Homepage ... Columns from 2000 ... 1995-1999 Column Index

Article for: The Davis Enterprise
Date: December 5, 2003
Author: Kimberly Bernick

CLASSES BRING SCIENCE FUN TO HOLIDAY SEASON

It's raining, it's pouring, Explorit's exploring! That's right-the weather is chilly and school is out for the holidays, but that does not mean that it is time for idle minds. From December 22 through January 2, Explorit Science Center's Winter Vacation Classes are in full swing. At Explorit, children and parents alike are sure to find something to intrigue that inner scientist.

Children in grades 1-5 can discover the sweet side of engineering while constructing a graham cracker candy house, or make some creative holiday gifts using simple science skills and a good dose of creativity. Sound interesting? Maybe a mad scientist in the making would prefer Explorit's "Chemistry Creations" class, or an animal lover the "Bird Bazaar." Littler scientists, ages 3-5, can tap into their musical intuitions while experimenting with sound, or meet some new feathered friends on an outdoor bird walk.

"Classes are a good opportunity for parents to get in some extra holiday shopping," remarks Mackenzie Tysell, program director. Or, if the shopping is all done, Explorit invites all parents, grandparents, babysitters and guardians to join their children in a dose of winter science fun with drop-in family programs. Adults and children can build bridges out of gumdrops, as well as create an instrument to help ring in the new year. One adult may stay with multiple children, or enjoy a fun one-on-one bonding experience with a single child. 

Classes are arranged into age specific categories, grouping together those little scientists ages 3-5, and the older children in grades 1-5. This is a new, more flexible structure, allowing parents to more easily enroll multiple elementary level children in the same class. Children may come for one day of class only, or enroll in multiple classes throughout the week.

Classes requiring registration are $12 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Drop-in family classes, taking place on December 26 and January 2, are free with a $3 paid museum admission.

Walk-in and phone-in registration begins at 9 am on December 8. Mail and fax registration begins December 10. For more information or to request a winter class brochure, contact Explorit Science Center at 530-756-0191.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Explorit's current exhibition "Earth Elements: Discovering Natural Resources" ends Sunday. Explorit's exhibit hall will be closed Dec. 8-12 and will reopen Dec. 13 with the new exhibit "Get a Clue! Solving Mysteries with Science."

Although the exhibit hall will be closed, Explorit's business office and gift shop will remain open Dec. 8-12. Business hours are 9am - 4:30 pm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Explorit Science Center is at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. The current exhibition is "Earth Elements: Discovering Natural Resources," which continues through Dec. 7. The exhibit hall will be closed Dec. 8-12 and will reopen on Dec. 13. Public hours are Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.explorit.org or call Explorit at (530) 756-0191.