The Children’s Science Center’s second Virtual Earth Day Extravaganza hosted by the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) was a huge success! After having to quickly adapt to a virtual setting last year due to the pandemic, the YAB members were ready and excited for this year’s Zoom celebration.
During the Earth Day event on April 18th, budding scientists from 4 to 12 years old learned about the environment from guest speaker Dr. Lida Anestidou, Senior Program Officer and Director of The National Academies, participated in hands-on activities, and played an engaging Kahoot game. The program was designed to teach children about the Earth’s environment, furthering their knowledge, and exploring new STEM topics. Over 50 young STEM enthusiasts registered for the two-hour free event.
Dr. Lida Anestidou discussed how climate change affects organisms such as polar bears and the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, in a breakout room involving an exciting cocoa powder and water experiment, the children saw firsthand how hydrophobic substances, such as oil in the real world can hurt the environment. Learning about oil spills through a hands-on activity opened the children’s eyes to ways we can help prevent ocean pollution. Participants also enjoyed making their very own sundials from recycled materials. Through building these creative tools, participants were able to discuss the importance of the Sun to life on Earth.
Earth Day is celebrated nationally on April 22 every year. The day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement that began back in 1970 and still inspires us to act towards the protection of the environment and focus on the need for conservation.
The Youth Advisory Board is made up of high school students who share a love of STEM and help support the mission of the Children's Science Center. We are so grateful to them for their love of STEM and our Earth!
