CSU Channel Islands Virtual Science Carnival to Begin on April 5th

The magic of CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) annual Science Carnival will be virtual this year, which will allow teachers, parents and kids from pre-school age on up to the eighth grade to bring hands-on science activities into their own homes and classrooms.

Beginning on April 5, how-to videos of over 50 science activities, along with interviews with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals will be available at: www.sciencecarnival2021.com.

All of the hands-on science activities will launch on April 5 with a different project highlighted each day. The projects will be available online through April 30. Although the Science Carnival isn’t in-person, there is the potential to draw kids and families from virtually anywhere as the event is free and fully online.

Kids will be able to make their own Flubber and Oobleck — two out-of-this-world substances somewhere between liquids and solids and bound to inspire giggles and “wow”s.

Young aspiring scientists will also make rock candy, do a lava lamp experiment, compare bird beaks, see how a lung works, and create a tie-dye experiment, to name just a few activities.

Among the approximately 50 videos created by CSUCI STEM students, 20 were created by Project PROMESAS students at CSUCI. These videos are provided in both Spanish and English so that families who speak primarily Spanish can join the fun. Additionally, 25 videos were created by students in CSUCI Chemistry Lecturer Dr. Safa Khan’s classes.

Numerous Science Carnival partners also contributed videos, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History; KidSTREAM children’s museum; Channel Islands National Park; STEMs Grow; Ventura Watershed Protection District; Naval Surface Warfare Center; and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, to name just a few.

The Science Carnival has been held since 2008 but had to be postponed last year because of the pandemic. This year’s Science Carnival is being funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Title III, HSI STEM Grant, an Instructionally-Related Activities grant from CSUCI, and a donation from Careers in Energy/Californians for Energy Independence.

Funding for future Science Carnivals is uncertain, so Hampton is asking any interested organizations to help support future Science Carnivals, which usually draw more than 2,000 attendees. Those interested can email Sandra.birmingham@csuci.edu.