Get ready for classes that inspire young imaginations, stimulate thinking and showcase science as a fun, everyday tool in life at this summer’s Hands-On Science Camp held at the California Science Center, June 18 through August 17, 2012.
With 165 classes, there are more than 25 unique courses to choose from, including popular parent-and-child classes that give families a chance to investigate science together. Campers can compare the distinctive characteristics of sea creatures with fish from the Science Center’s own Living Collections, become an inventor by helping to create contraptions and fun toys from simple materials, or learn the technology used to create 3D animation and produce their own DVD during week-long programs for students pre-K to 8th grade.
“Our classes are distinct because we offer engaging classroom activities combined with resources unique to the Science Center, such as a visit to an exhibit or guest appearance by one of our curators,” says Ron Rohovit, Deputy Director for the Amgen Center for Science Learning, who is responsible for the Science Center’s education programs.
At Hands-On Science Camp, there is a class for every age and stage. Little Learner programs are parent-child classes for the pre-K age group that focus on a scientific theme with exciting hands-on activities and crafts. For example, in “Planet Patrol,” young scientists will explore the worlds of our solar system and build a small rocket.” Kindergarten classes such as “Pirate Science” invite young campers to examine the science behind keeping a ship buoyant, navigating the seas using astronomy, and more.
There is a full slate of half-day and full-day sessions for students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grades. Highlights include “Rocky AdvenShores,” which investigates some of the amazing animals found in tide pools and how they adapt to constant change; “Survival Science,” which teaches the practical skills needed to survive in a cold, barren forest or tropical, deserted desert; and “Skate Science,” which invites learners to put their “goofyfoot” forward as they dissect “ollies” and “vert” skating, and design their own skateboard.
Hands-On Science Camp takes place in the Wallis Annenberg Building for Science Learning and Innovation. The facility offers state-of-the-art themed classrooms and the 32,000 squarefoot Big Lab, with its large-scale experiment platforms. Many courses take advantage of the Big Lab’s unique features with hands-on investigations involving air flow, buoyancy, gravity, ecology and more.
Create a schedule to suit the family’s summer hours. Courses vary in price with half- and fullday session rates, and some include material costs or special activity fees. California Science Center Foundation members receive a discount rate. An extended day program is available for kindergarten – 8th graders. Call the Hands-On Science Camp Hotline at (213) 744-7444 for a free brochure, or visit www.californiasciencecenter.org/camp for a complete list of course offerings and registration form.
Special Programs
In addition to Hands-On Science Camp, special programs are also offered, including Home School Days, Just for Scouts, and Science Saturdays Little Scientist’s Lab (Pre-K – Kindergarten) and Junior Scientist’s Lab (1st – 4th). Visit our website for descriptions and dates.
About the California Science Center
The California Science Center’s mission is as follows:” We aspire to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people’s lives.”
The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission to Science Center exhibits is free. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39th / Exposition Park Drive at $10 per car, $25 for buses or oversized vehicles. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.
About Cathy Alessandra
