Super Saturday Science offers kids chance to dissect squid

For any youngster with a love of science - or for parents wanting to cultivate that interest in their child, the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada is once again offering Super Saturday Science with opportunities to expand creativity and knowledge.

Lu Olsen, a member of the museum's board of directors, said she obtained a $1,000 grant working with Partnership Carson City to present the workshops, and earlier this year, each workshop drew a minimum of 45 eager students.

"We're really trying to bring more hands-on science to the museum and we're moving toward eight-minute science-based centers here," said Olsen, a Fremont Elementary School teacher. "We want to get kids motivated, and bring back the excitement and wonder of exploring and discovering science."

The March workshops included segments on dissecting frogs, making crystals and bridge building. Parents or youngsters can view these workshops on a video available at www.cmnn.org/Programs.html.

But for September, the offerings are every bit as interesting, Olsen said. The first workshop held Saturday on simple machines, helped kids discover how levers, inclines, gears, pulleys and wheels work.

For 7-year-old Rebecca Hughey, the science workshop was a surprise.

"The lady in the gift shop told us about this and we're using Legos. We used to have lots of Legos, and I really really like building stuff. We build stuff all the time. Right now we're building a folding ladder - that was my idea," she said.

Emilee Jones, 10, was there for the love of science.

"I'm really into science and stuff," she said. "We're learning about levers. I like building things and doing experiments and stuff."

Amy Olsen, 10, was a returning student.

"I did the last workshops they had, and they're really fun. You can't mess up, because there's nothing really wrong about science," she said.

And 9-year-old Rhiannon Hughey was thoroughly involved in her project.

"I like that there are so many toys here, and I want to come next week, too, so I can dissect a squid," she said. "Right now, I'm building a wheel-inator and then I'm going to build a yo-yo."

On Saturday, each set of two participants will dissect a squid to compare its anatomy to their own, and on Sept. 24, they will create circuits with snap circuits to send a flying saucer into the air.

Classes are taught by Nevada state-credentialed teachers and are aligned to state standards. Workshops are free with the price of admission, but due to limited class sizes, reservations are recommended.