“As much as we try in our elementary classrooms to have hands-on science exploration, it’s really difficult to do that,” says Gail Johnson, a first-grade teacher at Pioneer Elementary School. “I bring the kids on field trips to Explorit specifically so they can have that hands-on experience.”

Thousands of teachers like Johnson depend on Explorit every year for science education. Shrinking budgets and increasing national and state mandates make it harder and harder for our elementary classrooms to provide even a few minutes of science education each week.

In addition, study after study shows that Americans are not literate in science and that there is a shortage of qualified employees ready to meet the demands of the job market.

Davis residents are invited to be a part of the solution. This spring, Explorit is asking you to make an investment in region’s children – the college students, teachers, researchers, inventors, policy-makers and business leaders of the future. These children will be making critical decisions in their adult lives that will be influenced by their knowledge of the world around them.

Explorit Science Center relies on the support of individuals and companies to provide hands-on science education for school groups and families. Without this support, Explorit would not be able to serve about 73,000 children and adults each year.

Local and regional business and community leaders as well as elected officials recognize Explorit’s excellent reputation and commitment to science literacy.

Read what Assemblywoman Lois Wolk told the crowd at the grand opening celebration of Explorit’s site at 2801 Second St.:

“We desperately need Explorit Science Center to encourage interest in and knowledge of science, so people will not be afraid of science and will incorporate it into the decisions they make.”

Pam Marrone, founder and CEO of Marrone Organic Innovations Inc., also sings the center’s praises: “We proudly support Explorit’s science education programs that increase science literacy for schoolchildren and families.”

Will you join Wolk and Marrone in supporting Explorit?

Please visit Explorit’s Web site, www.explorit.org, to donate today. A gift of $100, $50 or $25 will benefit the region's children and their future.

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Allison Cagley is director of development at Explorit. The center is open from 2-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission is $4 general, free for teachers and ages 3 and under. Explorit is at 2801 Second Street, Davis.
For more information: (530) 756-0191 or www.explorit.org