September 2019 
From the Executive Director                                                         
Everyone Can "Do Science"

At the Children's Science Center, we are all about inspiring children to love learning in STEM. So how do we encourage children in STEM? Doing hands-on science activities with children makes a big difference, but it turns out that the words we use to encourage them matter too. 

A recent study found that children felt more confident that they could "do science" versus "be a scientist." The former seems more achievable to us adults too. We know that doing more science, especially fun, hands-on experiences, improves children's interest and attitudes towards science. This ultimately leads them to take on the greater challenges down the line, including being scientists. In the early years, encouraging them to simply "do science" gets them off to a great start. To learn more, check out this article. 






Executive Director
Children's Science Center
NEW! Tuesday Hours
1pm-6pm

To better serve our visitors and students, we are now reserving T uesday mornings for extra-large field trips.  This allows us to accommodate teachers and students who can now visit the same day without imposing on the family experience.

This schedule will take place every Tuesday during the school year. During school holidays, we will return to opening at 10am.

Please check the website for the most up-to-date information.

What's Happening at the Lab
New experiment each month!

This month at the Experiment Bar we will be creating 3 different putties to test and learn about in pH Putty! Explore how pH levels effect digestion and the three factors that determine the rates at which items are digested.

Check out the calendar of events for information on what's happening at the Lab all month long! 
Just for the KIDS!
Dinner Included

Science of Music!
Do you hear what we hear?

New programming around the science of music will be alive at the Lab through the end of 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. 
Girl Scout Day at the Lab!
October 20

The Children's Science Center Lab is proud to offer its first Sci-sational Girl Scout Day! Celebrate Girl Scout Founder, Juliette Gordon Low's 159th Birthday Party at the Lab and learn how you can help make the world a better place!
 
Use self-exploration guides to experience the Lab with other scouts and leaders. Visit pop-up demonstrations, special animal encounters, and the Van De Graff generator. 
 
All scouts will receive a unique Children's Science Center Lab Fun Patch with their admission. Please register for a specific time frame to explore the Lab. 
 
Time slots available are:
 
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
 

Volunteer Spotlight
Betsy and Brendan Wheeler

How did you first learn about the Children's Science Center?
I first learned about Children's Science Center in May 2016, when I became a member of the Vienna-Oakton chapter of Young Men's Service League (YMSL).  YMSL is a non-profit organization that encourages teenage boys and their mothers to pursue philanthropic involvement in their community.  My first position at YMSL was Philanthropy Liaison to Children's Science Center, a role which I really enjoyed and continue today.  I work closely with Children's Science Center representatives, determining their volunteer needs and then reaching out to YMSL members to schedule service hours at the Lab or in the community.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 
I am originally from Buffalo, NY but have lived in the DC Metro area for almost 30 years.  I currently live in Vienna, VA with my husband, three sons, and golden retriever.  Two of my sons are in college and my youngest, Brendan, is a senior in high school.  As YMSL members, Brendan and I started volunteering at the Children's Science Center the summer before he started high school.  The Children's Science Center quickly became one of our favorite places to volunteer! Brendan started out doing Lab Prep, became a Lab Volunteer, and then worked his way up to a Lab Intern this past summer. We have both thoroughly enjoyed our volunteer experiences at the Children's Science Center.
 
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Center?
As a mom, my favorite part about volunteering at Children's Science Center has been spending time with my son while giving back to our community. Seeing kids light up as they engage in STEM learning is especially rewarding.  It has also been wonderful watching Children's Science Center grow over the past several years. It is a truly special place and has a very bright future!
 
What scientist do you admire most and why?
I admire "Bill Nye the Science Guy" for his dedication in educating children about science. Through his widely acclaimed television shows and books, he has made learning about science fun, cool, and accessible for kids all over the world.

How can we inspire young people to become interested in science?
Places like the Children's Science Center, which offer hands-on learning, are invaluable in inspiring young people to become interested in science. I always thought that my son, Brendan, would major in Business when he started college. After his years volunteering at the Children's Science Center, he has decided to pursue a degree in Engineering! You never know who will be bitten by the STEM bug and what scientific advancements may occur as a result.
 
What is one scientific question you would like to see answered in your lifetime?
My family, like countless others, have been negatively impacted by cancer.  I would love to see a cure for this insidious disease during my lifetime. 
 
If you would like to learn more about volunteering with the Children's Science Center, please visit childsci.org .
Try It At Home:
A Bowl Full of Rainbows

Rainbows are always a fun sight following a storm but you don't have to wait for a rainy day to create your own rainbows. This interesting experiment uses minimal supplies and combines art with science to make rainbows on paper. No two designs are exactly alike so there's lots of room to create surprising designs each time!  Save your paper and use it for creative craft projects.



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