July 2023
Leading the Way

We are fortunate to have extremely dedicated volunteer leaders that guide our path forward, open doors to new opportunities, and give countless hours to our cause. I’m thrilled to share our newest officers, members, and advisors on the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and STEM Advisory Council. For this newsletter, I cede the floor to our wonderful new Board Chair, Sumeet Shrivastava, and invite you to enjoy this special welcome message. His personal story and passion for our mission are truly inspiring!
Sincerely,
Nene Spivy
Executive Director
Monthly Mission Moments
STEM Fun away from the Lab!
Science on the Go & Mini Labs begin!

Summer at the Lab includes programs where we bring the STEM fun to you! Science on the Go offers elementary aged children an interactive science related program facilitated off-site on Tuesdays through Thursday. Mini Labs bring STEM activities to different libraries throughout the region on Mondays!
Eight is Great Birthday Party!
June 17

The Lab celebrated eight years of bringing interactive STEM to the community! Guests enjoyed with giveaways and activities throughout the Lab. Highlights included learning about a Mobius Strip— a mathematical phenomenon that looks like an 8 as well as an animal encounter during the special member-only hour.
It's Shark Month!
Purchase tickets for a weekend in July!

Shark Month is back! Visit the Lab during a weekend timed entry (10 AM & 2 PM) in July for special activities! Try...

  • Shark Tooth Sleuth: Solve the mystery by identifying 3D printed teeth of different sharks!
  • Shark Fin Hats: Celebrate Shark Month in the BioZone by making your own themed hat!
Join a Summer Camp!
Summer Camps run through August 18!

There are still 5 weeks of camp left and spots are still available! Make it a summer your child won't forget. The Lab's camps offer young scientists an opportunity to explore STEM concepts in an interactive way. Camp themes include:

★ Mission: Space
★ Motion Commotion
★ Earth Explorer
★ Ready, Set, Game!

Note: Registration for week-long camps closes Friday at 8 AM before the first Monday of camp.

Want a 10% discount? Become a member today!
Summer Citizen Scientist Project
I See Change

Participate in STEM fun from anywhere this summer! Join the Lab's chosen Citizen Scientist Project— a summer project the whole community can join.

I See Change is a global weather journal that tracks changes in weather patterns. To participate, just download the app and record data about the weather from any location—at home or on the go!

Bring your first recording into the Lab for a prize! *No ticket purchase necessary.
Volunteer Spotlight
Srilakshmi Nara

How did you first learn about the Children's
Science Center?
I have a science background and was discussing with my husband about finding a job that fits me. My family friend suggested we join the Children Science Center so I thought of volunteering.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Where are you from, occupation, homelife, etc.
I am a MS/(MSc) PhD holder from Bangalore University (Bangalore, Karnataka, India). My master's degree is in Sericulture (mulberry plants and silkworks). I moved to the United States in 2016. I live in Falls Church with my husband and three kids (age 11, 9, and 5). I am responsible for caring for the kids. Before moving to the United States, I worked as a guest lecturer at Bangalore University.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Center?
I enjoy helping children and explaining their results.

What scientist do you admire most and why?
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a man I admired. He is my role model and I got the chance to meet and greet him. It was a memorable moment. He is known as "Missile Man of India" for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology.
How can we inspire young people to become interested in science?
We have to encourage kids to explore new science experiments and guide them to learn about interesting facts that happen in nature. We need to inspire them to come up with more questions.
What is one scientific question you would like to see answered in your lifetime?
How would our daily lives be without plastic?

Srilakshmi is one of our newest Lab Volunteers, and we have enjoyed seeing her frequently at the Lab this summer! Interested in volunteering? Visit our website.
Try It At Home!
How Do Sharks Float?

Sharks come in all shapes and sizes from the dwarf lantern shark that can fit in the palm of your hand to the largest fish known to our ocean, the whale shark. A whale shark can be as long as a bus and weigh up to 20.6 tons. So, how does a shark as heavy as a whale shark float?
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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