National Public Science Day is celebrated from February 17 to February 19 every year since 1989. The holiday was established by the American Association for the Advancement of Science to highlight the importance of discussing emerging scientific issues. It is an annual opportunity to engage the general public in debates about the role of science in a peaceful and sustainable society. It also draws attention to some of the challenges scientists face and helps support solving some of the issues. To honor the scientists around the world let us help students who inspire to be them by giving them resources of scholarships in science to pursue their desire for knowledge.
History of National Public Science Day
Science in the U.S. has a long history that has produced significant figures and developments in the field. About eight of America’s founding fathers actively contributed to science and development. Benjamin Franklin made notable contributions to the science behind electricity. He conducted a series of experiments that proved that lightning is a form of electricity. His scientific exploits also led to the invention of the bifocal eyeglasses and the Franklin Stove.
David Rittenhouse crafted scientific instruments during the American Revolution. He helped create the defenses of Philadelphia and made telescopes and other navigation instruments used in the U.S. military. Rittenhouse also created designs for the road and canal systems in Pennsylvania. He later went on to spend time studying the planets and stars.
Benjamin Rush is another founding father who was a pioneer in science. He served as the United States Surgeon General and saved the lives of many soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. He introduced new medical treatments that led to developments in the field. He brought enlightenment to the public about proper hygiene and public health practices. After his service in the military, Benjamin Rush established the first free clinic in the U.S.
Charles Willson Peale was an artist, historian, inventor, educator, and politician. He is remembered mainly for his paintings, but he also founded the first major museum in the United States. The Peale Museum in Philadelphia housed the country’s only North American natural history specimens. Peale displayed the ancient Mastodon he excavated near West Point, New York, in the Peale Museum. He helped start a tradition of making science fun and accessible to the general public.
National Public Science Day timeline
People begin to question old thoughts and look for new answers.
Developments in astronomy and optical systems lead to the discovery of Neptune.
Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discover evidence that supports the Big Bang theory.
A subatomic particle resembling the Higgs Boson is found.
National Public Science Day FAQs
Why is National Public Science Day a holiday?
It is a day used to share interesting science facts with the public to create awareness and enlightenment about scientific discoveries.
Why is public science important?
Good public science education helps strengthen the decision-making ability of society as a whole.
What is ‘public understanding of science?’
The ‘public understanding of science’ refers to the general attitudes, opinions, and relationships that the public has with scientific knowledge.
National Public Science Day Activities
Discuss scientific topics
Share knowledge and ideas about scientific topics. You’ll learn something new and teach others as well.
Learn something new
Take some time to study a scientific topic you’ve always found interesting. You’ll have fun learning some new facts.
Visit a museum or science center
Drop by a museum or science center that displays science information that interests you. It’ll be a fun day out where you also learn.
5 Important Facts About National Public Science
The public and innovations
Science innovations are more generally accepted when the public understands how scientific theory works.
The public supports science
When people understand how science helps solve everyday problems, public support increases, leading to better funding.
Better decision making
A good understanding of science leads to better decision-making abilities.
Better productivity
A good science education leads to success and productivity.
Strengthens the scientific community
Public understanding of science is essential in validating and strengthening the scientific community.
Why We Love National Public Science Day
It creates awareness
It creates awareness about essential scientific topics. This allows discussions to arise and for ideas to be shared.
It leads to innovation
It allows the public to understand and contribute to what happens in science. This leads to significant developments in the industry.
It sparks interest in science
The holiday is used to spread awareness about important science topics, sparking people’s interest. More people get involved with science when they find a topic they like.
National Public Science Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | February 17 | Monday |
2026 | February 17 | Tuesday |
2027 | February 17 | Wednesday |
2028 | February 17 | Thursday |
2029 | February 17 | Saturday |