August 2019 
From the Executive Director                                                           
A Super Summer of STEM

As we wrap up the final weeks of summer, we are grateful to the many volunteers, summer interns, donors and program partners who have made this summer an extra special celebration of STEM in our region. Because of the generosity of so many, we have multiple new and refurbished exhibits at the Lab, we celebrated one of the greatest STEM achievements of modern time: the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, we got outside and into the water with our X-stream summer citizen science programs, and we took our mini-labs and mobile exhibits to 21 venues across the region. Thankfully, this super summer is not over yet -- the fun and learning continue throughout August every day at the Lab!
 





Executive Director
Children's Science Center
What's Happening at the Lab
Dive in Anytime!

This month, we introduce Makin' Waves to the Experiment Bar. 
Learn some interesting facts about how sound travels that you might not have previously known. Understand how sound waves come from vibrations and explore the speed of sound using water, powder, and an electric toothbrush! Come visit and make a (sound) wave with us!

Check out the calendar of events for information on what's happening at the Lab all month long! 
Science of Music!
Do you hear what we hear?

New programming around the science of music will be alive at the Lab beginning this month through September! 

Meet musicians with various instruments and learn and listen to them demonstrate their talent. Hands-on activities to follow each demonstration.

Please check the calendar of events for specific demonstrations. 
Special Saturday Budding Bookworm
Author Visit, September 7

Join us for a special Budding Bookworms on  Saturday, September 7 at 11:00 am, featuring children's author, Deborah Lee Rose. She will be reading from her newly released book,  Scientists Get Dressed,  followed by a hands-on activity! Make sure you pre-order your own copy at  Barnes and Noble and bring it with you for her to sign!

No registration required. Space is limited.

Intern Spotlight
Samantha Condro

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

I first learned about the Children's Science Center through the Family Science Nights during my junior year of high school. I participated in multiple events and fell in love with the mission and message of the organization. Working here this summer has been an amazing experience; teaching experiments and sharing my love of science with these kids!
 
Tell us a little bit about yourself:  I have lived in Virginia all of my life and just graduated from Oakton High School.This fall, I will start school at Vanderbilt University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Outside of school and volunteering, I am an avid ballet dancer, and have been a dancer for 17 years, participating in 3 full length productions each year. This summer is my first summer working in the Children's Science Center, as an intern for four weeks of summer camp.
 

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Camps?

The part of volunteering I enjoy the most is sharing my passion with kids, and introducing the world of science to them in new and interesting ways. Also, I enjoy being in an environment where the teachers and camp leaders and all other volunteers have the same love of science and desire to teach that I do.
 
What scientist do you admire most and why?
The scientist that I admire most is Charles Darwin, who introduced natural selection to the world of science. His ideas and findings are what jumpstarted modern science and is the way that our entire world changes every day. He went against the scientists in his day who were not on board with his theories and chose to research what he believed in, eventually inspiring a whole new generation of rising scientists.

 

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

Children love science when they can experience it for themselves. Hands-on experiments and projects give them a first person viewpoint of the magic of science.
 
What is one scientific question you would like to see answered in your lifetime?
The ocean and its health have always been important to me, and the urgency to explore the science behind the ocean has become more prominent in recent years because of the changing climate. One science question I would love to have answered in my lifetime is: What effect does the deep sea have on the overall climate of the ocean?
 
If you would like to learn more about volunteering with the Children's Science Center, please visit childsci.org .

Try It At Home:
Make Your Own Rainstick

Summer is a funny season with days of afternoon thunderstorms or dry heat for days.  The rainstick is a traditional instrument thought to have originated in Chile, and can simulate the sound of rain. Enjoy making your own and it can sound like rain any day of the week.



The Children's Science Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and your gifts directly support our mission and programs.