In a world that is more and more consumed with digital and virtual experiences (some fantastic ones to be sure), there is something reassuring about putting hands on real-world objects that motivates us to ask, "what is it?" and "what does it mean?". For more than 40 years, this has been the mission of the Explorit Science Center. Started by a small group of women educators and scientists, including Anne Hance, a biologist at UC Davis, Explorit has been part of our kids' lives for generations. Whether through attending a summer camp, visiting the museum with a school group, having Explorit educators come to the classroom or hosting a family science night, so many of us have a connection with Explorit. The simple idea that hands-on exposure to science is the best way to ignite curiosity lives on with the current staff and leadership of the Explorit Science Center.
The mission of Explorit is more important than ever. During my more than 25 years of teaching biology to students, I have observed that our students are less and less comfortable asking questions motivated by curiosity about the world. The reasons for this are likely to be complicated but it may be in part due to an over-focus on the outcome of assessments (e.g., grades and test scores) accompanied by a consuming anxiety of being "wrong” or judged negatively for asking a naive question. I acknowledge that uncertainty is always associated with discomfort. One salve for this unease is to come to our new experiences favoring curiosity and questions over anxiety. This takes practice. It is exactly this practice that Explorit aims to reinforce in our youth - our mission is "to ignite and foster curiosity about science and nature through inquiry and discovery".
It is in this spirit that I am pleased to share with you the inaugural Science Expo at Explorit on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, starting at 10am at the Mace Ranch Park Explorit campus (3141 5th St Davis CA 95618). The idea is to bring together groups from our community who share our commitment to exploring the world through hands-on activities. This event is free to the community, and we are proud to host groups like Cool Davis, Davis Astronomy Club, the California Raptor Center, local high school robotics clubs, and much more! Additionally, the newest Explorit exhibit will be open for viewing. “Blast Off! A Journey Through Our Solar System” will have guests learning how scientists study the universe using telescopes, rovers, and human explorers. Exhibits feature the Sun, Terrestrial Planets, and Gas Planets. Visitors can also view an actual Tital II Rocket engine used in NASA’s Gemini missions in the 1960s.
Explorit's coming events:
• Explorit is open Fridays from 1-4pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am-2pm. The current exhibit is “Blast Off! A Journey Through Our Solar System”. Admission is $5 per person, free for Explorit Members and those aged 2 and under.
• Now is a great time to donate and help Explorit continue to educate and inspire the scientists of tomorrow: https://www.explorit.org/donate
• An Explorit Membership grants the recipient free visits to Explorit’s regular public hours, discounts on events, summer camps and workshops, and gives you ASTC benefits to visit other museums throughout the world. To purchase or for more information visit https://www.explorit.org/membership or call Explorit at 530-756-0191.
• Celebrate your birthday at Explorit! Offered Saturdays and Sundays between 2-4pm, this two hour program includes themed group activities and crafts, a decorated party room, and exclusive access to Explorit’s Exploration Gallery. Themes include Amazing Animals and Dynamic Dinosaurs. Call 530-756-0191 to reserve. More information found at https://www.explorit.org/birthday-parties.
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