Life

21 Creative March For Science Sign Ideas

by Lily Feinn
Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images News/Getty Images

The March for Science is fast approaching, coinciding with Earth Day on Saturday, April 22. And whether you're fascinated by the stars or prefer to focus on our own planet, joining the protest is a worthwhile way to spend your weekend. Those searching for creative March for Science sign ideas to kick-start their own brainstorming sesh need look no further. Before you put marker to cardboard, peruse this list of original and fun placards from fellow protesters to ignite your imagination. It seems utterly unbelievable that in the 21st century, we have to defend fact-based science as "real" and necessary — but here we are, ready to break out our multi-colored Sharpies and poster board in the name of supporting science.

Science- and evidence-based policy-making is increasingly under attack under the Trump administration. There are "budget cuts, censorship of researchers, disappearing datasets, and threats to dismantle government agencies harm us all, putting our health, food, air, water, climate, and jobs at risk," the protest's website notes. These problems aren't going away; indeed, the bevy of "alternative facts" floating around could do irreparable harm. This Earth Day, anyone who values science and truth might think about heading on over to the March for Science website to find a local gathering. There are currently 374 marches set to take place in the United States, as well as the main gathering beginning at the base of the Washington Monument on Saturday morning before the march itself proceeds through the streets of Washington, D.C. starting at 2 p.m. Those who cannot attend can also watch the live-stream.

Since the election, we've seen a bounty of interesting and creative signs at numerous protests, some of which are so unusual or clever that you just have to stop everything and Instagram them. On social media, these signs and statements have a second life, continuing to spread words and ideas across the internet. The March for Science is the start of a global movement championing science's vital role and yet another chance to make our voices heard — after all, the facts don't lie. So grab your bus ticket and check out a few of these creative sign ideas in support of science!

1Elegant In Its Simplicity

Not all creative signs need to be flashy. Sometimes, one strong statement is enough to make your message resonate.

2Find A Clever Turn Of Phrase

Without science, the president would never have been able to tweet. Just... think about that for a minute.

3This Guy Who Got Chemistry Right

Fanning the flames of fear lead to no good. It's proven by, you guessed it, science (and history).

4Cat Included?

Science may be serious, but to make a statement, in my opinion, the cuter you go, the better.

5Don't Hate, Educate.

The bigger, the bolder, the better.

6Commandeer A Catchphrase

Get creative by taking something recognizable and making it applicable.

7Quotes Can Make A Big Impact

Step 1: Find an awesome quote by your favorite scientist. Step 2: Let your artistic flare shine through when putting the words to cardboard.

8Sign The Sign To Show Support

Get signatures from those unable to march to show the wealth of support behind you.

9Bring Some Math Into The Equation (Literally)

You don't have to worry about geeking out at a science march, so let your graduate degree-level math speak volumes.

10What Do We Want? Evidence-Based Science. When Do We Want It? After Peer Review.

The march is a great opportunity to back up your facts.

11Add A Little Tragic Humor To Make Your Sign Hit Home

It'll be a great conversation opener.

12Thanks, Science!

Now to figure out a way to fit all my gratitude on just one sign...

13Get Punny With It

Yep.

14Two Very Different Things...

Tweets on Twitter are probably not peer-reviewed, and definitely didn't invent penicillin or discover radioactivity.

15Protect Our Earth

It's the only one we've got.

16Do An Earth Day Shout-Out

The hasthtag will always be applicable.

17It's All Cyclical

Protest signs can get to the heart of the grave consequences we face if science and the environmental protection agency isn't protected.

18Make Your Sign Pop With Bright Details

Instead of the regular Sharpie on poster board, try mixing in other mediums or using 3D details to get your point across clearly.

19Think Outside The Square

Different sign shapes can make your creation stand out in the crowd.

20A Hilarious Sign With Great Chemistry Can Go A Long Way

Get it? Chemistry?

21Rep Something Both Sides Of The Aisle Can Get Behind

There's nothing more bipartisan than beer... and guess how beer is made? That's right — science.