May 28, 2010

Explorit Celebrates Members and 'Matter!'
By Becky Remy

Would you believe that the most common states of matter on Earth (solid, liquid and gas) are actually the most uncommon in our universe?!

Explorit is gearing up to present its new exhibition, "Take Matter Into Your Own Hands,” opening on June 5 running through August 29. Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the exhibition will include activities about elements, atoms, phase changes.

Program Director, Megan Contreras states, "I am excited about a new demonstration that will involve cornstarch, water, and a wave driver donated by PASCO Scientific." To see how this experiment works, visit www.youtube.com/exploritvideo.

To kick off the new exhibit, Explorit will host its "Annual Member Appreciation Event" for members and special guests on Friday, June 4 from 6-8pm at 2801 2nd Street. Membership Coordinator, Lindsay Poss says, "This annual event is open to not only our current members, but also those of you in the community who might be interested in checking out what our memberships have to offer you and your family."

In addition to getting a sneak preview of the new exhibition, guests will also get a free dinner provided by Woodstock's pizza, hear music from Black Diamond Productions, and have time to engage one-on-one with our Summer Science Camp education staff. Poss says, "Last year, over 200 people attended, so make sure to RSVP by June 1 (to lindsay@explorit.org). The more the merrier, and what better way to kick off the summer!"

If you are not yet a member, you might be wondering why families decide to join Explorit. The reasons vary from family to family, but most join for the great benefits:

• Members enter Explorit for free year-round! Members can enjoy discovering the array of science activities presented through changing and permanent exhibitions.
• Free admission to over 300 other museums worldwide (www.astc.org/passport) through the Association of Science-Technology Centers.
• Discounts! Save money on Explorit programs including Summer Science Camps and Birthday Parties. Membership also entitles you to a 10% discount in the Explorit Store.
• Members also get the satisfaction of knowing that their money goes towards supporting science education for Northern California schoolchildren, many of whom are not receiving science curriculum in their classrooms due to cuts in state funding and local school district budgets.

So, bring your children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors to Explorit on June 4th to see how we can benefit your family year-round in a fun and educational way. You'll come to realize you don't have to leave Davis to have an exciting and meaningful time away from home with your family. We're only right down the street, so we'll see you there!

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Remember, Explorit is one of three finalists in the Yolo Federal Credit Union "Give A Click" Program. To vote, visit http://www.yolofcu.org/promotions.htm?yolotabs=2. You do not need to sign up for anything or provide any personal information in order to vote. One vote from an IP address is allowed until June 15, and the organization that receives the most votes will receive a $1,500 donation. Thank you for your support!

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Explorit Science Center, at 2801 Second Street, has two exhibitions on currently on display: "Move It! Science in Action" and opening June 5: "Take Matter Into Your Own Hands." Admission is $4 general, free for teachers, and ages 3 and under. The museum is open to school groups by reservation and to the general public 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. For more information: (530) 756-0191 or www.explorit.org.