Contact: Paul Henderson (304) 550-4210 henderpm@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – Kids can blast off to a career in space exploration at West Virginia State University’s (WVSU) Family Fun Day Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. until noon. The event is the first in a series of free science-based activity sessions at the WVSU Aerospace Education Laboratory (AEL) in Institute.
The WVSU AEL is a state-of-the-art, electronically enhanced, computerized classroom that puts technology at the fingertips of students. The facility features real aerospace hardware and software, including an advanced flight simulator, a research wind tunnel, a shortwave radio receiver and hand-held global positioning systems for aviation.
“We are providing cutting-edge experiences for kids that will get and keep them excited about science,” said Paul Henderson, AEL coordinator. “Hopefully, as they get older, that excitement for science will turn into career exploration in the field.”
Increasing youth interest in science careers is a major area of emphasis at WVSU, with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) forecasted to be among the largest areas of need for the state’s workforce in the coming years.
Additional sessions are scheduled for April 20 and May 25. Registration is required by contacting Henderson at (304) 550-4210 or .
The WVSU AEL is located at 213 Douglas Street in Institute.