2021 – it’s finally here! And for many of us in the Portland area, we were gifted with a little bit of snow towards the end of January. While it didn’t stick, it inspired me to make some instant ice. I’ve linked to a handout with instructions and questions to ask while creating your very own ice sculpture. As always, I hope that you will be able to share this experiment with your loved ones (children or adults) and bring a smile and a bit of thermodynamic magic to your day.
At Saturday Academy, when we aren’t experimenting with ice, rubber band cars, or lava lamps, we are tackling the new year with lots of great ideas for new programming, including a series of family engagement webinars. We are aiming to help parents support their children’s STEAM exploration using fun experiments and expert instruction. Our first webinar focused on Rube Goldberg machines (amazing!) – check out the recording here.
For our high school students, our Apprenticeships in Science Engineering (ASE) internship applications are now open. Take a look at opportunities ranging from environmental science to neurobiology, engineering to design. We’re offering workshops on Cover Letters, Resumes, and Interviews that are free for all. These are essential skills that are an important part of professional development – I hope that our high school community will take advantage of these opportunities! To learn more about our ASE program, visit our website here.
We are so excited to share more about ASE, as well as a sneak-peek into our fabulous microscopy classes, at our Evening of Discovery event. This virtual shindig will start with a celebratory Saturday Academy cocktail, mixed by Dr. Kelly Chacon. A Chemistry professor at Reed College, Kelly knows how to infuse a great drink with both chemistry education and humor! We’ll then feature Allison Joyner, an ASE Alumnus, who will speak to the impact the program had on her life. We’ll then have a hands-on microscopy mini-class, where we will zoom in on the finer details of facemasks. Please join us for this fun and celebratory event – tickets are free, and event boxes with a Foldscope (paper microscope), custom Saturday Academy cookie, and science cocktail recipes can be purchased for $25. More information is on our event page here.
But I know that I haven’t answered your biggest question– what’s going to happen over the summer? Saturday Academy is pleased to announce that we are busy planning an in-person summer catalog of classes and camps! More information will be released as we finalize details this spring. We cannot wait to share our love of science with kids of all ages!
We’ve made it through an unprecedented year together as a community. To our entire community of students, parents, teachers, mentors, community partners, friends, and family: thank you for your continued support!
With gratitude,
Jackie
Jackie Wirz, Executive Director of Saturday Academy
Check out the instant ice experiment here!