July 2019 
From the Executive Director                                                           
STEM Is Everywhere This Summer

There are more opportunities than ever for engaging in hands-on STEM experiences this summer, well beyond our museum walls, and at no cost for families. 

Summer is a perfect time for family outings and learning together. This summer we are visiting every library in Loudoun County with our Mini-Labs program. We are also part of the Fairfax County Libraries summer reading program. 

Please join us in celebrating the moon landing at the Apollo 50 celebration on the National Mall on July 18-20. It is also not too late to enjoy a summer stream walk, at Loudoun Water this Sunday, July 14. 

Our summer culminates with our 8th annual festival, the Summer of Science Celebration, in the Grand Court at Fair Oaks Mall on August 3. We hope to see you at one or many of these events.

Hands-on fun activities are also offered every day at the Children's Science Center Lab in Fair Oaks Mall. There are two brand new exhibits which arrived last month, along with fun summer programming everyone can enjoy. Make sure you check out the calendar of events and plan your next visit!

 





Executive Director
Children's Science Center
What's Happening at the Lab
Dive in Anytime!

This month's newest experiment is Solar Slime Learn about ultraviolet (UV) versus visible light, and test various UV blocking materials, all while making a classic favorite - slime!

Check out the calendar of events for information on what's happening at the Lab all month long! 
Youth Advisory Board
Openings for students in Loudoun Co.

The Youth Advisory Board is comprised of high school students who contribute to the Children's Science Center through leadership, networking, programs and more. If you know a teenager who is a rising 9-12 grader that attends a Loudoun County High School, is available for a monthly meeting during the upcoming school year, and would be interested in spreading the Children's Science Center's mission, please have them apply by contacting [email protected]. This is a youth volunteer opportunity.
Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing 
#ReadTogether


Volunteer Spotlight
Bonnie Garbus


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

I was looking for something fun to do with my niece who was visiting. We came to the Children's Science Center Lab and had a great time making hovercrafts.
 

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Where are you from, occupation, homelife, etc.

I grew up in Norfolk, VA where I graduated from Old Dominion University. My career was in technology as a Systems Engineer and an IT business analyst. I have two sons; one is a musician and the other is an electro-mechanical engineer.
 

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Center?

I love seeing the enthusiasm of the children when they do the hands-on activities and experiments. I also enjoy working with the staff who are so knowledgeable and creative in developing the activities.
 

What scientist do you admire most and why?

I admire the scientists who took part in mapping the Human Genome. The knowledge gained in this collaborative research effort has been critical in the development of new ways to prevent, treat and cure diseases.
 

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

Make science fun and relatable to everyday life. The Lab does a great job providing fun hands-on science experiments and letting the kids explore and learn at their own pace.
 

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

I would like to see renewable energy sources become affordable enough so that they can be used as a standard construction practice in all buildings and houses. This would be an important step to reduce the greenhouse gases produced in everyday living.

 

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with the Children's Science Center, please visit childsci.org.

 

Try It At Home:
Mystery Balloons

Summertime is here and things are getting hot, hot, hot! This experiment harnesses the energy of the sun to pop a balloon, letting all future scientists explore concepts around heat and light.
 



The Children's Science Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and your gifts directly support our mission and programs.