By: Tom Wickersham

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SPRING BREAK BOREDOM? NOT AT EXPLORIT

Spaces still remain in Explorit's Spring Vacation Science Classes, April 13-17 for girls and boys in grades 1-5. So, this year, instead of the traditional "I'm bored," why not "Guess what I learned!"

Here's a chance to enrich a young child's mind about the science in their lives. With small classes and lots of hands-on activities, Explorit's classes provide a fun-filled learning opportunity.

For example, on Friday, April 17, students in "Body Building Blocks" will be visited by two live llamas. Students will have a great opportunity to study how animal characteristics relate to the way those animals live. In other words, does form follow function?

Llamas originated from the Andes Mountains in South America. Perhaps this helps explain their long legs, padded feet and wool coats. But why the long ears? And if llamas are related to camels, why are they so different? These and other questions will be investigated in "Body Building Blocks."

Other classes include "Animal Antics," "Be a Chemical Detective," "Earth Movers," and "Fanciful Flight." Classes cost $13 per student ($11 for members) and last one and a half hours. To register your child, or for more information, call Explorit Monday - Friday between 9 am and 4:30 pm at 756-0191.

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Did you know that April is National Fresh Celery Month? No foolin'. Did you know that April is also Keep America Beautiful Month and National Woodworking Month?

Closer to Explorit's heart, April is also the Month of the Young Child, and what a better way to participate than to join in at the Family Fun Day in Woodland. Tomorrow, Saturday April 4th, Explorit Science Center will join other organizations to provide science, games, crafts, food, entertainment and lots of information about opportunities, services and activities geared for children.

Family Fun Day takes place at Freeman Park, from 10:00 to 2:00 and is sponsored by the City of Woodland, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Childcare Directors Network. For more information, contact the City of Woodland at 661-5880.

So, bring the kids or invite the neighbor's kids, and head over to Freeman Park in Woodland to help celebrate Family Fun Day in honor of the Month of the Young Child. It just might be the perfect way to deal with issues related to April's Stress Awareness Month.

Keep posted for other upcoming Month of the Young Child events.

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One final piece of April lore. April is Community Services Month. Looking back on all the past months and years, it becomes clear how important a role community service has played in the building and shaping of Explorit Science Center. For over 15 years, Explorit has been, and continues to be the beneficiary of thousands of volunteer hours.

From donors to weekend volunteers, envelope stuffers to classroom assistants, Astronomy Club hosts to reptile caretakers, Explorit receives all kinds of community support. Explorit again wishes to thank all those who've contributed, little or large, to the on-going process of bringing important science education, discovery and fun to countless young children, students and adults.

In honor of Community Services Month, Explorit Science Center encourages you to find an organization or group that could use your skills, talents or time. Who knows, maybe you'll find that community service ought to be celebrated all year long.

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Explorit Science Center is located at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. The current exhibition is Bones and Muscles: Body Building Blocks. Public hours are Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. Regular admission is $3; members, teachers, and children under 4 are free.