July 2024
Love Summer Learning!

Summer is a prime time for STEM learning experiences, from discovering the wonders of the great outdoors to exploring cooler indoor experiences at museums, libraries and beyond! Read below how our summer citizen science project is leaning into the outdoors with Seek. You can find our team on the road bringing pop-up STEM experiences to area libraries and community centers, or at the Lab facilitating family learning on the weekends and fantastic STEM camps each week. We love that STEM learning travels with our member families as they can enjoy amazing reciprocal benefits at science centers and children’s museums around the world.

We are especially thankful for our partners, volunteers, and supporters who make summer STEM learning more accessible through our mobile STEM programs, community STEM kits, and Museums for All access to the Lab. 

Cheers to summer and all the learning opportunities it brings! 
Nene Spivy
Executive Director
JUST A FEW SPOTS LEFT!
Summer Camp at the Lab
Through August 16th!

Missing the fun? Don’t worry, we still have space in week-long summer camps. Choose from four exciting themes to participate in!

Want a discount? Become a member to receive a 10% discount on each week-long camp.
Timed Entries
All of July!

Make a splash at the Lab for Shark Month! Visit the Lab during a weekend timed entry in July for jaw-some activities including “Shark Tooth Sleuth” and Shark Fin Hats! Join us for fin-tastic fun!
ONE DAY ONLY!
Deep Dive Day
Saturday, July 27 • 10 AM & 1 PM

Get ready for Deep Dive Day at the Lab! During this special timed entry session, learn even more about sharks and the ocean. There will be a guest scientist and a special shark tooth excavation!
9th Birthday Celebration with Jessica Faith!
June 15

NBC 4 Meteorologist Jessica Faith visited the Lab during our member-only event to help celebrate our 9th Birthday. During this special On Cloud 9 event, she talked to members about the weather, different clouds, and how to become a meteorologist!
 
Missed it? Check out our event recap on NBC 4!

Science on the Go & Mini Labs start!
June 19

Science on the Go and Mini Labs have started for the summer! Science on the Go is our exciting summer initiative that brings the STEM fun of field trips directly to other organizations. Mini Labs, in partnership with Loudoun County Libraries, brings hands-on STEM exploration free for the community to enjoy!

Are we coming to a library near you?

🌟🌟🌟
We are thrilled to announce the Lab has been awarded Best of Nova Indoor Kids Entertainment and recognized as the runner-up for Best of Nova Kids Party Venue by Northern Virginia Magazine!

We are grateful to Northern Virginia Magazine and our wonderful guests for their continued support. Thank you for making us your go-to destination for interactive learning and memorable celebrations!
Volunteer Spotlight
Ella Geisler

How did you first learn about the Children's Science Center Lab? 
I first learned about the Children’s Science Center Lab when I was younger and had an amazing time when I visited.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Some things about me are that I am a rising senior, my favorite color is blue, and I love science. In my free time, I like to cook and crochet.

 What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Lab? 
I enjoy the excitement kids feel when participating in the activities the Lab offers. They are always so engaged, interested in what they are doing, and curious to learn more!
 
What scientist do you admire most and why? 
I admire Marie Curie the most for her groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity and her unwavering dedication to science despite numerous challenges. Her role as the first woman to win a Nobel Prize has inspired countless others, especially women.

How can we inspire young people to become interested in science? 
I think we can inspire young people to become interested in science by showing them how fun it can be! Engaging them in activities like those offered by the Lab creates an environment that fosters a love for science.

What is one scientific question you would like to see answered in your lifetime? 
Is there life on other planets, and if so, what forms does it take?

Ella began volunteering at the Lab in January. Her teammates say she is always willing to step up. You can see Ella in action during weekend added values or during camp as an Intern. Interested in volunteering? Learn more here!
Try It!
DIY Ocean in a Bottle
Can't visit the Lab during Shark Month? You can still join the fun with this activity! 🦈

Our oceans are made up of salt water, but there are fresh water streams, rivers, and melting glaciers that feed into our oceans. Both fresh water and salt water are types of water, but does that mean they will mix together? Explore this activity and find out what causes different liquids to mix together or not!
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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