The students participated in an Electron Demo using a Van der Graaf to demonstrate that electrons repel each other. When the Van der Graaf gets charged using static electricity, visitors can touch it to excite their own electrons and make their hair stand on end.
Students from schools around the region – including White Center Heights Elementary – recently spent a day of learning at Pacific Science Center, thanks to funding from Google’s Field Trip Days program.
Pacific Science Center hosted six free field trip days for schools where at least 75 percent of students receive free and reduced price lunch. For many of the students, this will be their first visit to the Science Center, due to financial barriers.
The field trip included free admission to all of the permanent exhibits at the Science Center, transportation and lunch, and served more than 6,000 students over the course of six field trips. Google is donating $300,000 to make this program possible.
“Hands-on experience in the STEM field is extremely important to students’ awareness of the kinds of careers open to them,” said Darcy Nothnagle, head of external affairs for the NW at Google. “We’re proud to work with Pacific Science Center to make sure students in underserved communities have opportunities to see how exciting science can be.”
Students experimented with hands-on activities in the Tinker Tank makerspace, tested hypotheses, explored variables and experienced science in action. They also enjoyed a Laser Show or IMAX film, experienced metamorphosis in the Tropical Butterfly House, enjoyed Live Science Stage Shows, and received free sack lunches.
“Pacific Science Center ignites curiosity and fuels a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking,” said Will Daugherty, President & CEO of Pacific Science Center. “We are committed to enabling access for all. Thanks to our partnership with Google, we provide students in underserved communities throughout the Puget Sound with highly engaging and hands-on interactive field trips to the Science Center. We are very grateful for this collaboration and Google’s generous support.”
Eight schools participated in the six field trips: Millennium Park Elementary, Mirror Lake Elementary, Mark Twain Elementary, Seahurst Elementary, Midway Elementary, White Center Heights Elementary, Elmhurst and Beverly Park. Bringing a K-6 school to the center creates an experience the entire school can share.
This post first appeared on White Center Blog | Local News, Events, Arts & More For White Center, WA, please read the originial post: here
