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Activities connect Nanaimo kids with science

NANAIMO – Parks serve as an outdoor school, of sorts

The Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society is once again offering Science in the Park for local families.

Science in the Park is a free drop-in science camp for kids ages six through 13 at local playgrounds.

It will offer hands-on science activities complete with demonstrations, games and group challenges with ties to local science.

“Our mission is to inspire families and develop their interest in science and sustainability through fun hands-on learning,” said society co-founder and executive director Liz DeMattia.

Until Aug. 23, Science in the Park will be at Georgia Avenue School on Tuesdays, Departure Bay Water Park on Wednesdays, and Harewood Water Park on Thursdays. Science in the Park has eight weekly themes:  Salt and Fresh Water; Playground Physics; Geology; Trees and Plants; Senses; Air; Raging Reactions; and Discovery.

“NS3’s mission is to inspire families and develop their interest in science and sustainability through hands-on learning. While our long-term goal is to build a science centre, our current focus is outreach programs. This summer we are once again offering Science in the Park, and we also launched some brand new programs, like NS3’s Summer Science Camps at VIU and NS3’s Science on the Move,” said society president and co-founder Sue Durnin.

The programs run with the support of Vancouver Island University and VMAC, a Nanaimo-based manufacturer that designs and builds vehicle-mounted air compressor systems.

“We feel that this type of science program provides an invaluable resource for families in our area while helping to cultivate the scientists, engineers and technicians that will be our future,” said Jim Hogan, VMAC president. “This program will help our children be successful in their professional lives.”

The mission of the Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society is to inspire families and develop their interest in science and sustainability through hands-on learning. Key to this mission is community outreach through our educational programs, and an interactive science centre.

“Getting children and youth excited about science and sustainability in a fun and supportive environment is so important not only for their personal development, but also for strengthening our community,” said Dan Hurley, executive director of university relations for Vancouver Island University.

For more information, please visit www.nanaimoscience.org.