WSU Science in the Parks Offers Grab and Go Kits
OGDEN, Utah – This summer, Weber State University’s Science in the Parks program has teamed up with WSU’s Ott Planetarium to offer grab-and-go science kits to the community.
“This year, the Science in the Parks program is shifting its focus and devoting more energy to providing at-home science resources for kids of all ages,” said Amanda Gentry, Science in the Parks director. “Our hope is that the tools and resources we provide this summer will help kids and adults alike explore the science that is at their fingertips every day. The key is to keep looking, wondering, asking questions and doing your best to try and understand what is going on around you, and don't forget to have fun while you're at it.”
The kits, funded by WSU’s Science in the Parks, Ott Planetarium, Marketing & Communications and R.A.M.P grants, were designed to coincide with the planetarium’s Science Saturdays. The first 2,000 kits were distributed on June 24 and contained four experiments: a DIY star projector, UV bead science, sunscreen science experiment and solar viewer design challenge.
Science Saturdays are held virtually using a combination of live and pre-recorded videos. The project videos will be posted to both the Science in the Parks website and the Ott Planetarium website. The live feed will be broadcast on the Ott Planetarium Facebook page. Each kit will contain a booklet with instructions on where to find the videos as well as how to complete the experiments.
The next opportunity for families to grab a kit will be on July 16 in anticipation of the next Science Saturday on July 18, which will be rocket themed. The kits will include an alka-rocket, balloon rocket, rubber band rocket, levitating ball and meteorite experiments. Approximately 5,000 kits will be available.
The items in the kit will make it possible to conduct multiple experiments. All the experiments will be performed by Science in the Parks or Ott Planetarium staff. A video for each project will be posted on scienceintheparks.org and weber.edu/ottplanetarium.
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“It's our hope to provide fun science activities that people can do in their own home,” said John Armstrong, Ott Planetarium director and physics professor. “We want to help people keep learning even as they avoid large, crowded spaces during this time.”
The science kits can be picked up at Bonneville, Ogden and Ben Lomond high schools, as well as Heritage, Lincoln, Madison, New Bridge, Odyssey and West Ogden Park elementaries. If there is enough community interest, event coordinators plan to offer a third kit on Aug. 15.
Science in the Parks and Arts in the Parks have been held annually in conjunction with the Ogden City School District’s free summer lunch program. This year’s regular program was canceled due to COVID-19, but organizers have made efforts to provide at-home activities for the community. To learn more, visit weber.edu/artsintheparks and scienceintheparks.org.
For photos, visit the following links.
wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2020-photos/July-2020/i-4MfXMQT/A
wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2020-photos/July-2020/i-QPccrQZ/A
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Shaylee Stevens, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 • shayleestevens@weber.edu- Contact:
Amanda Gentry, Science in the Parks director
801-626-6159 • amandagentry@weber.edu