"Like Disneyland for Science!" South Coast Science Carnival For Kids Goes On-Line For First Time
Liquids are being mixed to create Flubber in a science video, created by Cal State Channel Islands science students, to engage with pre-K to 8th grade students as part of their Science Festival.
It’s the first year that the popular event has been held on-line, amid the coronavirus pandemic; it’s normally a hands-on activity-led event.
CSUCI Chemistry Professor Phil Hampton says it’s a way to still engage families with science at this time, and told KCLU that he hopes the on-line classes will meant hey can engage with more young people.
"Studies show that students will either get turned on or turned off with science at an early age so it's critical to get them engaged when they're young," he says.
Cal State Channel Islands student Sahira Lorenzo says she was first fired up about science after attending the festival herself, in person – and she’s now one of the on-line tutors hoping to engage other youngsters.
"I like to think it's like a Disneyland for science," she said. Youngsters like 11-year-old Nola who has attended with her sisters in the past and says she enjoyed making slime and flavored lip-balms.
Nola’s mom Kristie Akl says it’s a challenge for the festival to move on line, but she's enjoyed taking her three daughters in the past and is looking forward to this year's offering.
You can find details on how to join the science festival here.