Central Colorado Humanists are sponsoring the second Annual Children’s Science Festival for kids ages 6 to 13 on Dec. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Salida Scout Hut, 210 E. Sackett Ave.
This year’s program is titled “What Rocks You?” A variety of rock types, including our local rocks, will be highlighted and demonstrated. There will be a focus on interesting igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Some questions to be addressed will include do rocks float and are rocks magnetic?
Children will also be able to participate and do some testing and experimenting with rock samples.
Inspiration for the event stems from the famous Christmas Lectures started in 1824 by British scientist Michael Faraday. Faraday believed that children can benefit from the wonders of science. The Royal Institute in the UK has continued this tradition for 193 years.
Former science teacher, Greg Justis, with 35 years of experience, will be presenting the lecture/demonstration program directed toward elementary and middle school students and their parents.
Justis has won both a national and state award for science education.
Justis has been teaching STEM classes at the Salida Boys & Girls Club for the past seven years including, robotics, chemistry, rocketry, geology, and the construction of full scale size inflatable dinosaur models, as well as a 50-foot-long inflatable sperm whale.
The science program will conclude with a social get-together with hot chocolate and cookies for all participants. Children must be accompanied by an adult.