Explorit offers new two-year memberships

Explorit’s annual membership drive is now underway. A one-year membership supports hands-on science exploration and costs just $50 – well below the cost of membership at other science centers. In addition to discounts on camps, workshops, science birthday parties and merchandise in the Explorit Store, Explorit members receive unlimited free admission all year to Explorit, where people of all ages become active explorers by touching, testing, experimenting and questioning.

But that’s not all. An Explorit membership also provides free admission to more than 300 other museums in California and around the world.

“Free admission to Explorit and other museums is perfect. For our family, it was a huge benefit. I think we have saved approximately $200,” Explorit member Martins Fiehn said recently.

Member Jennifer Keystone agrees. “My whole family loves visiting Explorit because the exhibits are user-friendly, educational and interesting to all ages – and the staff is oh-so informative and nice. We really like that you provide us the opportunity to explore and learn about science and our physical world through low-tech (for the most part) everyday objects and activities.”

New this year is an option that allows members to save more than $10 on the cost of membership by joining or renewing for two years for only $89. That’s just $3 a month.

Those who care deeply about science literacy can show their support at higher levels – from $75 to $500. Join at the Darwin or Curie level and, in addition to the privilege of bringing four additional guests for free each time you visit and having your support recognized in the center’s quarterly newsletter, you’ll receive a free autographed copy of “The Book of Science Days” that contains a historically based science entry for each day of the year. Join at the Galileo or Einstein level and receive all of these benefits plus a free gift membership, a $50 value, to give to a family member, friend, a favorite teacher, neighbor or anyone on your holiday gift list.

Members also can be proud to know that their tax-deductible membership help provide hands-on science education to children and families in 14 northern and central California counties. Explorit makes science come alive by bringing inquiry-based science programs to children, parents, families, school groups and educators alike. Hands-on activities – the trademark of Explorit programs – encourage children to explore, experiment, draw conclusions and become critical thinkers. At their most basic level, they accomplish Explorit’s goal: to involve people in science experiences that touch our lives.

Program fees alone cover only a portion of the cost of Explorit’s programs. Membership revenue directly supports exciting programs, from school field trips to school-wide assemblies to family science nights. With each gift of membership, Explorit will continue to foster children’s interest in science and nurture the next generation of scientists and scientific breakthroughs.

Members have the satisfaction of knowing that they’re supporting science education, and those who join during the membership drive also receive a free members-only magnet and have a chance to win great prizes. This year’s prizes ranging from a free one-week summer science camp to gift certificates to the Explorit Store.

It’s easy to join: call Explorit at (530) 756-0191, stop by the museum on Second Street or download a form from www.explorit.org (click on Membership under the heading of Supporting Explorit.) Current members and other friends of Explorit will receive an invitation to renew in the mail this month.

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Explorit Science Center's current exhibit, "Field to Fridge to Fork: Following Food," runs until Feb. 18. Admission is $4 general, free for teachers and age 3 and under. The museum is open to school groups by reservation and to the general public 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