Family Science Days

Special Events:
2008 Family Science Days

Saturday & Sunday
16-17 February 2008
11:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

Hynes Convention Center
900 Boylston St.
(Green Line; B, C or D train)

This FREE event is brought to you by AAAS and is one of our most popular!

Visit the AAAS Exhibit Hall to find lab demonstrations that show the fun of science, kid-friendly chemistry projects, and other intriguing events. Family Science Days also involve local libraries and community centers in promoting interest in science and capturing all the excitement of scientific discovery.

Remember: FREE ADMISSION so bring the entire family!

Sponsors and Exhibitors: Reserve booth space for the 2008 Family Science Days.

Description of Shows and On-Going Activities

AAAS Center for Careers in Science and Technology

Extending a hand to help you experience the thrill of discovery and to forge a successful scientific career.

AAAS/Science

The American Association for the Advancement of Science, "Triple A-S" (AAAS), is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world. The journal Science is part of AAAS work to raise the bar of understanding for science worldwide.

American Society of Plant Biologists

A professional society devoted to promoting the growth and development of the plant biology field and educating the public about the importance of plant biology.

Carnegie Mellon's Women @SCS Outreach Roadshow

Faculty and students from the School of Computer Science (SCS) at Carnegie Mellon University challenge you to find out what computer science is really about. At their interactive presentation, try puzzles to tickle your brain cells, meet "Billinda" the Robot Dog, and more!

Diandra Leslie-Pelecky, Ph.D.—The Physics of NASCAR

A NASCAR team can't reach Victory Lane without understanding the science behind materials traveling at speeds up to 200 mph. Science is critical to everything, from building the fastest cars to making the tracks safe. Meet the author of The Physics of NASCAR and learn how innovative materials, like energy absorbing foams and fire resistant fabrics, make stock car racing faster and safer.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

See an historic and interdisciplinary display of science and nature. Explore some of the specimens drawn from Harvard's extensive research collections.

How The Weatherworks LLC™

Join meteorologist Mike Mogil and educator Barbara Levine in floating raindrops, preserving raindrops, making rainbows, creating an indoor snowstorm, and even experiencing some Martian weather. This is one stage program you will not want to miss!

Kinetic City

Kinetic City creates the world's only hands-on, minds-on, and feet-on science experience.! Get up and go with the Kinetic City team from AAAS who, with young volunteers from the audience, will present high energy science activities guaranteed to boost both pulse rates and IQ.

Marshall Jones, Ph.D.—GE Global Research Center

Dr. Jones uses a laser, PowerPoint, and a video to show us how laser technology touches our everyday lives in everything from art to health care to entertainment to manufacturing and more.

NASA Education and Public Outreach at Sonoma State University

Working with both formal and informal educators, have access to the knowledge and excitement generated by NASA science. Visit http://epo.sonoma.edu for more information.

NOAA's National Ocean Service

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a federal agency that enriches the lives of the U.S. public through science. Its reach extends from the depths of the ocean floor to the surface of the sun as it works to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them.

Platypus Media

Science, Naturally! is an independent press creating materials that teach the science of everyday life. Be sure to find us at Family Science Days where you'll have a great time learning about the world of mammals. During our stage show, Name That Mammal, you'll learn about the diverse ways mammals eat, sleep, and learn from birth to maturity.

RoboGames

Robots are part of our everyday life. David Calkins of RoboGames and San Francisco State University builds robots and hosts robot competitions. Learn about what robots can do, all their different forms, and how you can make a robot yourself.

SB&F Magazine

Join SB&F, the review journal of AAAS, in honoring four authors and one illustrator for their outstanding achievements in science writing and illustration for children and young adults. Meet the authors and enjoy cake and refreshments.

Science Club for Girls

Science Club for Girls is a Cambridge-based, free, after-school program that nurtures the natural curiosity of children and encourages an interest in science careers, especially for girls.

SikesScience

The "Science Hour of Power" is SikesScience's way of engaging young students in science. Fun activities spark a love of science which motivates students to take more difficult science classes during their academic careers.

Sloan Career Cornerstone Center

The Center is an ever-expanding resource for anyone interested in exploring career opportunities in scientific and technological fields. Explore the steps for getting involved in these fields with hundreds of people who offer candid insight into their own diverse careers. Visit their Web site for more information.

Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation

Discover the inventor in you through the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center. Explore games, puzzles, and hands-on activities that let you invent sounds, shape spaces, and solve problems. Meet inventor Saul Griffith, creator of HowToons, and make your own safety goggles, a raincoat, or an origami envelope—all out of simple household materials.

Yomega

Yo-yo tricks that seem to defy the laws of science actually demonstrate them beautifully! Learn the amazing physics behind the yo-yo, as performed by a yo-yo master from Yomega. Young attendees (ages 6 to 17) will receive their own precision Yomega yo-yo.

Youth Astronomy Apprenticeship (YAA) at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research

What does it mean to say, We are star stuff? To find out, join a performance of "The Road to Stardom," a one-act play produced and performed by YAA youth apprentices. Visit our booth to see how equipment such as the MicroObservatory robotic telescopes allows us to take and view images of star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.

Zula Patrol

The Zula Patrol is a colorful, exciting animated TV show supporting science and astronomy for children ages 4 to 8. Come learn how to do "The Zula Space Dance" and how to incorporate fun science and astronomy activity "missions" into your everyday life.