WHAT: Science on Wheels from Pacific Science Center is visiting Bellingham this month. Science On Wheels vans bring the excitement and curiosity of Pacific Science Center from Seattle to classrooms beyond our signature arches. With plenty of visual exhibits and opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning in subjects such as physics, space and geology, Science On Wheels delivers educational fun across the state of Washington.

WHERE and WHEN: Our Science On Wheels van will be attending the following school in March:

·         Parkview Elementary in Bellingham, Mar. 21

ABOUT SCIENCE ON WHEELS
Each year Pacific Science Center’s Science On Wheels program delivers exciting, interactive science curriculum to elementary and middle schools in Washington State. Science On Wheels offers one hour and 45 minutes of student contact, making it the most extensive school outreach program in the country.

The Science On Wheels program at Pacific Science Center, an independent, not-for-profit educational institution, began during the gas crisis of the 1970’s, when groups of school children could no longer visit the museum on field trips. Educators were quick to respond to the needs of these science-starved children, and they began loading lessons and small exhibits into station wagons.

From these small beginnings, Science On Wheels quickly grew into one of the largest science outreach programs in the country. The demand for in-school and community based programs expanded so quickly in fact, that our offerings were expanded in 1999. These new programs emerged to meet the needs of community organizations who also wanted science fun brought to them. Whereas earlier programs had focused on school children, these additional programs inspired a love for science at libraries, community centers, fairs, and festivals.

A typical van visit to an elementary school includes: a lively, 30-minute opening assembly, 30 interactive exhibits set up in the library or gym, and five to 15 individual classroom visits by Pacific Science Center teachers. Currently, Science On Wheels offers seven subject areas; six designed for elementary schools and one for secondary schools.

Over the past decade, Science On Wheels has brought the fun of science and math to more than 1.5 million children and adults throughout Washington. Our staff’s varied backgrounds in science, education, and theatre, provide an exciting day for students and families as we inspire a fascination in math, science, and technology.

For more information about Science On Wheels visit: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/science-on-wheels/

About Pacific Science Center
Pacific Science Center is an independent, not-for-profit institution in Seattle. The institution’s mission is to ignite curiosity in every child and fuels a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us. Pacific Science Center’s award-winning, interactive programs reach more than 1.1 million people each year – in their communities, classrooms, and on the Seattle campus and at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. Pacific Science Center began as the United States Science Pavilion during the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Millions came to explore the wonders of science during the World’s Fair and upon closing ceremonies, the Science Pavilion was given new life as the private not-for-profit Pacific Science Center, becoming the first U.S. museum founded as a science and technology center. On July 22, 2010 Pacific Science Center was declared a City of Seattle Landmark.