More than 40 kids and parents converged July 14 outside the San Benito County Free Library to explore and build with the Community Science Workshop.
The project of the day was an electric bubble-maker, composed of a hobby motor, battery pack and fan—brought to life by a touch of pressure on a switch made from a bent paper clip. It was constructed with tape and hot glue, wire and aluminum foil, cardboard and pipe cleaners.
In addition to the make-and-take project, participants could interact with the yellow 2-year-old boa constrictor Sunshine and the orange bearded dragon Pepsi. The event also featured a dozen hands-on “exhiblets” (home-build museum exhibits) showing phenomena of electricity, magnetism, light, color and motion, according to event organizers.
The Global Alliance of Community Science Workshops is running the summer pilot program together with Science My Way, a CSW located in Watsonville. Organizers are trying to gain support to make a full-scale, independent CSW to serve the kids and families of San Benito County. They are seeking financial backing and a dedicated space to carry out activities.
The pilot program at the library will continue throughout the summer with new projects and animals each week and, with additional support, into the fall. Stop by and check it out, 12-2pm every Tuesday at the library in Hollister.
The San Benito County Free Library is located at Fifth Street in Hollister.
