BOULDER— Families, teachers, and the general public are invited to learn all sorts of fun and educational aspects about light at this year’s Super Science Saturday. The free event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Mesa Lab in south Boulder.

"We chose light as our theme this year, since 2015 is the International Year of Light," said Eileen Carpenter of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research's Center for Science Education (SciEd). "There's a lot of research going on about light all over the world, and we will have special demonstrations, activities, and experiments focusing on that exciting topic."

The event also will include a host of other science activities for the entire family.

A budding scientist participates in an experiment at a previous Super Science Saturday. (©UCAR. Photo by Carlye Calvin. This image is freely available for media & nonprofit use.)

Super Science Saturday is geared toward all ages, with activities especially tailored to children 6 to 12 years old, Carpenter said.

Light touches society in many ways, through communications, entertainment, culture and, of course, science.

NCAR Wizards, as well as scientists with NCAR's High Altitude Observatory and SciEd staff, will present special light shows and demonstrations. Colorado State University's Little Shop of Physics will bring many engaging experiments including ones that glow in the dark.

Other highlights will include hands-on activity tables (such as creating projects with solar-sensitive beads), modular robotics workshops, a Doppler weather radar on wheels, and a ping pong ball launch. Face painting also will be offered.

Additional organizations involved in the events include Front Range Community College, the Center for Severe Weather Research, Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center, Maker Bolder, the National Center for Interactive Learning, Vaisala, Ocean Classrooms, and The Arctic Arts Project.

The Mesa Lab's exhibits and art galleries will be open all day. Snacks and lunch items will be available for purchase in the cafeteria. The Nasal Ridge Pickers bluegrass band will play in the Mesa Lab library twice during the day.

DETAILS: 

What: Super Science Saturday

When: Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: NCAR's Mesa Lab, 1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder (map)     

Who: Activities for the entire family, with events especially focused on children ages 6 to 12.

Cost: Free 

More information: 2015 Super Science Saturday

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