Local Science: Randolph College SciFest

J and I (K) are both educators, and we hear a lot about STEM education and its cousins, STEAM and STEM-H.  It's true that scientific thinking is important now and will be important in the future, regardless of one's chosen adult roles.  We work hard to try to help E, age 8, and G, age 4, learn various disciplines for thinking, and right now, a lot of that is about exposure to ideas and people who are passionate about them.  The Randolph College SciFest, an annual event including Science Day for kids, has become a favorite way to encourage E.  By next year, it might be a good fit for G, too.

When E realized we were headed to Science Day, he remembered his first trip last year and building cool boats to carry pennies fondly.  He was eager to get in place and explore this year's topics, which, from observation of the gym, included connections to archaeology, math, and earth and space science quite clearly.  Science Day features a rotation of such activities lasting about 4 hours and allowing kids to mingle with new friends (or the friends they brought with them).  It's like a combination of the best of the interactivity of science classrooms/labs and science museums.  It's not as intense or themed as a science camp, but the quality of activities is similar.

Honestly, I (K) had not been to the Randolph College campus before, so SciFest has become a great excuse to go.  One of my very bright faculty members is a Randolph grad, and the campus consistently presents as encouraging academics and true community.  (While I certainly recognize the importance of college athletics and social life, I prefer campuses that don't overemphasize these elements of the college experience.)  The students at Science Day are diverse, energetic, and thoughtful--way to represent, Randolph!  They also keep a good handle on the kids while preserving a fun atmosphere.

If you go to Science Day, know that a parent/guardian must stay present on campus.  You can visit the well-regarded Maier Museum's art collection and engage in similar activities, like a campus tour, or you can be like me and sit in the stands and do some homework, although I know I must take in the Maier Museum soon.  The generosity of area businesses provides the kids materials, T-shirts, and snacks.  If you are interested in going next year, start following I Love Randolph Science on Facebook and watch for registration dates--this amazing FREE event often fills up.  On event day, dress comfortably for inside and outside activities and arrive about an hour before start for the best parking choices.  More interested in the Roanoke area?  Try the Virginia Tech Science Festival and/or Senses and Scienceability at Jefferson College. We also like to think of college campuses as wonderful places to go for a walk/access interesting events, and we've visited Washington and Lee, VMI, Roanoke College, and Hollins College particularly.

Terracotta Warriors: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

We'd been trying to get to Richmond to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to check out the Terracotta Army: The Legacy of the First Emperor of China.  We'd tried to get there previously, but a poor weather report foiled us.  We're fortunate to have made it on closing weekend, and walking through the exhibit, one of my friends and blog readers spotted us, exclaiming she knew we'd be there. You betcha.

The kids were thrilled to get little exhibit books, and like the good museum attendees they are becoming, they rebuffed somewhat at less-than-courteous visitors (there were a few, although nothing overwhelming).  The toughest crowds were in the entry area near small cases.  The warrior statues themselves were near the end of the exhibit, and because some of the less-seasoned museum goers had a bit of apparent museum fatigue, there were not crowds around the statues.  We're always pleased to see such special exhibits get good attention, especially from audience members that don't consider themselves regular museum-goers; it just makes for a lot of traffic.  This type of collection draws in crowds and helps so many people experience a new slice of the human experience, so it's worth it.  If you don't consider yourself a regular at places like art museums, this type of attraction may be just the ticket to understanding what all the fuss is about.

Our favorites?  Extremely well-preserved pottery, dating back over 2000 years; a chariot pulled by a horse team; the warriors themselves, all in fantastic poses.  Information on the ancient Chinese architecture was also fascinating and especially well-presented.  A children's exploration area elsewhere in the museum had small blank books as freebies, and the kids were very amused by these with E drawing a great collection of terracotta statues.

If you go now to this exhibit, you are actually headed to the Cincinnati Art Museum--they co-organized the exhibit with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and it will be there from April 20 through much of the summer.  If you just want to take in the VMFA, that's a great day trip, too.  Go in nice weather, and you can enjoy the attractive grounds--there's plenty of places to spread out a little picnic, including some small outdoor tables near the parking garage.  Parking is available onsite for $5/day (free for members); general entrance is free of charge although special exhibits are ticketed.  Reserve your tickets in advance, especially for blockbuster exhibits like this one. On the day of our visit, every spot was sold out--and at an exhibit entrance rate of 300 people per hour.  Considering a membership?  Be sure to check out the student membership--it's a great deal at $10, and students are eligible at age 13 (a great savings if you visit more than once a year).  While you are in the area, know you are right beside the Virginia Historical Society, also with free general admission.

Local Subterranean Fun: Dixie Caverns

It had been a long weekend, and not in the best sense, after fierce windstorms took out power to the house.  It was time for a little outing--nothing recharges K quite like getting out and about.  E and K took off to Dixie Caverns, a show cave very near Salem, Virginia.  J and K had been there on a date years ago, but we had not returned.  E initially went grudgingly--but by the end of the tour, he was checking out brochures for Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Caverns, planning future cavern trips.

The caverns, open most every day of the year, offer 45-50 minute guided tours at a reasonable entry cost (free under 5, $6 ages 5-10, $14 for others).  If you can navigate substantial stairs (up, down, and uneven), this makes for a fun, easy outing with very little prep.  Our guide was quite knowledgeable of both the cave's interesting history and of the science involved in the cave, making for an interesting visit that encouraged curiosity and questions. 

Much of the cave tour, visitors are actually "in" the mountain rather than beneath ground level.  Formations include tons of "soda straws" and flowstone as well as a bell-shaped formation known as the Wedding Bell (yes, you can get married there).  The natural entrance is visible from inside the cave, prompting a better understanding of its history.  At the end of your tour, you'll have the option of spending a few moments in total cave darkness. 

If you go, dress for 55-60 degrees, and wear shoes that can take on stairs.  There's a gift shop with some rock souvenirs, an attached antique mall, a campground, and ample free parking.  The site itself is right off the I-81 exit aptly named Dixie Caverns.  You can even leave your mark--while you can't touch cave formations, you can write in a chunk of clay that was harvested from the cave.  E wants you to know he was there.