July 2022
Summer is a great season for learning! 

With kids out of school and families spending extra time together, summer offers the perfect time for leaning into informal learning experiences at science centers, museums, parks, zoos, beaches, and even in our own backyards. There is more light, time, and opportunity for making learning a fun and meaningful experience for the whole family to enjoy together.

And then there are special moments where the world loves science altogether – this summer that moment is witnessing the amazing marvels of our universe through the lens of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). We are honored to be among the science centers partnering with NASA to share the exciting images from the JWST. Read more below about the many ways the science center is making the most of this summer and how to join in the fun!
Sincerely,
Nene Spivy
Executive Director
It's Shark Month! 🦈
Take a bite out of STEM

July is Shark Month at the Lab! Celebrate the incredible creatures of the sea all month long. Special shark activities will be offered during timed entries Saturdays and Sundays through July 31!

This summer, timed-entry sessions are from 10 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 4 pm!

Order tickets at childsci.org/tickets and save $2 per ticket.
Mark your Calendars!
Coming Soon: James Webb Space Telescope
Mark sure you visit the Lab the weekend of August 6 - 7.

The Lab will be celebrating the success of the James Webb Space Telescope! Make your own intergalactic goo at the experiment bar, create your own constellation at the Tinker Shop, and learn how to pack a paper model of the JWST! 
Become a Citizen Scientist This Summer!
Globe at Night
Turn your backyard into an observation center! Join the Globe at Night international campaign and learn the impact of light pollution. Measure the night sky brightness (from any location) and submit your observation to add to over 200,000 measurements from 18 countries! Visit globeatnight.org to explore 14 years of data on the interactive data map as well as learn how to record and submit your measurements. 

Get started today!

Team Member Wins Community Service Award!
Congratulations to Sue Fajer
The Arc of Loudon recently presented its Community Service Awards. The honorees included Program Manager of Youth Development Initiative, Sue Fajer, who received the Rick Berry Professional of the Year Award. Sue has been instrumental in elevating the experience and advancement of young professionals pursuing STEM fields both at the Arc and the Science Center. Well done Sue!
Pictured L to R: Sonny Swann, Curt Carlson, Lisa Kimball, Sue Fajer, and John Tett.
Volunteer Spotlight
Ashwika Chandu, Lab Intern
How did you first learn about the Science Center?
I first learned about the Science Center through my college and career counselor!

Tell us a little bit about yourself: Where are you from, occupation, homelife, etc.
I am a rising junior at TJHSST and have lived in Northern Virginia my entire life! My family consists of my mom, dad, sister, and golden retriever. History was my favorite subject growing up, but I have slowly moved on to the challenges and intrigue that science brings with it. Throughout my life, I have always wanted to become a doctor, but the specific specialty is still undetermined.

I am extroverted and talkative once I get to know people, so this environment has been the perfect place for me. Outside of school and work I am both incredibly lazy and active. I love binge-reading books as well as horseback riding and walking my dog. I have been an equestrian for almost 8 years now!

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Center?
The environment! I love how friendly everyone is and how everyone gets to voice their opinions and ideas while also feeling like part of this community. The community has always felt inclusive and joyful, regardless of the mood I was in – and the campers definitely pick up on it too!

What scientist do you admire most and why?
Dr. Pamela Mehta-- She’s an orthopedic surgeon who, after struggling with a bad workplace environment and misogyny, went on to run her own surgical practice. I have followed her Instagram for a long time, and it is incredibly inspiring to see somebody build a life similar to the one I want to lead, while also managing to focus on her kids and participate in other activities. Her “can-do” attitude and her ability to fight against the casual misogyny orthopedic surgeons face make me very happy.

How can we inspire young people to become interested in science?
As a child, my favorite way to learn from science was to apply it to how things worked. For example, I was intrigued by how a certain angle and amount of force could push in a nail better than brute force in the slide set I tinkered with. During my time at the Children's Science Center Lab, I have noticed that a lot of the kids work similarly, especially with our chain reaction wall. Every day at camp, the kids crowd around that machine and, without realizing it, learn about the uses of speed, friction, and slope. The best thing for young people to become interested in science would be to connect science to things that matter to them.

What is one scientific question you would like to see answered in your lifetime?
Do ghosts exist? And if so, who gets to be a ghost?

If you're interested in becoming a Lab Intern, please visit our website for more details.
Try It At Home!
Ocean Currents

When we look out at the ocean, or any big body of water, you might think that the only moving water is the waves on top. Believe it or not, there is actually moving water under the surface. We call this moving water below the surface, a current.

In this experiment, explore the density and temperature!

Try it at home with just water, ice, salt, and food coloring!
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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