August 2024

Powering the Future of STEM

This past year we served tens of thousands of students in their early years, yet we are particularly proud of the youth we serve with more in-depth leadership programs during their later years. Our Youth Development Initiative focuses on developing the future workforce through programs including the Youth Advisory Board, Lab Interns, and Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative.

In working closely with nearly 100 high school and early college students each year from many backgrounds and communities throughout the region, we see a future that’s brighter than ever! Northern Virginia’s emerging young professionals are insightful, resilient and extremely smart. They are eager to tackle regional and global challenges - both ready to learn and ready to lead.

We are grateful to the many industry leaders, school and university partners who are so integral to these programs. They work alongside our team members to share their expertise with students, host and mentor interns, and provide much-needed resources to fuel this effort. Thank you to our youth and program partners for powering the future!

Shark Month: Deep Dive Day!

July 27

We had a FIN-tastic month of celebrating sharks at the Lab! In addition, as a brand new event, guests had the chance to learn even more about these fascinating creatures with a bonus day with extra shark activities which included searching for shark teeth and an ocean pH activity.



CCI Celebration

August 9

We celebrated our CCI Interns at the Lab as they recently completed 7 weeks of their internship. This year we hosted 40 high school students across 13 different cybersecurity companies. Students were able to interact with representatives from over 20 companies obtaining hands-on experience in cybersecurity.

Grandparents' Day at the Lab

Sunday, September 8th

Timed Entries

Celebrate Grandparents' Day at the Lab by bringing a grandparent to the Lab for FREE.

Note— Grandparents will be admitted for free upon check-in with grandchild. Please purchase/reserve tickets for all other guests. One grandparent per paying child! If you have any questions, please email info@childsci.org.

Moonlight Mysteries: Lunar Eclipse Event!

Saturday, September 14th & Sunday, September 15th

Timed Entries

Did you know there is a partial lunar eclipse on the evening of Tuesday, September 17th leading into the morning of Wednesday, September 18th? Visit the Lab all weekend long to learn more about the upcoming partial lunar eclipse! 

Kids' Night Out: Night at the Lab

Saturday, September 28th

6 PM - 8 PM

Enjoy a Kids' Night Out at the Lab! Kids will get to explore all the experience areas of their choice: from building hovercrafts in the Tinker Shop to making gooey slime at the Experiment Bar to meeting our animals at the Bio Zone!

Registering more than one child? Save $5 by using promo code LABPARTNER at checkout.

Reminder— This is a drop-off event just for kids! This is not an overnight event.

Donor Spotlight

Micron Gives in Every Way

When we think about our longest partnerships, Micron Technology and the Micron Foundation spring to mind. They have backed and believed in the Science Center’s mission and vision since our earliest days. Through their support of our community programs like Family Science Night and the Lab’s Tinker Shop, they’ve empowered kids to stretch their creativity and problem-solving skills in STEM areas. Beyond financial support, Micron has also provided consistent employee engagement through team and individual volunteerism.

And while Micron has supported our mission today for over ten years, they were also among the first to support our vision to build the Northern Virginia Science Center. Micron will be recognized as a Founding Partner of the Idea Lab, located in Wonder, as part of the Craig Family Gallery, which is an homage to our roots at the Lab. Micron’s thoughtful, steadfast support demonstrates their deep commitment to STEM education and equity of access for all —and reminds us all that there are many ways to give back. 

Micron Technology volunteers in the Tinker Shop.

A rendered image of the Idea Lab, presented by Micron

Interested in getting your company involved? Learn more here!

Try It!

Floating Paperclip

Usually, only things that are less dense than water will float in water. However, when liquid meets gas, it has surface tension. The water molecules touching the air are packed together more tightly, producing a sheet of surface tension on top of the water. This allows the surface of the water to sometimes support things that do not normally float. What do you think?

Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation | 703-648-3130

info@childsci.org | info@novasci.org

Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates the Children's Science Lab at Fair Oaks Mall and STEM programs traveling to schools and other community venues across the region. The Foundation is also developing the Northern Virginia Science Center in Dulles, VA, a world-class, interactive regional science center for families, students, and learners of all ages made possible through a pivotal public-private partnership. Learn more about our mission today at childsci.org and our vision for the future at novasci.org.

Children's Science Center Lab Visit childsci.org for hours of operation.

Visit childsci.org for hours of operation.