October 2023
Engaging the Future
This past week we gathered with 1,600+ science museum professionals from around the world at the annual conference of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC). Together we explored the future, hearing from leading experts in artificial intelligence and planetary health, and learning strategies to better engage our communities in these and other key STEM topics.
We also shared our own experiences and insights. Laahiri Chalasani, Director of Education and Operations, presented a session “How Wondering and Learning Go Hand in Hand: Practicing the Teachings from Mister Rogers,” joining panelists from the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, NY Hall of Science, Intrepid Museum, and Discovery Partners Institute. They shared novel tools for learning centered around storytelling, observation, and kindness, inspired by one of our favorite first teachers.

We are grateful for this opportunity to develop our team, bring new strategies to our community, and collaborate with so many talented museum professionals to achieve greater collective impact! 
Sincerely,
Nene Spivy
Executive Director
(L to R) Audrey Charlwood, Dorothy Ready, Erick Fortiz, Nene Spivy, and Laahiri Chalasani at ASTC's conference celebrating their 50th anniversary.
Field Trips Begin!
September 7

The 2023-2024 school year is in full swing! While the Lab is closed to guests on weekdays— students K-6 enjoy the Lab with their school. During field trips, they participate in hands-on activities and challenges related to various STEM topics they learn in their classrooms!
AWS Girls' Tech Day!
September 30

The Lab had a great time participating in AWS Girls’ Tech Day! Over 600 girls from Northern Virginia participated in this 5th annual event! Thank you AWS InCommunities for the opportunity to engage, connect, and activate with middle school girls!
Visit the Haunted Lab!
All timed entries in October—

Spooky season is here! Visit the Lab in October to enjoy a haunted twist on all things STEM. Special activities include ooey-gooey slime, a mysterious scavenger hunt, and monster genetics! Costumes are encouraged, but not required!
🎃 Need ideas? Dress up in your best trick-or-treating costume, as your favorite biologist, as a science pun, or maybe even your favorite mammal!
Join the Family Costume Party!
❗❗ Selling out fast! ❗❗

Saturday, October 21 • 5-7 PM

You're invited after hours for frightfully fun science activities. In addition to all of your favorite Haunted Lab activities, guests will...

⋆ try out our spooky sound slime piano
⋆ have an encounter with the scaly kind
⋆ make spider launchers
⋆ learn all about dissections
⋆ participate in the costume contest

Prizes— gift cards from some of your favorite places around the Mall!
Added Value— Astro Adventures!
Sunday, November 12 • 10 AM & 2 PM

Join the Youth Advisory Board for an out of this world experience! In addition to usual Lab offerings, guests will have the chance learn about space with hands-on activities led by local high school students!

This event is included with your timed entry ticket!
Kids' Night Out
December 9 • 5-7 PM

Save the date! Need to do some holiday shopping? Drop the kids off at the Lab— they'll celebrate the winter season STEM style with hands-on activities and exclusive Lab exploration!
Don't forget about EXTRA Timed Entries!
Can't visit the Lab on a weekend? No problem!
Visit the Lab on a school holiday for some
extra STEM fun!
Monday, November 6th
Friday, November 24th
Try It At Home!
Invisible Ink

Have you ever wanted a way to write a secret message to a friend? Today, we are going to do just that! During the Revolutionary War, spies for George Washington used lemon juice based ink to send messages that were hidden in plain sight. Test out two different invisible inks!
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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