Virtual Reality Experience!
53. Columbus Soap Box Derby – Gravity Drag Racing for Kids
54. US Army Corps of Engineers – Science is Dam Fun!
55. Forge Biologics – Forging the Future of Science
56. MAD Scientist Associates – Ohio’s Wetland Wonders
57. Upper Arlington Public Library – Build a Button
58. Franklinton Farms (Franklinton Board of Trade) – Farm to Table: The STEAM Journey (From Planting and Growing to Cooking and Eating Food)
59. Keep Columbus Beautiful – ‘Trash’ Engineering? For the Birds!
60. Mater Academy Preparatory – STEM Explorers
61. Wiley Companies – Chemistry for Your Health!
62. Columbus Metropolitan Library – Wonderful World of Bubbles
63. USA BMX Foundation -The BMX Experience
64. Otterbein University – Light and Sight
65. COSI – Sensory Space
67. AmplifyBio – Scaling Science For Life
68. GAMA – Origins Game Fair – Learning Fun With STEAM Board Games
69. Marysville STEM Early College High School – Pathways to the Future
70. Burgess & Niple – Creating a Better Tomorrow
71. Nationwide Children’s Research, AWRI – Animal DNA Bracelets
72. Solid Waste Authority Central Ohio (SWACO) – Nature Recycles
73. Abbott – Pedialyte Hydration Station
74. American Society for Nondestructive Testing – Nondestructive Testing Keeps the World Safe
75. Columbus Museum of Art – Wonder Bubbles
76. Cardinal Health – The Science Behind Healing: STEM in Healthcare
77. Intel – Intel
78. Boonshoft Museum – Engaging Curious Minds
79. American Regent – Crafting Essential Pharmaceuticals
80. Columbus Gospelfest – The Science Behind Music
81. London City Schools – Watt’s Up? Adventures in Electricity
82. Metro Early College HS & MS – Metro Innovators: Light Up the Galaxy with STEM
85. Google – Where The Internet Lives
87. Naval STEM Coordination Office – STEM Internship, Scholarships, and Fellowships
88. Naval Information Warfare Systems Command – Biometric Bookmarks: Robot Arms
89. Naval Information Warfare Systems Command – Biometric Bookmarks: Critical Thinking Puzzles
90. Naval Air Systems Command – Lightsabers – STEM Fun with LED Circuits
91. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery – Experience Virtual Reality (VR)!
92. America’s Navy – STEAM in America’s Navy
103. Zero Waste Event Productions – Trash Sorting and Diversion
104. OSU – Dept. of Entomology – BUGmobile
105. Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio – OhioMeansJobs Columbus – Franklin County
106. OSU – The James Mobile Education Kitchen – Molecular Gastronomy
107. Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) – Find Your Way Through 50 Years of Innovation
108. NBC4 WCMH-TV – STORM TEAM 4 THE MOST ACCURATE
109. 80 Acres Farms – The Future of Farming
110. AEP – Spark Force One
112. GrowNextGen – Tractor Experience
93. Solstice Outreach – Space Science with Solstice Outreach
94. Dept. of Public Utilities & Sustainability – Flowing Wonders: Exploring Water Science with Public Utilities & Sustainability
95. Public Utilities Commission of Ohio – Electric Safety Display
96. Technical Difficulties 4085 – More Than Robots – Fun with Fluke
97. Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed – Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed
98. City of Whitehall / Civil Air Patrol – Whitehall’s Skyward Journey: Aerospace, Civil Air Patrol, and the Science of Flight
