ChildSci Connection

May 2020

Virtual STEM is Here!

Help us inspire and persevere

The pandemic has brought about many crises: in health, food, the economy, and in the education and mental well-being of our children. I’m grateful for our team of STEM educators and their dedication, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. They’ve worked tirelessly to make our fun, hands-on programs, virtual – who would have dreamed that was possible? Now more than ever, we need to spark young minds and provide educational resources to the community. Online school has been a challenge for our children, parents and educators. Everyone is working hard to make learning happen in these difficult times.

We are here to help. Since closing the Lab on March 13, our team has reached thousands of children by providing STEM learning and fun with dozens of YouTube videos, bi-weekly Facebook Live animal encounters, and six weeks of virtual camp. One mom shared that our virtual camp “put a spring back in her step” for her young daughter. Our virtual camps go beyond STEM learning and create community connections while providing fun and purpose. We all need that right now, especially our kids!

We're asking for your help to spread the word so we can inspire many more! We are re-engineering our entire summer camp program from in-person to virtual. Next week, you will receive our Virtual Camp Guide. Please share with friends, family and colleagues. With many summer activities cancelled or closed, families are looking for fun, engaging, social experiences for their children and we are ready to help.

When we closed the Lab a few months ago, we lost ALL of our earned revenue, which makes up 50% of our operating budget after donations. We must remain closed until later phases of re-opening occur, yet we are determined to continue fulfilling our mission!

These camp sales are critical for our ongoing operations and will keep our fantastic team of STEM educators doing what they do best. Thank you for helping promote our efforts and sustain our mission!

In gratitude,

‌

Executive Director

Children's Science Center

Virtual Camps Coming June 15 - August 17

Designed for children in Grades 2-6

Many things have been cancelled this summer. But fun should not be one of them! Our virtual camps connect your kids with our STEM Educators and other students online to develop community, participate in group learning, and grow teamwork all the while maintaining physical distance and safety.

Our camps are specifically designed for children in rising grades 2-6.
Camps are held in secured Zoom rooms with two or more STEM Educators.
STEM kits are provided to families for hands-on activities (including slime), group discussion and daily challenges.
Themes include Science Magic, Under the Sea, Spy Camp, Robotics, and more!

Summer registration opens on May 29!

"My curious, inventive child really enjoyed the virtual camp. The knowledge was right on-target for his age, the staff was phenomenal with the kids, and the hands-on projects encouraged him to try out new things. He had a great time, and I was highly impressed every time I listened in." -- Virtual Camp Parent, Spring 2020

Offering Virtual Programs for Special Occasions!

Add some FUN to your online get together

Want to mix up those office zoom calls? Celebrate a special birthday? Add something unique to your youth group? Our animal ambassador program is now being offered virtually! Your group will enjoy:

45 minute close-up and personal virtual experience with two STEM Educators and two animals
Your choice of animals -- reptiles, aquatic, amphibian and insects
Introduction of animals with Q&A session

To learn more or to schedule a virtual event, please email us.

Stay Social

Online Fun and Learning

Children’s Science Center Lab STEM educators are developing experiential videos including demonstrations, DIY experiments, live animal talks, and more. All of these can be found on our social media channels, free of charge. Please enjoy these experiences and share with others!

YouTube Channel

Over 40 engaging videos to view at your leisure! Playlists include:

Keeper Talks, DIY Series, Critter Chitter Chatter, Science Demos, Budding Bookworms.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jacob Fajer

Youth Advisory Board Member

1. How did you first learn about the Children's Science Center?

My mother has been involved with the Children’s Science Center for almost as long as I can remember. Since before 6 ^th grade, I was eager to help make the Center an important part of my community.

2. Tell us a little bit about yourself: Where are you from, occupation, homelife, etc.

I have always lived here in Northern Virginia, and am a student at Westfield High School. I spend most of my time either with the Westfield band, where I play the marimba, or reading about science and history.

3. What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Center?

I enjoy how the Children's Science Center tries to find the most creative ways to structure its exhibits and programs. The opportunities I have gotten in helping with that process have been some of my favorite things about volunteering.

4. What scientist do you admire most and why?

I would say I most admire Charles Darwin, for following the evidence he gathered to its logical conclusion. He did this no matter how contrary to popular belief the resulting theory was, and respected the contributions of other scientists all the while.

5. How can we inspire young people to become interested in science?

I have found the best way to interest someone in a scientific discovery or subject is to connect it to other fields of science, aspects of their daily life, or if possible both.

6. What is one scientific question you would like to see answered in your lifetime?

I would love to know the causes of Earth’s mass extinctions and ice ages, because currently some of the most dramatic shifts in the Earth’s climate and ecology, especially the Permian extinction, are completely unexplained.

Jacob is a graduating senior and will be attending UVA in the fall! To learn more about volunteering with the Children's Science Center, please visit childsci.org.

Try It At Home

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Summer is nearly here, which means time to get growing! Here’s a fun experiment to try at home using minimum supplies. Learn how vegetables grow and care for your very own plant! If the plant grows for sometime, you can even try transplanting it into soil either in a garden space or container.

Try it at Home!

The Children's Science Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

We could not continue to share our mission virtually without our community of supporters. Your gifts directly support our mission and programs. THANK YOU!