Big Community, Big Heart
In this month of love, we share our love for the many volunteers and supporters who open a world of possibilities for the children, families, and schools we serve. Sometimes Northern Virginia feels big and disconnected, yet we regularly witness the extraordinary size of our community’s heart through the contributions of our volunteers and supporters. Our organization was run entirely by volunteers in its earliest days, and now passionate volunteers work side by side with passionate staff members to deliver our mission every day. Some give time and talent, and many more share treasure. With this generosity, we survived the pandemic, continued our commitment to equity of access, and significantly progressed on the journey to create the Northern Virginia Science Center.
Here are a few facts that demonstrate our community’s big heart:
- Last year, 434 volunteers gave 9,340 hours to the science center.
- Thanks to generous grants, sponsorships and donations, this school year the science center is providing programs to over 40% of the region’s (100+) Title 1 elementary schools.
- Volunteers and supporters have helped us serve 440,000 visitors at the Lab and in community outreach programs over the last decade.
- Public and private supporters have committed 92% of the funds needed for the $100M project to build the Northern Virginia Science Center, which will serve over 300,000 people annually.
From our hearts to yours, thank you for inspiring a love of STEM learning and ensuring we continue this work in our community for generations to come!
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Nene Spivy
Executive Director
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STEM Kits with Google!
January 9
Thank you to our champions at Google who partnered with the Science Center to pack 200 STEM Kits with hands-on slime and binary code activities. These STEM Kits will spark curiosity and joy in children of Northern Virginia served by Mobile Hope!
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Timed Entries!
January 16
Young scientists had the chance to visit the Lab for an extra timed entry on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The highlight was the new activity at the Experiment Bar—Splitting Water!
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The Lab is open on
President's Day!
Monday, February 20 • Timed Entries
Celebrate President's Day with the Lab this Monday! The Lab will be open for timed entries at 10am and 2pm.
This will also be the last chance to enjoy the Winter Wonder Lab— don't miss out on going on an Artic Animal Expedition, and creating a Winter Creature Corner. Snowy Slime will be available until February 26.
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Spring and Summer Break Camps on sale now! |
The Lab's camps offer kids an opportunity to explore STEM concepts in a fun, exciting way. Our experienced team of STEM educators collaborate with small groups of campers to create, design, tinker, and more. Camp themes include slime, space, earth sciences, physics, and more!
Purchase a week-long camp through February 28th and receive a $25 discount per camp!
Code: EARLYBIRD23
Want access to a 10% discount and more? Become a member! Learn more here.
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Visit the Camp Fair at
Fair Oaks Mall!
Saturday, February 18 • 12-3 PM • Grand Court West
Do you want to learn more about our exciting Summer and Spring Camps before registering? Visit the Camp Fair at Fair Oaks Mall this Saturday hosted by Washington Family Magazine! Speak to our Camp Manager about our special programs for the season and even have the chance to see activities that your child can participate in. No registration is required! Free to attend.
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Added Value— Amazing Anatomy!
Sunday, February 19 • Timed Entries
Come visit the Lab this Sunday for some fun and fascinating activities that will take you inside the human body to learn how the heart and many other organs function. Join us to create your own skeletal hand model, play brain games and teasers, and much more! This event is provided by the Youth Advisory Board of the science center.
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Added Value— Engineers
Week Celebration
Saturday, February 25 • 2pm
Join us on February 25th to celebrate Engineers Week. Explore hands on engineering activities to learn more about electricity, coding, and programming! Activities include experimenting with ozobots and more!
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Coming Next Month!
Cherry Blossom Celebration at the Lab!
March 25 - April 16
While the Winter Wonder Lab closes this month, it is time to prepare for Spring! Next month, celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival close to home by visiting the Lab. Try special activities at the Experiment Bar and Tinker Shop including Flower Power and Origami!
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STEM Star Spotlight
Outstanding Team Members
Highlighting the great work of team members from December 2022! STEM Stars are team members who went above and beyond to help the organization, guests, and/or supporters, and are recognized every quarter by our team.
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Melanie Read
Communications Manager
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Nancy Gustafson
Administrative Coordinator
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Kate Ketchum
Staff Accountant
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Try It At Home!
Optical Illusions
An optical illusion is an image that plays a trick on your brain. When we look at them, we may see something different than what is actually there. Learn all about them in this experiment!
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The Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates the Children's Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall and STEM programs traveling to schools and other community venues across the region. |
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