And the winner of The Pulse’s Philadelphia Science Festival Challenge is…

Three very brave science enthusiasts competed for ultimate nerd glory by trying to go to as many Philadelphia Science Festival events as possible on Sunday. 

This past Sunday, The Philadelphia Science Festival hosted more than 20 science-related events across the region as part of its Explorer Sunday series.

Three very brave science enthusiasts competed for ultimate nerd glory by trying to go to as many of those events as humanly possible. 

We have 3 power ladies roaming @PhilaSciFest today, competing to attend most events in one day follow @thatmikeychick @TeaganMPH @delvalgal

— WHYY The Pulse (@WHYYThePulse) April 26, 2015

Their strategy?

“I looked at every event and mapped them out according to time and location,” said Adrienne Simpson, a freelance writer. “I used a three-pronged approach with transportation, meaning my car, my feet and I also brought $60 for cab fare.”

Let the games begin! @PhilaSciFest #GetNerdyPhl @WHYYThePulse @newsworkswhyy #explorersunday pic.twitter.com/B7Egi9i0RL

— Adrienne (@DelValGal) April 26, 2015

Teagan Kuruna, a fellow at the National Cancer Institute and host of the Action Phase podcast, wanted to have a plan like that but…

“Mine kind of fell apart quickly when I realized that I had a lot more time in between scheduled events.”

Kennedy Allen, co-producer and host of the Black Tribbles podcast, had a different approach.

“Well, I am a city person through and through, so I relied heavily on SEPTA, which may or may not have been the best course of action on a Sunday.” 

I hope @SEPTA doesn’t continue to sabotage me for this challenge. 1 (missed) early trolley & 1 late trolley don’t inspire confidence.

— Kennedy (@thatmikeychick) April 26, 2015

 Allen was able to make it out to seven sites that day and came away with a clear favorite.

“I think the one that was most remarkable would have to be the Wagner Free Institute of Science in North Philly,” said Allen. “I lived in North Philly for almost four years and never knew that place was up there, never knowing that it was this Victorian era gorgeous museum that was almost free and filled with bundles and bundles of information.” 

@PhilaSciFest @WHYYThePulse @NewsWorksWHYY This museum is a hidden gem of knowledge in #NorthPhilly. #GetNerdyPHL pic.twitter.com/VcjtsJLttj

— Kennedy (@thatmikeychick) April 26, 2015

Simpson felt the same way.

Just arrived at @wagnerinstitute . I’m in love. @PhilaSciFest #GetNerdyPhl @WHYYThePulse @newsworkswhyy pic.twitter.com/JjLJYeKix7

— Adrienne (@DelValGal) April 26, 2015

For Kuruna, the real joy came from an historic site in Germantown.

“The Wyck House was actually my favorite stop,” she said. “A gentleman, whose name I don’t remember, lived in the house and collected bee stingers and wings from insects and leaves and they have all that on display, in addition to being a working farm that sells all of that produce at a farmer’s market.”

Selfie at Wyck House! #GetNerdyPHL @WHYYThePulse @NewsWorksWHYY pic.twitter.com/YkZNicPfPe

— Teagan Kuruna (@TeaganMPH) April 26, 2015

Of course, there were also some rare science gems along the way.

“I went to W.B. Saul… and they did have a synthetic feces exhibit where children could match the feces with the animal,” said Simpson. “Although slightly disgusting, I think it was hilarious and funny and was one of the most shocking and social-media worth things I saw all day.”

The feces is on #fleek at WB Saul’s faux Animal poop exhibit. @PhilaSciFest #GetNerdyPhl @WHYYThePulse @newsworkswhyy pic.twitter.com/v5LzoIuWrR

— Adrienne (@DelValGal) April 26, 2015

With a whopping 11 events visited, Simpson took the top prize in our Pulse Challenge, while Kuruna and Allen trailed closely behind with 8 and 7 events, respectively.

“I’m in all my Philly nerd glory right now, I couldn’t be happier,” she said. “I’d like to thank Sir. Isaac Newton.”

No parking near @FetteSau so my post @PhilaSciFest eats are Jersey fresh. #GetNerdyPhl @WHYYThePulse @newsworkswhyy pic.twitter.com/2jfzvr7W1z

— Adrienne (@DelValGal) April 26, 2015