From fossils to kitchen chemistry, children and adults alike learned a bit about all aspects of science Saturday at California State University Stanislaus's second annual Science Day.
“[Science Day] is a day we use to communicate to the community about the learning we do in the science department,” said CSU Stanislaus alumnus Greg Franco, who has volunteered at Science Day both years. “Exposing kids to science at a young age, we hope to generate a spar of interest in their minds for the sciences.”
Volunteers at the free, public event conduct various demonstrations and experiments for children and adults while explaining to them how and why things happen they way they do.
“We see their excitement and curiosity in what we do through their amazed expressions and the questions they ask,” Franco said. “In addition, we show them how we make science fun!”
Attendees could visit a planetarium, see a body parts exhibit, learn about heart and lung CPR, look at various critters and specimens, and much more. Outside activities were also provided, including a tour of the campus greenhouse where children could learn about potting their own plants.
Kindergarten to 8th grade students were given passports that were stamped for each activity they completed. At the end of their visit, participants could drop off their passports for a raffle of science prizes.
Student volunteers and faculty are always looking to improve the annual Science Day. This year’s event showed more attendance than last year.
“This year, our club (the Society of Physics Students) saw a growth in active volunteers. SPS has worked to promote involvement within the community to expose CSU Stanislaus’s College of Natural Sciences,” Franco said. “Overall we continue to improve our involvement to keep Science Day interesting and exciting.”
Various student clubs helped make the day a success, including the SPS, the American Chemistry Society, Bio Club, Blue Green Hand Society, Geology Club, Math Club/SIAM, Nursing Club, Paleo Club, Pre-Health Society, and the Psychology Club.
“We all will continue to work hard for future Science Days to come,” Franco said.
To learn more about CSU Stanislaus, visit www.csustan.edu.
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