Lifelong learners and their grandkids offered new class at Explorit

Many people believe children are the focus of Explorit Science Center’s education efforts, but the center’s mission is to engage all people in hands-on science.  This winter, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is taking advantage of this mission with an exciting new course, “Discovering the Wonders of Science.”

It is designed to give OLLI members a chance to explore science through Explorit’s hands-on format.  It will meet from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. on four Saturdays beginning March 7 at the Explorit’s main site, 2801 Second St.  

If you’re not familiar with OLLI, its mission is to further the pursuit of lifelong learning by offering a diverse educational program of high quality, affordable courses and events for seniors living in Davis and nearby communities.

At Explorit, OLLI class members are encouraged to bring up to four grandchildren to learn with them during the courses. In fact, a grandparent membership at Explorit –  a $50 value – is a bonus of enrollment. The class costs $45, and an OLLI membership ($10) is required to enroll.

Topics for the four class sessions:

(bullet) "Move It! Science in Action:" After working on a few engineering and physics challenges, get some hands-on time in Explorit's first long-term exhibition where you can explore questions about motion, such as "What affects an object's spin?" "How do still images in a movie combine to create the illusion of motion?" Race two types of cycles, experiment with sound waves, make your own stop-animation movie and more.

(bullet) "The Energy Story": Energy is all around us – even within us. Often it's invisible. What is this weird force that can't be created or destroyed? Have a "hair-raising" experience with Explorit's Van de Graaff generator, make a circuit and investigate the many forms of energy that are a part of our lives.

(bullet) "Nurturing Inquiry": A Chinese proverb states: "Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand." The last part of this statement is the essence of inquiry-based learning. Learn about the cycle of inquiry though a selection of activities about observation and classification. Make some slime and Explor-ick, try out an inquiry-cube, investigate mystery bags and meet some of Explorit's resident animals.

(bullet) "Into the Earth": A mountain range takes millions of years to form, but in minutes a volcanic eruption can alter it. Both slowly and sometimes abruptly, the Earth's surface is changing. Discover our planet's features and the forces that keep us on our toes.

At each session, there will be an introduction with an Explorit educator, guided exploration through activities relating to a theme, wrap-up and a discussion period.

“The classes are a great opportunity for OLLI members and their grandchildren to explore science in Explorit’s self-directed, hands-on learning environment,” says Program Director Megan Contreras. “We’re looking forward to extending our programming to OLLI members and hope to strengthen curiosity about science during the course.”

For more information or to register online, visit OLLI’s section of the UC Davis Extension website, http://extension.ucdavis.edu.

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Saturday (Feb. 7) is the 11th Annual Sacramento Museum Day. Both Explorit’s main site and its Mace Park Branch, 3141 Fifth St., will be open for free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last guests admitted at 4 p.m.

Detailed information about the 25 other participating museums, suggested parking, public transit options and free event shuttle routes is available at www.sacmuseums.org (click on “Museum Day”) or by calling (916) 808-7777.

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Explorit Science Center has two exhibitions running: “Body Blueprints” and “Move It! Science in Action.” Admission is $4 general, free for age 3 and under. The museum is open from 2-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Explorit is at 2801 Second Street, Davis. For more information: (530) 756-0191 or www.explorit.org