Saturday Feb. 9, California State University, Stanislaus hosted its second annual “Science Day” at the Nora and Hashem Naraghi Hall of Science.
Numerous clubs and societies from CSU Stanislaus participated in the event allowing students and local families to get involved in science. Activities for children included gardens, fossils and a planetarium.
In front of Naraghi Hall, a 150 pound giant tortoise named Thomas Jefferson welcomed guests as they walked in. Before heading into the exhibits, spectators gathered outdoors as Jefferson perused the grassy area.
Guests received passport books, used to mark their travels by collecting a stamp from each station throughout the building. Passport books were later entered into a raffle where children had a chance to win prizes before their departure.
Jesus Garcia, Biology Club President, helped at the raffle prize station. He was happy with the turnout for the past two years as he and the Biological Sciences department first brought this idea to attention.
“Our main goal is to get the kids involved,” Garcia (senior, Biological Sciences) said. “There is just so much science to offer.”
Dr. Mark A. Grobner, Biological Sciences Department Chair, explained the event was originally to be titled “Darwin Day,” to honor Charles Darwin in his birth month.
He also noted the day’s goal was to show the community the building as well as interest local children in science.
In the planetarium exhibit, Gabi David (junior, Biological Sciences) explained why children are so drawn to Science Day.
“It’s not uptight, this is more hands-on so they can see how things work,” David said. “There are so many stations, they won’t get bored.”
In the animal adaptations exhibit, Biological Sciences Professor Dr. Ann K. Kohlhaas showed guests a massive whale vertebrae and a dolphin skeleton. Dr. Kohlhaas showed children the variety of features on mammals and birds and how their traits benefit their survival.
As a second year participant, Kohlhaas explained how the event is geared towards a variety of ages.
Science Day participants included the American Chemistry Society Club, Biology Club, Blue Green-Hand Society, Geology Club, Math Club, Paleo Club, Pre-Health Society, Psychology Club, Student Nursing Association Volunteers and Society of Physics Students. They plan to put on the university’s third Science Day in Spring semester 2014.