Free Family BrushBot Workshop At ‘Imiloa Set for Keiki Grades 3-8

11/16/2009

Advance Registration Required for Family Exploring Science Together (FEST)

Hilo, Hawai‘i – There’s a scientist lurking inside every kid, and a family workshop at ‘Imiloa will help bring out that naturally inquisitiveness that is characteristic of a good scientist.

BrushBot FESTival (FEST = Families Exploring Science Together) is a free event for children and their parents, working as partners, to enjoy a night of discovery and hands-on science experience at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center on Thursday, December 10 from 5:50 to 7:50 p.m. Advance reservations are required and space is limited.

The workshop will be led by Future Flight Hawai‘i Program Director Art Kimura and Rene Kimura, education specialist, in a program funded through the Hawai‘i Space Grant Consortium, UH Manoa, and is hosted by ‘Imiloa.

The workshop theme will be robots and robotics, and participants will be working in pairs, a child (grades 3-8) and a parent as they interact with science activities: design and construction of their own brushbot (made from a toothbrush and a mini vibrating motor) and even compete in speed racing and jousting. Each child must be accompanied by a parent. This free program is on a first-come, first serve basis. To register contact Craig Mitchell at ‘Imiloa at cmitchell@imiloahawaii.org. Provide name of student, grade level, school child attends, name of child’s teacher, name of accompanying parent. A confirmation letter will be sent to those registered. Questions? Call 808-969-9720.

About ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i weaves today’s newest astronomy findings and Hawai‘i’s cultural heritage into a compelling story of star exploration. The Center features more than 100 exhibits within its 12,000-square-foot exhibit hall. It is one of the first discovery centers in Hawai‘i to incorporate both Hawaiian and English languages to enhance the cultural and learning experience. Located on five acres of lush ethno-botanical gardens in Hilo on Hawai‘i’s Big Island, the Center’s 40,000-square-foot facility opened to the public in February 2006. Visitors can enjoy the planetarium, exhibit halls, learning center, café and museum store. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays (closed Mondays).

Contact:
Gloria Chun Hoo
808-969-9705
gchunhoo@imiloahawaii.org

Vincent Recinto
808-969-9714
vrecinto@imiloahawaii.org