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Date: January 29, 2010

Folsom's LEGO robot teams to give demonstrations

If you like LEGOs, robots or both, Explorit Science Center has a program for you on Feb. 14.

Two teams of Folsom students will give demonstrations of their Lego robots from 1-4 p.m. at the center, 2801 Second St. in Davis. The program is free after paid admission.

The Folsom Gatorbytes is a team of middle school kids who participate in the FIRST Lego League (FLL). This team has been around for more than five years, and it has won many awards in national and international arenas.

At Explorit, the Gatorbytes will demonstrate their LEGO robots navigating several SmartMove missions on a test track similar to one used in competitions.

The other team visiting Explorit is the Phoenixtrix, a rookie team of high school students who compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge. Several members are alumni of the Gatorbytes. Their robots can collect balls and shoot into different targets.

At Explorit, the Phoenixtrix will be selling Hexbugs as a fundraiser. Hexbugs are micro robotic creatures containing sensors that respond to light, touch and sound. Specifically, the team will sell Hexbug Ants, Crabs, and Nanos.
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Explorit has a host of other coming events:
Saturday (Jan. 30): Nicholas Ruppel, Barbara Swedo and Mallorie Taylor from UC Davis will present a “Meet the Scientists” family program from 1-4 p.m. at Explorit's main site. It is part of “Portal to the Public” project, a collaborative science initiative supported by the National Science Foundation. Explorit is one of eight museums nationwide participating in the yearlong project; its goal is to promote the public's understanding of and appreciation for current scientific.

Feb. 6: 12th Annual Museum Day with free admission for all, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Explorit's main site. All told, 25 other museums in the Sacramento area will be open for free as well. This event is presented by the Sacramento Association of Museums and supported by Umpqua Bank. For more information: http://www.sacmuseums.org.museumday.html.

Feb. 7: Free Explorit admission for visitors with Bank of America charge or debit cards. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Feb. 12: Parents' Night Out, an event co-sponsored by Explorit and the Davis Diamonds. Children ages 5-12 can enjoy pizza, gymnastics and science activities while parents celebrate an early Valentine's Day on their own. 5-9 p.m. Reservations are required; they may be made by calling Davis Diamonds at (530) 750-3547.

Feb. 13: Exhibition of entries in the Second Annual Biotech Expo Poster Competition, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Students in grades 6-9 were invited to enter competition individually or in teams of up to three, researching a current biotech topic and designing an educational poster display. It is co-sponsored by BioTech SYSTEM and Explorit.
Feb. 15: Holiday hours, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Feb. 22: Holiday hours, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Last day to visit the exhibition "What's Out There? Exploring Our Universe."

Feb. 26: Free Admission Friday, courtesy of the Kelly Foundation. 2-5 p.m.
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Explorit Science Center is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, 2 - 5 p.m. on Wednesdays - Fridays, and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at 2801 Second St. in Davis. Admission is $4 general, free for ages 3 and under, as well as members and teachers with ID. For more information: http://www.explorit.org or (530) 756-0191.