For its March Science Saturday, Stetson University’s Gillespie Museum will host a range of activities for young scientists in two disciplines, Neuroscience and Physics. The hands-on workshops, open to the public at no cost, will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Visitors may drop by at any time to boost their science IQs. (Psi Chi honorary members, left to right, Lennen Ingram, Nicki Cheslow and Michelle Godun prepare for brain-awareness activities.)

In the Rinker Environmental Learning Center, adjacent to the Gillespie Museum, 10 learning stations will offer demonstrations and brain-teasing games; a make-it/take-it corner for building a model of a neuron or illustrating the nervous system; and interactive displays and information tables.

“Your brain is involved in everything you do,” explains Professor of Psychology Camille Tessitore King, Ph.D. “Understanding how it works not only can be fun and incredibly interesting, but also can serve as a first step in leading a more ‘brain-healthy’ lifestyle.” These activities, engaging minds and bodies, will be designed and presented by students in two Stetson honorary societies, Psi Chi (psychology) and Beta Beta Beta (biology).

This annual event is offered in partnership with the Dana Foundation and the Society for Neuroscience to increase public understanding of the progress and benefits of neurological study during Brain Awareness Week. An interactive station in the museum’s science display bench has been funded by a National Science Foundation grant, under the direction of Professor of Biology Michael King, Ph.D.

In Sage Science Center, students from the Society for Physics (Sigma Pi Sigma) will offer a spectacular display of physics experiments, including a demonstration of the wavelengths of sound, using a standing-wave flame tube; a Magdeburg Hemisphere vacuum tug-of war; and some of the dazzling effects of liquid nitrogen. Their advisor, Kevin Riggs, Ph.D., explains that the program is designed to show that “science can be both fun and educational.” (In photo, Stetson students, left to right, Stan Borrell, Jon Lockwood and Tyler Schulte work with a Rubens’ Flame Tube.)

Young scientists and their families are asked to start at the Gillespie Museum, 234 East Michigan Avenue, DeLand. Museum guides will lead visitors to activities at both sites. The Gillespie’s collection and earth science displays will also be open for informal tours.

Science Saturdays are held monthly at the Gillespie Museum, giving Stetson faculty and undergraduates an opportunity to teach scientific principles and current practices to young scientists. The programs are free and open to all. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information: 386.822.7330 or [email protected].