By: Tom Wickersham

EXPLORIT'S SCIENCE PROGRAMS ARE A HIT AT AREA SCHOOLS

If you've ever had a chance to visit Explorit Science Center, then you know how important hands-on science is to us. But did you know that in addition to the hands-on science programs taking place at our site in Davis, we also deliver programs to schools?

That's right. We load up the Explorit van and travel to area schools bringing all kinds of life, earth, and physical sciences to kids, teachers and parents.

Last year we visited schools in 12 counties including Contra Costa, El Dorado, Napa, Placer, Sutter and Yuba. We even made a trip to Fresno! While we do travel far afield, we also provide lots of hands-on science closer to home in Solano, Sacramento and Yolo counties.

As you can see, there's quite a demand for science programs in elementary schools.

Understanding this need, Pacific Bell has weighed in with financial support for these hands-on programs and has awarded a generous grant for Explorit Science Center's flagship outreach program, Science in Your World.

Science in Your World is a fantastic family science program. Each program brings together kids, parents and teachers who work to solve puzzles, study light, explore samples of animal bones or rocks, and understand more about their own bodies. Program participants also have the chance to investigate bridge building, bird flying, static electricity and more.

Special thanks go out to Pacific Bell for their support of Explorit's Science in Your World Program.

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We hope you were able to participate in last week's Vintage Masters Wine Tasting and Auction benefiting Explorit Science Center. Those who did enjoyed a gorgeous evening with lots of wines and food to sample. Many even walked away with unique items they picked up during one of the auctions.

All reports indicate that this fundraiser was a smashing success and funds generated during the evening will be used to support Explorit programs. Thanks to all who attended, contributed and especially, those who volunteered for this year's event. We hope to see you all again next year!

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Looking for another way to help Explorit? If you shop at Nugget Market, please save your receipts and then drop them off at Explorit.

Why? Because we collect all those receipts during the year (September 1 through June 15) and then turn them into Nugget who makes a donation to Explorit based on the receipt totals. The more receipts the greater the donation. We'll take receipts for purchases made with cash, check or debit card, but not with credit card. So bring in those receipts and help support science education.

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Explorit Science Center is located at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. The current exhibition is "A Fly on the Wall and Other Amazing Arthropods." 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 (with school ID) and children under 4 are free. For more information, visit Explorit's web site at www.dcn.davis.ca.us/GO/EXPLORIT/ or call Explorit at (530) 756-0191.