August 2023
Savoring Summer with Science Exploration

Looking for ways to savor the waning days of summer? The Children’s Science Center Lab has you covered.

The Lab offers a cool respite to summer heat with weekend sessions for hands-on STEM exploration. It’s not too late to participate in our I See Change Citizen Scientist project exploring nature in your own neighborhood and around the region. If you’re traveling afar, you can support the Children’s Science Center Lab with an annual membership and use it to explore science centers and children’s museums during your trip. Our member reciprocity benefits through the Association of Children’s Museums and the Association of Science and Technology Centers allow for discounted and free admission to amazing museums across the US and around the world.

Happy Exploring!
Sincerely,
Nene Spivy
Executive Director
Monthly Mission Moments
Celebrating Shark Month!
July

It was a FIN-tastic month at the Lab! Guests learned about these fascinating creatures of the sea with Shark Tooth Sleuth at the Experiment Bar and Shark Fin Hats in the Bio Zone.
Summer Camps at the Lab!
June - August

We can't believe seven weeks of STEM camp are over! Highlights include creating prototype rovers, dissecting seeds, making egg drop parachutes, and creating unique board games.
New Event Alert!
Kids' Night Out— Hack the Lab!
Saturday, September 16th • 6 - 8 PM

Coding meets escape room in this kids-only event. Young sleuths will use technology to solve mysteries, escape tricky situations, and crack codes.

★ Drop-off event
★ Grades 1 - 6
Last chance for Summer Camp!
August 14 - August 18

Only a few spots are available in our last summer camp of the season— Ready, Set, Game! Campers will think like game designers and discover the STEM behind gaming.

Note: Registration for Ready, Set, Game camp closes when camp is full or Friday, August 11 at 8 AM.

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.
Spooky season is coming soon—
save the dates for frightfully fun STEM.

Haunted Lab
September 30 - October 31
Stop by the Lab if you dare during a weekend timed entry (10 AM or 2 PM) to try Halloween-inspired experiments throughout the Lab!

Family Costume Party
October 21
Visit the Lab after-hours to enjoy Halloween extras including dissections, animal encounters, and a costume contest!
Last chance for Summer Fun!

August is your last chance to go on a Heat Hunt throughout the entire Lab and make Thermochromic Slime!

First Day of School:
PWCS & FCPS: August 21
LCPS: August 24
High School Internship Applications

The STEM Youth Development Internship is available to high school students ages 16+ who have a passion for STEM learning.

Applications Deadline:
Monday, August 28, at 5 PM
Donor Spotlight: United Bank
Family Science Night Premier Sponsor

Our popular Family Science Night program will return in its 11th year this fall delivering hands-on STEM-focused activities to 50 schools throughout the region. This is made possible by community partners like United Bank, a longtime supporter and the Premier Sponsor for the 2023-24 school year.

“We are proud to be the Premier Sponsor of the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation’s Family Science Night Program for the 2023-24 school year. At United Bank, our commitment to providing excellence in service extends beyond banking – it includes giving back to the communities in which we live and work. Through this partnership, we are thrilled to support STEM education to inspire young minds and shape a better future. Together with the Science Center, we are happy to help make hands-on STEM experiences accessible to all children, regardless of their background or circumstances, and foster a love for learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Kurt Marx, President, Fairfax West, United Bank.
Try It At Home!
Moon Craters

Have you ever wondered why the moon has craters, or round imprints, on its surface? Or how they got there? Explore this activity to learn more about the moon’s craters!
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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