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700 youth learn hands-on approaches to chemistry, physics, mechatronics

Special to the Sun
Many children were amazed at the science-based approaches learned May 13-15 at Truckee Tahoe Airport.
Photos courtesy Freshtracks Communications |

TRUCKEE, Calif. — Hundreds of young students gathered in a Truckee Tahoe Airport hangar three weeks ago to learn science hands-on from local high school students and KidZone Museum and Experimental Aircraft Association volunteers.

The KidZone Museum hosted the Science Festival on May 13-15 for over 700 area pre-kindergarten through second-grade students for the fourth year, drawing on the knowledge of AP chemistry, physics and mechatronics students from Truckee High School.

“Our goal is to introduce young children to science, and get them excited and interested in the many science topics presented,” said Carol Meagher, executive director of the KidZone Museum. “Getting teens involved in teaching is the highlight. Young children love to be taught by teenagers, and the students at the festival are experts on the subjects they are presenting to young learners.”



Groups of about 60 to 80 students participated in 1:15-long sessions, working in groups and rotating through different stations demonstrating chemistry, physics and engineering, with displays from the Airport on aviation as well.

Information is distributed through area teachers each year when sign ups are available, first-come, first-served, Meagher said.



If the KidZone Museum can raise another $2,000 for next year, the Science Festival could expand to more days, bringing in more students.

“Teachers want smaller groups in each session. We added an extra day, but because of schedules, we could not accommodate all the classrooms who wanted to go.” Meagher said.

The program is supported with funding from the Truckee Rotary, The Walton Grizzly Lodge Stein Family Foundation, Placer County First 5 and the Truckee Tahoe Unified School District.

Space is donated by the Truckee Tahoe Airport District, and tables and chairs are provided by EAA and TDPRD.

“We are very grateful for the support of the Festival and to the Airport staff for helping us with logistics and bus parking. We could not do this without their support,” Meager said.

KidZone Museum is a nonprofit children’s museum in Truckee. To learn more, visit kidzonemuseum.org.

This article was submitted by Freshtracks Communications. Visit fresh-tracks.org to learn more.


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