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Explorit Science Center Weekly Column

This page contains the material submitted to the local paper - The Davis Enterprise - for Explorit
Science Center's news column published in that paper on Fridays.

December 3, 1999

By: Claire Murray

LAST CHANCE TO VISIT SIMPLE MACHINES EXHIBITION AT EXPLORIT

This weekend is your very last chance to visit Explorit Science Center's popular exhibition, "Leave it to Levers...and Other Simple Machines."

Sunday, December 5, is the last day to bring your family to Explorit to experiment and learn about how simple machines--a part of our everyday lives--help us do work.

Did you know that the rake you use to collect all those fallen leaves, is really a third class lever? Third class levers are those where the force or effort is located between the work and the fulcrum (the point around which a lever turns). Next time you're raking leaves, see if you can identify where the work, effort and fulcrum are situated on your rake.

Learn all about the different class levers at "Leave it to Levers...and Other Simple Machines" as well as discovering the wonders of gears, pulleys, inclined planes, wheels and axles, and wedges.

People of all ages enjoy this exhibit, so bring your whole family to Explorit this weekend for a fun, hands-on science experience. Don't miss out!

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Although registration for Explorit's Winter Vacation science classes began just about a week ago, some classes have already been filled. And others are filling quickly!

All kindergarten classes are full, as well as "Under the Sea" (Dec. 22) and "Soda Pop Science" (Dec. 29) for grades 1-2. Due to the high demand, we have added two additional kindergarten sections, "Habits & Habitats" on Dec. 20, from 12:00 - 1:30pm, and "Fizzy Fun" on Dec. 22, from 12:00 - 1:30pm.

There are still some remaining spaces in other classes for grades 1-2 and all classes for grades 3-5.  So call today to register your child in Explorit's science classes that emphasize active learning through hands-on activities and problem solving.

Some of the great classes still open include, for 1-5 graders, "Food for Thought" (Dec. 20), "Craft Scientists" (Dec. 21) to investigate the art and science connection, and "Map it Out!" (Dec. 23).

To experiment with the science of floating sign your 1-5 grader up for "Float Your Boat" (Dec. 27), or sign up for an "out of this world" class in "Stars and Planets" (Dec. 28).  Be sure to get into "Sand-which Science" (Dec. 30) for an exploration into the sands of the world.

For 3-5 graders, classes "Under the Sea" (Dec. 22) , and "Soda Pop Science" (Dec. 29), are still open but filling very quickly.

So if you want your child to have an active, fun, and educational experience over their winter vacation, Explorit is the place to be.  Be sure to sign up soon for that favorite science class before they all fill up by calling (530) 756 - 0191.

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Has your Explorit membership expired?  Or have you been meaning to join Explorit as a new member to reap the many benefits?

Today is the time to join, because Explorit is in the midst of their 1999 Membership Drive.  As an Explorit member, you'll be entitled to free admission to Explorit for one year, free admission to over 225 science museums worldwide, discounts on Explorit classes, birthday parties and special events, and much more.

Join by December 17, 1999 to be eligible to win one of the many fabulous prizes which include the grand prize of a Cruise and Dinner (for you and 12-15 friends!) on a 24-foot watercruiser on Lake Berryessa, an Astra 1200S full color scanner, a half-case of unusual foreign and domestic wines, a gift certificate at The Next Chapter bookstore, a sailing party for two on the San Francisco Bay, a "Park Sampler" membership in the California State Parks, a gift certificate at Little Prague Bohemian Restaurant, an exciting time on the Virtual Olympic bobsled ride in the UC Davis Sports Engineering Lab, and many other great prizes.

Call Explorit at (530) 756-0191 for more information on membership and how members support hands-on science education for children and adults.

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Explorit Science Center is located at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. The current exhibition is "Leave it to Levers...and Other Simple Machines.” 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.