99. Paragon-Tec – We Are Going Back To The Moon
100. Armstrong Air & Space Museum – Our Lunar Legacy
101. The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation – The Sweet Science Behind Glass Fibers
102. Columbus School for Girls – Sisters in STEM
31. Sweet P’s
113. Chilljoy
114. Bytchn Kitchen
115. Roosters
116. Hibachi Run
117. Squeaky’s Cheese Curds
118. Swensons Drive-In
119. Pitabilites
120. Tortilla Street Food
121. Funnel Cakes
122. COSI Grill Tent
124. Dippin’ Dots
123. GrowNextGen – Soy Much Fun!
125. Information
129. Honda – The Science of Racing
131. Battelle – Discover Your Science Superpower!
133. OSU – Comprehensive Cancer Cntr. The James – Giant Inflatable Colon
134. OSU – Cntr. for Cognitive and Behav. Brain Imaging – Buckeye Brains
135. OSU – School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences – Buckle Up With Brutus
136. OSU – Molecular Genetics – FUNdamentals of Genetics
137. COSI Education / OSU – Rubik’s Cube Club – STEAM…With a Twist!
138. OSU – Astronomy – Exploration of Exoplanets
139. OSU – Biomedical Engineering – Engineering: People Helping People
140. OSU – Buckeye Space Launch Initiative – Buckeye Space Launch Initiative
141. OSU – Dept. of Mech. and Aerospace Engineering – Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at OSU
142. OSU – Engineering Education – First-Year Honors Robotics
143. OSU – Infectious Diseases Institute – Tick Tock, Tick Talk
144. WOSU Public Media – Dino Dig with WOSU
145. OSU – School of Earth Sciences – Geological Treasures
146. OSU – System, Optim., and Autonomous Robotics Lab – Cooperative Drone Autonomy
147. OSU – The Living Art and Ecology Lab – The Living Art and Ecology Lab
148. OSU – Welding Engineering – Manufacturing the Future
149. OSU – Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering – Materials for the Benefit of Humankind
150. OSU – American Institute of Chemical Engineers – Strawberry DNA Extraction
151. OSU – American Soc. for Microbiology Student Chap. – Microbes Seeing the Light
152. OSU – Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center – Arabidopsis, a Model Plant
153. OSU – Battelle Center for Science & Public Policy – Using STEAM to Make the World a Better Place!
154. OSU – Buckeye Language Network – Language: That’s What We’re Talking About!
155. OSU – College of Medicine-Division of Anatomy – Have No Fear, Anatomy is Here!
156. OSU – Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science – The Rubber Bandits
157. OSU – Olentangy River Wetland Research Park – City Critters: Wildlife in an Urban Environment
158. OSU – Dept. of Microbial Infection and Immunity – How Can Your DNA Cause and Cure Disease?
159. OSU – Dept. of Microbiology-Sullivan Lab – Phage Hunters
160. OSU – ElectroScience Lab – Wearable Mania!
161. OSU – Food Sciences and Technology – The Science of Food
162. OSU – Generation Rx & Coll. of Pharm. Lab at COSI – Generation Rx
163. OSU – Knowlton School of Architecture – Build a Great Career!
164. OSU – Mathematics – Math Moments with Buckeyes
165. OSU – OSU Ext. Food Safety & Ext. PH AmeriCorps – Bacilli, Cocci, Spirilla, Oh My!
167. Ohio Department of Higher Education – Made in Ohio: STEM Education & High-Tech Careers
169. Ohio Department of Education and Workforce – Gear Up for Tomorrow: Robotics Showcase
The Big Science Celebration is a rain or shine event. Please come prepared for the weather. In the event of severe weather, stay tuned to our website and social media channels, as well as event staff, for updates.
Location
The BSC is located outside on the property and streets surrounding COSI at 333 West Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215.
Parking
There are many convenient options for parking within a short walking distance from COSI. Please click here for more parking details.
Amenities
Food trucks and food vendors will be available the day of the BSC.
Complementary bike parking is available at the corner of Washington Blvd. and Town St. at the end of the Rich St. Bridge for attendees opting to cycle to event.
Please note that COSI will be open on the day of the BSC but admission is required for entry to COSI.
Accessibility
Click here to read more about the accessibility resources that will be provided at the 2025 Big Science Celebration, such as Momentum Refresh – the nation’s first universally designed, ADA-Compliant mobile restroom – and our sensory space.
Community STEAM Events
From tours to trivia, educational talks, nature walks, and more, discover an array of exciting events for children, adults, families, and everyone in between. Held at locations around Ohio, these events highlight the science that is all around us by connecting us to the people who interact with it every day.
Click here to view this year’s Community STEAM Events!
Interested in exhibiting at the BSC?
Click the button to learn more