March 2021
Marching Ahead to Summer

While spring is almost here, we have summer on our minds! Based on the promising progress in the roll-out of vaccines, we are getting ready for an all-new and exciting summer. We are eager to provide children and youth with safe, fun, and meaningful experiences with their peers, helping them catch up on STEM content and social-emotional skills. We will offer camp programs, both in-person at the Lab and virtual, as well as serving other organizations who offer camps by bringing our mobile and virtual programs to them.

Special for this summer, the entire Lab will be dedicated to summer campers on weekdays and focused on serving members and families on the weekends. Summer camps are open for registration now, as are spring break camps. We will share more details about summer family programs later this spring!

Sincerely,




Nene Spivy
Executive Director
Children's Science Center
Spring Break is Coming Soon!
We've got you covered
Back by Popular Demand
DIY STEM Kits
Youth Advisory Board Hosts Virtual Science Fair
Mentoring the Youth
Last month, the Children’s Science Center’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) hosted its first Virtual Science Fair for elementary and middle school students. The YAB members passionately believe that science fairs are an essential stepping stone to STEM understanding.  

As an alternative to in-person fairs this year, students had the opportunity to present their projects and receive feedback from Youth Advisory Board members. During the two 45-minute sessions, students shared their innovative ideas within breakout groups. The participants were 2nd to 8th graders from five different schools throughout Northern Virginia and projects varied over different STEM fields. 

The Youth Advisory Board’s Virtual Science Fair helped students to grow their presentation skills and STEM knowledge while sharing research methods with fellow presenters. Students also viewed and learned from other projects, perhaps leading to new career interests and interdisciplinary topics. The commonality in the projects was the identification of a real-world problem and the development of an idea to learn more and find a solution.

In his presentation on DNA & Hydrogen Bonds, 2nd grader Dylan demonstrated his in-depth knowledge of high school level biology. His mastery and passion for the subject was inspiring to the audience. By delivering a presentation on his project, Dylan was able to learn how to display and convey information effectively to others.

YAB member, Gitika, summed up the day when she said “The 2020-2021 Virtual Science Fair was a huge success in all aspects. Although the event converted from in-person into virtual, the Children’s Science Center Youth Advisory Board (YAB) was able to adapt and the student scientists were still able to share their intellectual discoveries/inventions with their peers and the YAB members."

The Children’s Science Center’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is made up of Northern Virginia high school students who contribute to the Children's Science Center's goal of inspiring a love of STEM. Their mission is to forward the Children’s Science Center's mission and vision through high school student volunteerism, leadership, and collaboration.
Celebrate Earth Day with Us!
Hosted by the YAB
Here's a fun virtual way to celebrate Earth Day!

Families are welcome to join this free event and a fun way to learn more about the Earth! Designed for ages 4-12.

Join in the fun and play a game to win a free STEM at Home Kit!

April 18, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

The link will be sent the day before the event. Please use your current email when registering.


Donor Spotlight
Amit and Kim Puri
Donors have a variety of reasons they choose to support the Science Center’s mission and vision, but all have one thing in common: every donor serves as a catalyst for STEM learning.

"Being engineers ourselves, we understand the importance of hands-on exposure to the STEM fundamentals. Lighting that spark of curiosity in a child at an early age is paramount to that child's growth. Not having any local presence of such an establishment in our community compelled us to give to this cause. We look forward to regular visits with our son to keep his spark of curiosity lit." said Amit and Kim Puri, engineers working in the satellite industry.

Our mission endures every day because of the annual contributions from STEM Champions like Amit and Kim, and we are grateful for their long-standing generosity. Together, we engage children and learners of all ages with unique programs to inspire their curiosity and love of STEM learning!

Consider becoming a Champion for STEM learning with your sustaining gift to the Catalyst Circle. 
Try It At Home
What melts in the sun?
We’re nearing spring and the sun is coming! With spring almost here, you may have noticed temperatures increasing and daylight getting longer. With more sunny days it’s a great time to test out what melts in the sun. Try this experiment to test melting points.
The Children's Science Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
We could not continue to share our mission virtually without our community of supporters. Your gifts directly support our mission and programs. THANK YOU!