Children's Science Center

 






Formerly Children's Museum of Northern Virginia
August 2008 
 Greetings! 
Summer's almost coming to an end, and we're glad to have met so many new families through our exhibits at Northern Virginia community events such as Viva Vienna, Celebrate Fairfax and Reston Festival.
 
Now we're looking forward to the fall and more opportunities to spread the word about Children's Science Center, a children's museum in Northern Virginia that will provide interactive exhibits aimed at making math and science cool!
 
We're looking for volunteers who will organize and/or speak at information sessions at your home, schools, or community or religious organizations. If you're interested, please contact Justine Wagner at (703) 648-3130 or info@cmnova.org.
 
The more people who support Children's Science Center, the faster we can open our doors to be the resource our families want and need.
Help Build the Museum


It's never too soon to make a donation to Children's Science Center.  Your gift of any size will have its biggest impact now as we work to develop a place where families can come together to explore, learn and play.

In addition to financial support, you can help connect us to corporate and foundation donors who will drive our upcoming capital campaign. You can even donate online by clicking here.

For more information, contact Justine Wagner at info@cmnova.org

Coming Soon!
 
In our newsletter last month, we mentioned that we've changed our name to Children's Science Center to reflect our mission to spark children's interest in science through interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage exploration of math and science, stimulate creativity, and inspire through active learning.
 
We've also been working on sharpening our image and revamping our Web site with award-winning brand marketing firm Hinge, and you'll be seeing the cool results of our efforts next month! 
 
Read All About Us

Reston Connection, a weekly community newspaper, recently published a great article about Children's Science Center.

The article quoted Board of Directors Chairman Brenda Hyde and Board Member Leo Rydzewski, who gave a presentation about the museum to the Reston Association on July 24.  

You can read the entire article by clicking here.

  
Seeking specialists


In addition to general volunteers, Children's Science Center needs professionals with specialized skills, including:  

Webmaster: Responsible for updating and maintaining the technical aspects of the center's new Web site.

Grant writers:  Responsible for identifying likely funding sources for specific projects and/or helping to write grant applications. 

If you are interested in these or other volunteer positions, please contact Justine Wagner at info@cmnova.org
Kids' Corner
Consider This Fun Activity For Your Children  

You don't have to Journey to the Center of The Earth to have a blast with a volcano. Try this easy science activity that uses common pantry items.
 
ERUPTING VOLCANO
From Kaboose.com

For the Volcano:
Large paper plate
Bathroom disposable cup (3 ounce is best)
Aluminum foil
Scotch tape
Scissors

To Make the Volcano Erupt:
Water
Baking soda
Vinegar
Tablespoon
Cup
Pan or tray
 
How to make it:
Attach the paper cup to the plate by taping the bottom of the cup to the middle of the plate.
Tear off a piece of foil large enough to completely cover the cup and plate.
Place the foil over the cup and plate and turn the foil under the plate edge.
Tape the foil in place.
Poke a hole through the foil into the middle of the cup.
Use scissors to make slits from the middle of the cup to the inside edge of the cup. Tape the foil to the inside of the cup. (see photo)
Now make your volcano erupt! (see below)

To Make Your Volcano Erupt:
Place the volcano on a pan or tray (or you'll get lava all over the place!)
Fill the volcano with 2 tablespoons of water and stir in a tablespoon of baking soda until it dissolves.
Measure 2 tablespoons of vinegar into a separate cup.
Pour the vinegar, all at once into the water/baking soda mixture and watch your lava bubble up!

Science Notes:

The bubbles that are created are filled with carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is a gas that forms when the vinegar (an acid) reacts with the baking soda (a base). This is also what makes cakes and quick breads (the no yeast kind) get all nice and fluffy.

DISCLAIMER: While this science experiment is generally considered safe and a low hazard, please use care when performing any science experiment. Adult supervision of children is always recommended. We expressly disclaim all liability for any occurrence, including, but not limited to, damage, injury or death which might arise from the use of any project or experiment here. You assume all liability and please use these projects at your own risk.
 

Children's Science Center's mission is to spark children's interest in science through interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage exploration of math and science, stimulate creativity, and inspire through active learning. For more information, e-mail info@cmnova.org, call (703) 648-3130 or send a letter to Children's Science Center, 485 Spring Park Place Suite 500, Herndon VA 20170.