MathScience Center blasts off with open house Oct. 12

The MathScience Innovation Center, will celebrate its 52nd year of continuous service as a leader in STEM education in Central Virginia with a community open house on October 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free and activities will include hands-on educational opportunities for all ages, such as designing and launching rockets, performing experiments, making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, exploring pollinator gardens, and visiting a spider room and touch tank.

Participants can also experience the wonder of space with a “mini-mission” to Mars in the Challenger Learning Center-Richmond (which turns 30 during the upcoming school year) and enjoy Lunar Engagement Day activities. A photo booth with a real space suit will be on hand. Students who have participated in the MSiC Metro Richmond STEM Fair, Project RVA and Getting Computer Science Ready will share their research projects, introduce guests to their robotic creations. Live music and food trucks will also be available.

With more than 50 years of service to Central Virginia, the MSiC is home to several one-of-a-kind programs, including the only Challenger Learning Center in Virginia and the Metro Richmond STEM Fair. Historically funded by a consortium of school districts, the MSiC, located at 2401 Hartman Street, has seen hundreds of thousands of students participate in its programs over the years.

For details about MSiC or the open house, visit MyMSiC.org or call 343-6525.