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Greetings!
And Happy Holidays to all! As we look forward to an exciting new year, we'd also like to take the opportunity to reflect on the important milestones the Children's Science Center has achieved in 2008. The year was a turning point in a number of ways for our vision of a hands-on children's museum located in Northern Virginia.
Perhaps most importantly, the board of directors honed that vision to incorporate and tap into Northern Virginia's rich technological resources. Early in the year, the board voted to focus the museum's mission on interactive science and math exhibits. Accordingly, the former Children's Museum of Northern Virginia was transformed into the Children's Science Center.
With the new name came a clear and focused mission statement: 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.
 To guide and develop the ambitious project to create a world-class children's math and science museum, the board sought to hire an experienced and knowledgeable professional in the industry. The search yielded an expert in our own metropolitan backyard: Ann Myers, former Senior Director of Development at the Maryland Science Center, and now the Executive Director of the Children's Science Center.
Partnerships also were formed by distinguished area institutions, including the University of Maryland Human-Computer Interaction Lab, whose KidsTeam will be providing children's input into every aspect of our facility, exhibits and programs.
Even as these new developments occurred, the Children's Science Center's continued its "Museum without Walls" program, providing engaging activities for children at community events in the spring, summer and fall. These programs often depended on the many volunteers who gave up time on weekends to help promote the goal of making science cool through hands-on projects.
The Children's Science Center also expanded its reach into cyberspace with the launch of its new Web site, www.TheChildrensScienceCenter.org, in late summer. The launch coincided with the unveiling of the Center's new logo, which incorporates its mission through its tagline, "Explore.Create.Inspire."
In the year ahead, we hope to share many more exciting developments, including the opening of our new facility. We thank all of our supporters, and hope to see you often in the New Year!
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New in 2009: Outreach Programs
Are you a member of an organization that would benefit from regular science programs that would provide hands-on activities for children of all ages?
The Children's Science Center is looking for volunteer coordinators to launch outreach programs in their community venues, such as schools, libraries, recreations centers and more. Coordinators will be responsible for setting up the programs with venues and leading the activities.
The Children's Science Center for a small fee will provide all the training, resources and materials for these programs. Additionally, if you would prefer, members of the Children's Science Center staff and/or volunteers will come to your site to present the program for a small fee. For more information about the program, please send an e-mail to info@TheChildrensScienceCenter.org. |
Kids Science Contest
Students in 3rd to 6th grade are invited to enter the Kids' Science Challenge, in which they submit an experiment or problem for a participating scientist to solve. Deadline to enter is Jan. 31, 2009.
Grand prizes include a research voyage on San Francisco's Marine Science Institute vessel, a tour of the Cadbury flavor research laboratory, and a skateboard factory tour and a demo by professional skateboarders for the winner's school.
For contest rules and details, visit http://kidsciencechallenge.com.
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Giving to the
Children's Science Center
In the year ahead, the Children's Science Center will continue to bring our Museum without Walls into the community while working to open a new facility where families can explore, create and be inspired.
Making this community resource a reality, however, requires your financial support, large or small.
Here's how you can donate:
Online: Visit the How to Donate page on www.TheChildrensScienceCenter.org to make an immediate donation with your credit card via Google Checkout.
Mail: You also can send donations to
Donations
Children's Science Center
485 Spring Park Place Suite 500
Herndon, VA 20171
If you work for an employer with a matching gift program, you may be able to increase your gift to the Children's Science Center by 100% or more. Matching gift forms and details are available through your company's Human Resources office.
The Children's Science Center is a 501 (c)(3) organization and your donation is fully tax deductible.
If you would like more information about donating to the Children's Science Center, please contact Executive Director Ann Myers at (703)648-3130.
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Kids' Corner
Consider This Fun Activity For Your Children
If the weather doesn't comply with your kids' wishes for snow, here's an activity for you to make your own snow. All you need is a very cold (near 0° F) dry day, a cup, and boiling water!
Snow Day
From Education World's Show-Biz Science*
What you'll need:
Teacup
Boiling water
How to make it:
Carry a cup of boiling hot water outside. With a large motion, throw the water (not the cup) as high in the air as possible. Be sure to aim your throw away from anyone. Watch carefully; the water will turn into snow and fall to the ground.
Science Notes:
Snow forms when tiny drops of water freeze in the air. There are several things you can do to ensure snowflake formation.
- A cold, dry day increases the rate at which water evaporates. Evaporation creates a cooling effect and can make the droplet freeze more quickly.
- Be sure to use hot water. Hot water evaporates more quickly than cold water; that quicker cooling effect makes the ice shell form more quickly at the surface of each drop.
- Throw the water as high as possible. That gives it more time to freeze as it falls. Don't use distilled water; tap water has the necessary impurities to form a "center" around which ice can form.
* Show-Biz Science is scripted by Vicki Cobb, Education World Science Editor.
If you'd like to create more snow, you can also buy Insta-Snow Powder in kits of up to 8 gallons on the Steve Spangler Science Web site, where you can watch a video of the nationally recognized science teacher demonstrate on the "Ellen DeGeneres Show" how he can create snow in seconds.
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The 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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