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Greetings!
A magical time was had by all at the recent Enchanted Forest event, where the Children's Science Center treated hundreds of families to a preview of our vision and provided hands-on science and math activities for children of all ages. 
"As Albert Einstein said, 'Imagination is more important than knowledge,' and the foundation of the Children's Science Center is the belief that a young child's imagination can spark a lifelong love of science, if given the right tools and nurturing," said Ann Myers, executive director of the Children's Science Center. Myers led a team of volunteers, including board members Kimberly Beach, Brenda Hyde, Susan Joyce, Leo Ryzdewski and Heather Tedesco, who assisted with activities.
The Children' Science Center also would like to thank the members of the community who responded to our call for volunteers, as well as the Junior League of Northern Virginia volunteers for their support at this event.
The Enchanted Forest is an annual fundraiser sponsored by the Junior League of Northern Virginia, a major supporter of the Children's Science Center. Thousands of visitors young and old enjoyed a winter wonderland of holiday trees, handmade gingerbread homes, holiday shopping and children's activities on the weekend of Nov. 22-23 at the Sheraton Reston.
To view more photographs of Childrens Science Center fun at The Enchanted Forest, please visit our Flickr site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/32722947@N05/.
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Don't forget to visit us at
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Corporate Matching Program
If you're considering giving to the Children's Science Center this holiday season, you might also want to check with your company to see if they offer a matching gift program.
Some companies even match gifts from retired employees and
employees' spouses. Forms and and details about your company's program would be available
through your Human Resources office. Simply obtain a form,
fill it out, and send it to us.
If you have any questions, please e-mail Info@TheChildrensScienceCenter.org.
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Seeking specialists
The Children's Science Center is seeking volunteers for the following positions:
A 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, please e-mail info@TheChildrensScienceCenter.org.
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Community Outreach
The Children's Science Center has been fulfilling our mission to spark children's interest in science and math through our Museum without Walls program, through which we provide interactive and engaging activities for children at major community events in and around Northern Virginia.
We are broadening the program to incorporate regular outreach programs at other community venues such as schools, libraries, recreation centers and more. At these programs, volunteers will offer hands-on science and math activities to children of all ages.
If you would like to help support and promote the Children's Science Center, we are looking for community event coordinators to spearhead these efforts. The Children's Science Center will provide all the training, resources and materials for these programs.
Coordinators will be responsible for setting up the programs with venues, helping to find volunteers to assist, and leading the activities.
If you are interested in coordinating or volunteering with our programs, please e-mail Executive Director Ann Myers at a.myers@thechildrenssciencecenter.org.
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Kids' Corner
Consider This Fun Activity For Your Children
The following activity was one of the most popular ones we offered at the recent Enchanted Forest event!
Make a Fossil
From Southern Illinois University Carbondale Geology Program
What you'll need:
Small objects such as shells, leaves and acorns
Modeling clay
Waxed paper
Plaster of Paris
Container for mixing
How to make it:
For each item you'd like to fossilize, place a large ball of clay on a piece of waxed paper and flatten it into a thick circle.
Now make an impression in the clay by gently pressing in the object and then removing it.
Prepare some plaster of Paris according to the package directions so that it has a smooth but thick consistency.
Spoon plaster into each impression thoroughly filling it in.
Let the plaster dry completely (about 30 to 60 minutes), then peel away the "clay" to reveal your fossil.
Science Notes:
To learn about prehistoric life on earth, scientists search for and study fossils. Fossils are the remains of animals and plants preserved within the rocks that make up the earth's crust.
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Theh Children's Science Center is a nonprofit museum dedicated to sparking 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, visit www.TheChildrensScienceCenter.org. Please direct all inquiries to Executive Director Ann Myers at (703) 648-3130 or Children's Science Center, 485 Spring Park Place Suite 500, Herndon VA 20170.
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