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Real Scientists, Serious Fun
Science for kids this fall at Stillwater Public Library
(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Aug. 19, 2011) – Born to Do Science is Monty Harper’s science program for students in grades three through seven. The free program is held this fall on the third Saturday of each month at the Stillwater Public Library.
The program introduces children to working scientists who share their research and provide fun experiments and activities in their areas of expertise. Harper, a local singer and songwriter, writes a new song for the children based on the science topic that month.
“I started Born to Do Science as a way to introduce kids to the research side of science,” said Harper. "It seems like most science information aimed at kids is about what we already know. But what fascinates me is what we don't know, and how we find out. I want kids to have the opportunity to meet a working scientist, see how science works, learn how to ask questions, and feel a sense of wonder about the universe.”
The fall schedule includes:
- Saturday, Sept. 17: “Vaccination Innovation: Helping Our Bodies Combat Quickly Changing Viruses.” Abbie Smith, a OU doctoral student in immunology, will speak about her work on a new approach to vaccination that may provide protection against unpredictable viruses such as seasonal flu and HIV.
- Saturday, Oct. 15: “The Intrepid White-footed Mouse: How Toxic Waste Affects Animal Populations and Diversity.” Dr. Karen McBee, curator of vertebrates with the OSU Department of Zoology at Oklahoma State University, will speak about her research into what makes some animal species at the Tar Creek Superfund Site more resilient than others.
- Saturday, Nov. 19: “Pieces of Protons: Ramping Up the World's Greatest Physics Experiment.” Dr. Flera Rizatdinova,OSU Department of Physics, speaks about her work testing the ATLAS detector at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. The ATLAS is a marvel of technology built to explore dark matter, gravity, the standard model, and other deep mysteries of the universe.
- Saturday, Dec. 17: “Popular Teens - Friendly or Mean?: The Role of Aggression in Teen Popularity Developmental.” Psychologist Lara Mayeux. Ph.D., OU Department of Psychology, will speak about her research into social status among teenagers.
The classes, which are free, are scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m. and do require registration. Because participants are limited to third through seventh graders and their families. Parents are asked to make separate child care arrangements for family members in second grade or younger.
For more information or to register, visit the library's website at library.stillwater.org, contact the library Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 or email askalibrarian@stillwater.org. Keep up with Born to Do Science and see the programs scheduled through May at www.BornToDoScience.com or on the Born to Do Science Facebook page.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Library classes are sponsored by Friends of the Library and KOSU.
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Contact: Sherry Fletcher, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Phone: 405.742.8362
E-mail: sfletcher@stillwater.org
Web: stillwater.org