This page contains the material submitted to the local paper - The Davis Enterprise - for Explorit Science Center's news column published in that paper on Fridays.

The response has been tremendous. “My son’s enthusiasm every day after class and even throughout the week was always high,” stated a parent whose child was enrolled in Explorit’s Summer Science Classes.

This is just one example of the positive feedback Explorit received from both the children and their parents regarding the Summer Classes.

These classes, from “In an Octopus’ Garden” and “Kitchen Chemistry” to “Stories in Stone” and “Our Big Backyard,” are challenging, yet fun learning opportunities.

Another parent writes that her child, “was excited to be learning and happy to come back each day.”

Explorit’s weekly classes focusing on a range of science topics are almost too popular. A common complaint heard from many parents, if they complained at all, was that they could enroll their child in only one class. There was a high demand for these classes and some families were not able to enroll at all

What is the success of Explorit’s summer program? It is a combination of Explorit’s unique learning style mixed with quality teachers and volunteers.

Explorit’s classes emphasize active learning through age-appropriate experiments, hands-on activities, problem-solving, crafts, projects, and fun.

My child, writes another parent, “wanted to go each and every day to both class and [the afternoon] science club. Whatever you’re doing therefore is working!”

But even providing all kinds of exciting, hands-on materials isn’t enough. It takes energetic, enthusiastic and experienced personnel to make these classes successful. Explorit wishes to formally acknowledge these folks who made the excitement and learning happen this summer.

This year’s Summer Science Class teachers are Leslie Berry, Becky Brandi, Teryn Brulé, Susan Crider, Harriet Gadisman, John Gallagher, Christina Leuteman, Glen Lusebrink and Alice Peterson.

Another parent made a point of writing Explorit to praise her child’s teacher. “I thought the teacher worked well with the children. She seemed very excited and knowledgeable about the topic.”

But providing the enthusiasm would be difficult without a corps of volunteers. A big thanks goes to this summer’s volunteers: Paul Bhambra, Susan Crider, Kristen Dickey, Jenni Harrison, Lissy Hu, Emily Hunt, Leah Kando, Christine Kelly, Charlie Krauter, Amanda Lehman, Reecie Levin, Mindy Mattson, Nikki Pham, Amanda Vlasveld, and Vicky Woo.

Explorit’s Summer Science Classes end today. Anyone interested in enrolling their children in next summer’s program should call Explorit at (530) 756-0191 and ask to be put on the mailing list.

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Although the Summer Classes are wrapping up, not all the summer teachers are finished with their teaching. Christina Leuteman will appear tomorrow at Explorit with “Songs, Stories and Science,” a musical showcase for kids and their parents.

Joining Leuteman will be Bud Johnson on guitar, ukulele and kazoo and Lin Turner on wash tub bass.

Songs and stories are a great way to introduce children to the world of science. This free musical showcase is tomorrow from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Don’t forget to visit “Solving Mysteries with Science,” Explorit’s current exhibition before or after the musical program. Regular admission will apply for the exhibition.

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