Wonderlab puts on Jedi-science weekend

Last weekend, the WonderLab Musueum of Science, Health and Technology presented a “Jedi Science Weekend,” which featured Star Wars-themed activities that intersected with science.

The activities included creating images of lightsabers using thermodynamics, drawing upon the “Jedi” powers of the human senses and riding on a real hovercraft, according to its website.

Event-goers were encouraged to dress up in Star Wars garb, and the activities were scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, attendees had the chance to take pictures with costumed storm troopers, rebel pilots and siths who were members of the 501st Legion Bloodfin Garrison, an Indiana Star Wars fan legion.

Members of the Bloodfin Garrison are the “bad guys” of the Star Wars universe, and the “good guys” in other group are called the Rebel Legion. The groups are a part of a fan group that attends events in costume.

In addition, the Quandrangles, Bloomington High School South’s robotics team FIRST Team 3494, showcased real robots Sunday. The FIRST Robotics program provides students with the opportunity and resources to plan and create a complex, sophisticated robot and has competed in three contests so far.

Karna Desai, a graduate student from the IU Astronomy Department, also spoke at the event. An AAS Astronomy Ambassador, she shared information about NASA’s missions to Europa and Mars.

Sarah Zinn