Ode to Oliver, Loki & Friends | | |
We have a few dozen adorable team members that I’m especially grateful for…our animal ambassadors! I know not all people think snakes are adorable. I didn’t always feel that way: I grew up having frequent nightmares about snakes. Yet working with science center educators for over two decades has changed me for the better. I now call snakes like our ball python at the Lab, Loki, my friends. The animal ambassadors at the Lab all hold special places in our hearts.
Seeing this great video our team captured last week of Oliver the pygmy hedgehog reminded me of my love of animals and how many humans experience strong feelings of wonder and connection to animals. I often joke that science centers have many things that are magnetic, yet not. Animals create a powerful force of attraction and fuel curiosity. For science centers, ambassadors like Oliver and Loki help us tell important stories about the role and importance of all animals, their ecosystems, and our symbiotic relationships with them. These interactions help reduce fear and increase care for all living things.
I’m excited for Species Saturdays at the Lab this month! During September, every Saturday timed entry will include an encounter with one of our amazing animals. I'm even more excited about the animal ambassadors, stories, and experiences we’ll share in the Habitat exhibition at the new Northern Virginia Science Center when we open in mid-2027.
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Adalene "Nene" Spivy
Chief Executive Officer
| | September Species Saturdays! | | A fan favorite is back! Every Saturday timed entry this month will include a bonus encounter with one of our beloved animal ambassadors! Animal encounters will be held midway through each session, and include an optional touch portion at the end. Meet Loki the ball python, Discover and Explore our tree frogs, Oliver the African pygmy hedgehog, and more! Species Saturday is included with admission. | | What's Happening at the Lab? | | |
GRANDPARENTS' DAY
Sunday, September 13th • All Timed Entries
This Sunday only, we're celebrating grandparents with free admission to the Lab when accompanied by a child! Explore, design, build, experiment, and make lasting memories together in celebration of Grandparents' Day.
Space is limited, so reserve your tickets today! All grandparents in your party receive free admission at check-in: no need to reserve a ticket for your grandparent.
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ASTRO ADVENTURES
Saturday, September 26th • 1pm & 3:30pm
Join local high school students of the Lab Youth Advisory Board for an out-of-this-world afternoon of hands-on activities and space adventures.
Spin your own nebula art, program a rover, solve a telescope packing puzzle, and more! This special event is included with your admission.
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SUMMER CAMPS
Another year of camps wrapped on August 21 with the final parent showcase day! Campers had a blast this summer as they dove into animal care in Superhero Species, designed their own exhibits in Museum Makers, built to the skies in Epic Engineering, and explored the universe in Cosmic Creations. Thank you to all the campers and families who made this summer special!
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SCIENCE ON THE GO & MINI LABS
We hit the road again this summer to spread STEM across the region! Science on the Go brought Project Prototype and Unveiling the Universe programs to community centers and schools, while Mini Labs brought STEM exploration activities to Loudoun County Public Libraries. They were a hit: together, Science on the Go and Mini Labs reached over a thousand students and caregivers!
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October Sneak Peek
Haunted Lab
October 1 - 31, all timed entries
Family-friendly Halloween fun, with not-so-scary decorations and spooky science!
Family Costume Party
October 17, 5pm - 7pm
Come for the costume contest, stay for two hours of STEM fun! Get ready for color-changing potions, creepy crawlies, a spooky Science demo, and much more!
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Spotlight: Our Board of Directors
At the heart of the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation stands an enthusiastic Board of Directors who believe in the power of STEM and hands-on education. Because of their leadership, more than half a million children and families have grown in STEM confidence and opportunity since 2004.
| Drawing on expertise from a variety of industries, these volunteer directors guide the strategies that shape our future, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for our mission and vision in the community. The 23-member board brings both long-term commitment and fresh perspectives with 10 directors having served on the board for more than five years and two joining this past year. Through their personal and professional connections, board members share our story with others, highlighting the impact of what we do and inspiring support for the Science Center. Their collaborative spirit is perhaps best captured by our Board Chair, Chris Powell: | “I am grateful to serve alongside the dedicated and passionate members of our Board. Each director brings not only their shared commitment to our mission and vision, but also to uplifting the needs of our community in so many ways.” | As our organization fulfills a decades-long promise to open the Northern Virginia Science Center in 2027, we pause to recognize and thank this extraordinary group of volunteer leaders. Through their generous gifts of time, treasure, and talent, our current and past Board of Directors have transformed an idea into a powerful agent of opportunity. | Click here to learn more about our incredible Board of Directors. | | | | |
Try It at Home!
SUGARING FOR MOTHS 🥝
We see butterflies during the day, but what about the moths that come out in the evening? You can make your own feeding station and attract moths to a specific spot and study them! Try different ingredients to see which moths visit each time.
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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.
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