Illinois Valley Community College’s SciFest makes its exciting return on April 11, 2025, from 7 to 9 PM, at the Oglesby campus gym. This free event promises a day filled with engaging scientific discovery for all ages. Attendees can witness captivating demonstrations such as a flame tube and vortex cannon. Additionally, a variety of interactive science stations await, inviting participants to delve deeper into the wonders of science. Spearheaded by Professor Matthew Johll, SciFest’s mission is to both inspire curiosity and provide educational opportunities. It’s a chance for families, students, and community members to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of science.
“SciFest is a family-friendly event and a great place for building common shared memories, watching kids be fascinated by science and asking questions,” said IVCC science professor Matthew Johll, who organizes the event.
“We always try to keep the lineup fresh by featuring classic demonstrations but challenging students to come up with new ones as well,” Johll said. Science students, Chem & STEM Club members, club alumni, and teachers from IVCC and area high schools volunteer to develop and perform all experiments at the event. Many of the alumni remember coming to their first SciFest as schoolchildren.
“What is neat is that you see kids who just become so fascinated they keep coming back to a table again and again because the experiment amazed them so much, they had to do it again,” Johll said.
