I’m just going to leave this here… you know… to give us all some HOPE!

Sooo… are we done hibernating yet? I know you must all be going as crazy as I am. How many have given up on crafts, science kits, and educational projects for the kids and succumbed to the peace and quiet TV guarantees! *raises hand* Goodbye Tinker Boxes and Hello Netflix and Amazon Instant Video!!! Can you say survival mode?! Also, thankful for coffee beans and wine makers around the world! 😉

Since we are all stuck here at home, might as well make plans for when the weather lets up right?! This is somewhat of an update to the Winter/Spring blog post but with more events and confirmed dates! Let’s get those calendars out!

March 7:  So I posted this on the Facebook Page a couple of weeks ago. If you haven’t done so, Like the Facebook page or follow me on Twitter; I will occasionally post events on social media in lieu of writing a full blog post. This is an event I am really looking forward to. The 2015 K-12 STEM Symposium will be held March 7, 9am – 3pm in Herndon, VA. It is a FREE and exciting all-day forum that equally engages children, parents, and teachers, coupled with corporate, government, academia and nonprofit executives alike from the STEM fields. Activities for the day will include: hands-on experiments for children, government and industry exhibitors, student science fair projects and panel discussions with STEM stakeholders. Each attendee will receive a Parent-STEM action plan geared towards nurturing a child’s curiosity towards the STEM fields. Registration is required.

March 14 is Pi Day!!! Pi Day is celebrated annually around the world on March 14th (3/14). Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159. Folks celebrate Pi Day in different ways around the world. For example, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) celebrates by mailing application decision letters on this day. The earliest known celebration of Pi Day was organized by Larry Shaw, a physicist at the San Francisco Exploratorium in 1988; he celebrated with the staff and public by marching around one of its circular spaces, then consuming fruit pies. You can start your own tradition or participate in one of the events below:

• Celebrate this awesome day at the Maryland Science Center. Free pie samples, hoola hooping, shooting hoops, and hair-raising experiments to celebrate Albert Einstein’s birthday! Doesn’t get any better than that! Event is from 12noon – 4pm. Activities are free with paid admission. Admission is $18.95 for adults, $15.95 for kids 3-12years old. Keep in mind you may have to pay to park in a garage. Tickets can also be purchase online in advance.
• National Electronics Museum in Linthicum, MD is hosting the STEMulating Minds Pi Day Celebration from 10am – 2pm. Activities will include math and Rubik’s Cube competitions, arts and crafts, cookies and an opportunity to meet the Orioles mascot. The museum is offering a reduced admission of $3 for general admission, $1 for seniors and students, and free for kids 5 and under!

Also on March 14: The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA will celebrate Women in Aviation and Science in recognition of Women’s History Month. The museum will host a family day that celebrates the accomplishments of women in aviation and space exploration. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet female role models and learn about the women who inspired them. Event is 10am – 3pm. Admission is FREE but parking is $15.

March 15:  NASA Goddard Visitor Center Sunday Experiment for the month of March will be held March 15, 1-3pm. Join the Visitor Center for a family-friendly, free afternoon of hands-on activities and experiments! Meet with staff from Goddard’s Earth Science division to discover what it means to be an earth scientist! Recommended for ages 5-10.

March 21: Kites of Asia is an event that takes place every March at the National Museum of Air and Space in Washington, DC. Thrill to the beauty and artistry of kites on display and in the air. Visit the display of kites and discover the diversity of kites from across Asia. Find out more about how kites are made at the hands-on stations and how kites helped the Wright brothers develop the first airplane. Event is 10am – 3pm and is FREE.

April 11:  Explore the Universe Day is hosted annually at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. It is an opportunity to understand how different cultures see the sky, learn about telescopes and do some daytime observations (weather permitting).  Event is 10am – 3pm and is FREE.

April 25:  Robot Fest 2015! I posted about this in an earlier blog but the date wasn’t confirmed at the time. This date has now been confirmed. Robot Fest is an annual event for anyone interested in the creative use of technology. This event will feature “roboticists, hackers, artists, hobbyists and makers of any age who have the unquenchable urge to develop and create new, previously unseen forms from lifeless electronics, fabrics and mechanical parts.” So. Much. FUN. See you there!

Also April 25 – Ugh. I hate when this happens. Yes, Maryland Day and Robot Fest are on the same day. Maryland Day is a fun, interactive, family friendly event, with live music and food, that is held annually at my alma mater, University of Maryland College Park. Yes, Duke alums are welcome. 😉 This is a huge event that is sectioned off based on topic; of particular interest is Science & Tech Way which will feature displays and topics such as laser technology, extreme robotics, a wind tunnel, outer space, modern electronic devices and the weather. So is it going to be Robot Fest or Maryland Day on April 25? Choose wisely!

NASA FREE After-school Program:  This program is for students in Grades 1-4. And it is FREEEEEE!!!! Discover what it means to be an engineer at the NASA’s Goddard Visitor Center’s free afterschool program for children in grades 1 through 4. Participants will design, create and test their own NASA unique projects through the process of engineering design. The program will be in three parts, “Build a Satellite,” “Launch a Satellite,” and “Lunar Buggy.” The program will be offered three times, in March, April and May 2015. Advance registration required. Each month will repeat the same set of activities. Contact Amanda Harvey (amanda.c.harvey@nasa.gov, 301-286-6242) for more information. Register here http://socialforms.nasa.gov/goddard-visitor-center-im-an-en…

Google Science Fair – 2015 Google Science Fair is now open for submissions! Google Science Fair is a global online competition open to individuals or teams from 13 to 18 years old. Submission deadline is MAY 18. Prizes are RIDICULOUS! If you are stuck there are loads and loads of information and help on the site. Good Luck!

So that is all I’ve got for March and April. Follow on FB and/or Twitter for impromptu posts on any goodies I may stumble upon before the next blog post! As always, share and leave a comment if so inclined! I would love to know which activities you attended!  Stay warm and … Spring?! Soon! Pleeasseeee!