March 2024
She's Got STEM!

Women’s History Month is a great time to reflect on the amazing women in the past, present, and future, who are trailblazers in STEM.

Looking back, one of my favorite innovators is Rosalind Franklin. I didn’t know much about her until reading Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict. Dr. Franklin’s brilliance, persistence, and groundbreaking work in uncovering the molecular structure of DNA, RNA, and more, is simply awe inspiring. The challenges she overcame to do this work make her contributions even more impressive. 

My modern-day STEM heroines are the many amazing women highlighted in the IF/THEN project. I’m proud that our science center has joined with many other museums in this project and other programs that highlight women in STEM and seek to inspire many more.

Finally, I want to offer a special thank you to the amazing women behind the STEM programs we offer: our volunteers, staff, and supporters!
Nene Spivy
Executive Director
Read Across America Day
at the Lab!
March 2

Guests had the chance to dive into STEM themed stories with special readings during each timed entry session to celebrate Read Across America Day!   
Alexander Graham Bell's Birthday Bash presented by Verizon!
March 3

Thanks to our Major Partner, Verizon, visitors got hands-on experiences exploring decades of communication innovations— including pay phones, fiber optics, Wi-Fi, and rotary phones!
Are you ready for Spring Break?
Monday, March 25 - Friday, March 29

Register now! There are still spots for single-day Spring Break Camps. Themes include elements, forensics, geology, electricity, and more!

Want a discount? Become a member to receive a 10% discount on each week-long camp.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration at the Lab!
March 23 - April 14 • Timed Entries

It's DC's favorite time of year— Cherry Blossom season! Join us at the Lab to look at the cherry blossom through the eyes of a scientist. Engineer a kite and test it in the wind tunnel, make cherry blossom origami, and explore the science and history of cherry blossoms on a scavenger hunt throughout the Lab!
Save the Date!
Earth Day Extravaganza
Sunday, April 14

Celebrate Earth Day with the Youth Advisory Board at Loudoun Water! Enjoy hands-on activities to learn more about the place we all call home.

More details to come soon!
Volunteer Spotlight
Tanush Kallem 

How did you first learn about the Children's
Science Center Lab? 
My close cousin started volunteering at the Children’s Science Center Lab and told me about the positive experiences he had there. I saw the Lab many times while I visited Fair Oaks Mall, so I decided to sign up for volunteering.
 
Tell us a little bit about yourself.  
I am from Chantilly, Virginia. I am currently a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology where I run cross country and track. In my free time, I like to code or do electronics.
 
What do you enjoy most about volunteering at the Lab? 
I enjoy the staff at the Lab. From my first moment, they were very friendly and welcoming. Over time, I became more comfortable and the staff were nice people to laugh and talk with.

What scientist do you admire most and why? 
I admire Stephen Hawking’s the most. This is because he overcame his physical challenges and was a brilliant theoretical physicist, who created many ideas about the black hole!
 
How can we inspire young people to become interested in STEM? 
I think what the Lab is doing right now is the perfect way for young people to become interested in science. Displaying the cool aspects of science in interactive ways is a perfect way for young people to engage in STEM.

What is one scientific question you would like to see answered in your lifetime? 
Does the 4th dimension actually exist?

Tanush just started volunteering with the Lab in August of 2023 – but he has already volunteered 114 hours with us! Tanush is a wonderful volunteer and always ready to give our guests a fun experience at the Lab. Interested in volunteering? Learn more here!
Try It!
Can I Get Some Pi?

Happy Pi Day! Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th to represent the first 3 digits of Pi (3.14). Learn more about this mathematical constant in this activity!
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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