January 2024
Community Center for STEM

While our mission is inspiring a love of learning STEM, that work often centers around bringing the community together to inspire one another. This newsletter shares some great examples of collaboration including a local robotics team giving demonstrations of their exciting projects at the Lab, volunteers from Microsoft facilitating hands-on activities for Engineering Week, and the Washington Commanders joining us at the Lab to serve youth in their Commanders Read program. Our mobile programs traveling to schools, libraries, and other venues would not be possible without the help of hundreds of volunteers from across the region generously sharing their time as well as companies enabling their employees to volunteer. We are grateful to have so many from our greater DMV community delivering the mission with us!
Nene Spivy
Executive Director
Washington Commanders
visit the Lab!
December 18
Terry Mclaurin from the Commanders visited the Lab and hosted a field trip with James McHenry Elementary School! Terry and students participated in experiments and activities throughout the Lab, including giveaways with lots of STEM-tastic prizes!

Special thanks to Northwest Federal Credit Union for making this event happen!
New Year's Eve Around the World!
December 31

We rung in 2024 in STEM style with 3 SOLD OUT celebrations!

Young scientists and their families made 2024 headbands, celebration slime, and firework pinwheels.

Here's to another STEM-filled year!
The Winter Wonder Lab is open!
Through February 19th

There is still time for wintry fun! Visit the Lab for special winter-themed activities such as the arctic expedition, snowflake geometry, and slime! Plus, a new Experiment Bar activity for the month of January, Synthetic Snow!

Bonus— The Lab will be open on THIS Monday, January 15th and Friday, January 26th!
New Event Drop!
Kids' Night Out: We Heart STEM
Saturday, February 10
6 - 8 PM

Celebrate Valentine's Day in STEM Style! This kids-only event includes special heart-themed activities— using chemistry to write hidden Valentines, making slime to learn about their heart and blood, and exploring our BioZone to learn about the hearts of our animals!
Purchase tickets to these added value events in February.
Fun included with your timed entry ticket!
The World of Biology: From Micro to Macro
Sunday, February 18
10 AM • 1 PM • 3:30 PM

Come explore the microscopic and macroscopic building blocks of life with our very own Youth Advisory Board!
National Engineers Week Celebration
Saturday, February 24
10 AM • 1 PM • 3:30 PM

Celebrate by trying some fun engineering activities at the Lab with volunteers from Microsoft and AFCEA.
Spring Break & Summer Camps are coming!
Wednesday, January 24

STEM learning continues during spring and summer breaks at the Lab! Get ready, camp registration is coming soon!

Members get access to an exclusive Member Only pre-sale from January 17 through January 23. They also receive a 10% discount on each camp.

Want early access to camps? Become a member!
Hot Wheels Champion Experience
Now Open • Tysons Corner Mall

Save 20% with code PARTNER20

Hot Wheels Champion Experience is racing in Tyson’s Corner Center for a limited time! This 16,000 sq ft immersive environment combines exhilarating digital and hands-on play for all ages. Imagine, create, and experience Hot Wheels like never before!
*Offer disclaimer: This offer expires Feb. 24 at 11:59 PM. Apply promo code PARTNER20 checkout at hotwheelschampion.com to receive 20% off savings. Valid on General Admission tickets only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer valid with online purchases only. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Tickets are subject to availability. Limit 8 tickets per order. Additional taxes and fees may apply. 
Thank YOU for answering the call to action in our recent end-of-year appeal. Together, Science Center supporters rallied to raise more than $27,000 for engaging and accessible STEM learning in Northern Virginia. Your investment allows us to imagine the endless possibilities that exist when children grow up with the Science Center. We are excited about what the future holds for our visitors and region!
Try It!
Snowstorm in a Jar

A chemical reaction happens when you add two substances together and they create new substances by rearranging their molecules. We can use a chemical reaction between acids and bases to make a cool snowstorm in a jar!
The Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates the Children's Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall and STEM programs traveling to schools and other community venues across the region.
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