March For Science Geneva: 5 Ways You Can Renew A Sense Of Wonder

Ask Hal Snyder to describe last year's March for Science event in Palatine, and the word "joy" is used more than "dark matter," "genome" or "quantum physics." For Snyder, that was the entire point of the national event and its satellite marches: to instill a sense of wonder and curiosity — not fear — when it comes to science.

"The No. 1 thing I remember is that it was such a joyous celebration," said Snyder, one of the organizer's of the 2017 rally, which drew around 500 people to the Palatine Public Library in a show of support for science. As one of the driving forces behind this weekend's march, Snyder wants to continue to build on last year's foundation.

The March for Science is a national event Saturday, April 14, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Around 200 smaller marches — including three in northern Illinois — also are planned that day across the country and around the world.

Many view the march as a rallying cry to combat what they see as an anti-science climate, especially among appointees in President Donald Trump's administration. Activities at these events will emphasize putting the "science" back into science with an emphasis on voter registration and informing participants about science-friendly candidates and politicians at the local, state and federal levels, according to national organizers.

But Snyder, a Palatine resident for 25 years and is a system administrator for SageMath Inc., says he doesn't want to characterize the Palatine event as a protest or demonstration. Instead, he looks at the March for Science as a way for people to recapture some that same excitement people they had when they were younger and thought about exploring space as an astronaut. In fact, one of the things that encouraged him during last year's Palatine event was seeing adults and kids come from as far as Rockford to participate.

"It's time to give us a pep talk and some cheering up about science," said Snyder, who's also a library trustee. (The library is the site of the event, but it is not an official sponsor.)

That excitement, however, can get lost nowadays when people live in a world where a pocket-size smartphone can be seen more as nuisance than as a marvel of technological advancement. With that in mind, Patch asked Snyder for his five suggestions for what people can do every day to rekindle a love for science:

1. Look up at the night sky. Think about the moon, the planets and the distant stars, and how much we have learned about how they formed.
2. Go for a walk in a nearby forest preserve. Look at the variety of life around you and reflect on all what we know about the rich interconnections of life.
3. Remember a teacher or role model you looked up to, someone who dazzled you with brilliance and enthusiasm for scientific discovery or encouraged you to find your own "aha" moments of understanding.
4. Consider the health of loved ones, and how science has improved the well-being of our communities.
5. Look at any electronic device you use on a daily basis, for example a smartphone, computer, or television. Visualize the hundreds of discoveries and the expertise and effort of every person, past and present, who helped create and produce it.

March for Science: Palatine

When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 14. Participants can begin gathering at 9:30 a.m. to create signs. The march will start around 10:45 a.m. and last for around 20 minutes as it moves along Northwest Highway and North Court.

What to Expect: The family-friendly event allows people to connect with other science enthusiasts. Paticipants can gather in Library Room #1 at 9:30 a.m. to create signs and posters. The march begins around 10:45 a.m. and travel about 0.8 miles along North Court and Northwest Highway. The library room will be open after march for refreshments and chats. In case of rain, coffee and treats will be served, and participants will be able to visit with fellow science lovers.

Where: Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court

More Info: Go to the event's Facebook page.

Speak Up for Science: Chicago

When: 1 p.m. Saturday, April 14

What to Expect: Meet scientists from the Field Museum and participate in a postcard-writing campaign to the Environmental Protection Agency and National Science Foundation by writing cards explaining why science matters. Postcards will be displayed in the museum’s Stanley Field Hall through Earth Day before they're mailed to Washington, D.C. Free admission for Illinois residents.

Where: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.

More Info: Go to the event's Facebook page and the Field Museum's website.

March for Science: Geneva

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14

What to Expect: Science lovers can gather to meet one another. Invited speakers include:

• U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-11th District)*
• U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-14th District)*
• U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-6th District)
• Lauren Underwood, 14th District Democratic candidate*
• Sean Casten, 6th District Democratic candidate*

* = Speaker will be attending

Where: Geneva Metra Station, 328 Crescent Place

More Info: Go to the event's Facebook page and the Kane County Coalition page.

March for Science: Washington, D.C.

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14

Where: National Mall, Washington, D.C.

More Info: Go to the event's national website, which also includes a list of other satellite marches.

The 2017 March for Science at the Palatine Public Library (Photos via Hal Snyder)