AUGUST 2026

Here’s to a STEM-tastic School Year

We’re excited to kick off a new school year and grateful to partner with educators across the region to be a go-to resource for inspiring students beyond the classroom. Parents and teachers alike recognize the power of informal learning in igniting enthusiasm for learning. The Lab is a great place to light that fire, whether on a family outing or a field trip.



We wish all of our partners and education, teachers, administrators, parents, and of course, the students, a fantastic year of learning ahead! We are grateful for our philanthropic partners who our mission possible year-round and for our Launch the Future campaign partners that are helping us exponentially expand our capacity with the amazing new Northern Virginia Science Center, opening in mid-2027!

Adalene "Nene" Spivy

Chief Executive Officer

Cybersecurity Intern Program Celebrates Largest Summer Ever!

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is a statewide network of university, industry, government, and nonprofit partners driving cybersecurity research and workforce development. Since 2021, the Science Center has partnered with CCI Nova Node lead George Mason University to facilitate the CCI Intern program, which places local high schoolers in cybersecurity internships. This year's cohort was our largest class yet with 50 students!

2026 CCI interns during a bootcamp day at George Mason University.

Before embarking on their summer internships, students attend a two-week bootcamp where they gain professional skills and learn from industry experts. Students past and present consistently emphasize how important the CCI internship program is for them, and how much they gain confidence, knowledge, and real-world work experience. Our many industry partners also love this chance to invest directly in the future.

“One of the things I value most about CGI’s partnership with the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative is our shared commitment to developing the next generation of cyber professionals. By connecting students with experienced mentors and meaningful, mission-focused work, we’re helping build a highly skilled workforce that’s prepared to solve our nation’s most complex challenges. Together, we’re strengthening Virginia’s cyber ecosystem while investing in the future of our industry.” - Tyeshia McIntyre-Bray, CGI Director of Consulting & Executive Sponsor of CCI

On August 6th, partners, students, and families gathered at the Lab to celebrate the completion of the 2026 CCI program. Thank you to all the partners, staff, and supporters who make this program possible, and thank you to the 2026 CCI interns for giving it your all!

What's Happening at the Lab?

LAST WEEK FOR SUMMER CAMP!

Monday, August 17 - Friday, August 21

Don't miss your last chance for a 2026 Lab summer camp! Museum Makers is a highlight reel of our campers' favorites: guest scientists, animal ambassadors, engineering challenges, art...and even a dash of slime. 😉 Make some museum-worthy memories! Rising grades 1-5.

SEPTEMBER SPECIES SATURDAYS

Starts September 5th

A fan favorite returns in September! On Species Saturdays, each timed entry session will include an encounter with one of our beloved animal ambassadors. The encounters will last about 20 minutes, and include an optional touch portion at the end. Come say hello to Oliver the pygmy hedgehog, X the corn snake, and more!

Mission Moments

SHARK MONTH

July was the return of Shark Month, and it was a fin-tastic time! Guests got crafty making shark fin hats, became scientific investigators during Shark Tooth Sleuth and more. We loved seeing all the families snapping fun photos in the shark Photo Booth!

DEEP DIVE DAY

What a great way to wrap up Shark Month! Young STEM enthusiasts solved an ocean chemistry mystery (featured above), and met an ocean researcher. The excavation activity with real shark teeth was especially popular: after their dig, kids catalogued their finds and even got to take them home.

Volunteer Spotlight:

Ella & Taylor G.

Sisters Ella and Taylor G. are outstanding volunteers! Ella began volunteering in 2024 as a high schooler, with Taylor joining in 2025. Ella continues to volunteer during her breaks from college, and Taylor is a Camp Intern this summer. To date, Ella has contributed over 200 volunteer hours, and Taylor over 180: wow!

How did you first learn about the Children's Science Center Lab? 

We first learned about the Science Center Lab as kids when we came for a weekend session (Ella) and a friend's birthday party (Taylor). We also passed by it often whenever we visited Fair Oaks Mall, so it became a place that was always familiar to us!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Ella: I'm a rising sophomore at the University of Virginia, currently studying biochemistry on a pre-med track. I like to cook, crochet, and listen to music!

Taylor: I'm a rising senior at Oakton High School. I like baking, going outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and making crafts!

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Lab? 

We most enjoy the friendly environment and the excitement that radiates off the kids! All the staff, other volunteers, and families are always so kind and help make the center feel like a warm, welcoming community to be a part of.

What scientist do you admire most and why? 

We most admire Rosalind Franklin because of her critical role in discovering the double-helix structure of DNA and for inspiring so many females to pursue careers in STEM.

How can we inspire young people to become interested in science? 

We can inspire young people to become interested in science by introducing them to science concepts in a fun and engaging way! When we were kids, we were lucky enough to participate in many STEM activities, whether it was watching a baking soda volcano erupt or building our own protective structures for egg-drop challenges. Experiences like these made science feel exciting and helped us develop a passion for the subject.

What is one scientific question you would like to see answered in your lifetime?

Is it possible for humans to live on another planet?

Interested in volunteering? Learn more here!

Try It at Home!

MOON PHASES 🌘🌗🌕

The Moon reflects light from the Sun as it orbits, or circles, around the Earth. But why does it look like the Moon changes shape in the sky throughout the month? Find out yourself in this experiment!

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.