The California Science Center offers an educational program
that’s out of this world.
By Kim Devore / Staff Writer
A makeshift spacecraft is making the rounds in Malibu with a cool approach to education that’s bound to take off. The SK4000 Science Station Laboratory is part of the SuperKids Academy program, and one recent stop took place at Our Lady of Malibu School.
Once the lab landed at the OLM auditorium, “Whew Girl” and “Mega Boy” were ready to turn young Malibu students into SuperKid cadets.
“We’ve found a promising new crop of recruits,” Whew Girl reported to those on deck, “and they’re from Our Lady of Malibu School.”
The program comes to town courtesy of the California Science Center and is designed to be both educational and fun. Today’s mission was to get children to improve their eating habits by becoming aware of things like nutrition, portion size, energy and exercise. Their voyage took them into outer space where they had to rescue their leaders from an attack by bad food and the “Evil Blahs.”
“It’s very topical because so many kids are dealing with obesity issues,” said the science center Associate Director Paula Browne. “This shows them how to eat better and exercise and makes it fun. It’s interactive so the kids get really involved.”
Also along for the ride were Bill and Cheryl Chadwick, longtime Malibu residents and parents who are passionate about one of the state’s most valuable resources.
“All children need to be exposed to the California Science Center and the scientific education it offers,” said Bill Chadwick, who also serves as the chairman of the California Science Center Board of Directors. “Unfortunately, a lot of people on the Westside don’t know what the center is or think it’s in a bad neighborhood. That needs to change.”
Chadwick has been on a mission of his own in recent years. He’s managed to help clean up Exposition Park where the center is located and make it one of the safest and most family friendly areas in downtown Los Angeles.
Through its unique exhibitions and programs, the science center has always had an extraordinary knack for transforming scary subjects like science into something fantastic and fun. Its current Star Wars exhibit has been a huge success in getting children to learn how to operate robots or build bionic body parts. Last year’s Marvel Comic Superheroes showcase taught children about gravity, chemistry and involved them in projects such as measuring superhuman strength.
As for today’s program, OLM Principal Carol Ward gave the traveling academy rave reviews.
“The younger kids loved it,” she said. “And the older kids got into it, too.”
The SuperKids Academy next landing takes place at Webster Elementary School on March 16.
With the program off and running, the Chadwicks hope to spread the word. They’d like to see the outreach campaign visit communities across California.
“Moms in Fresno may not know how this benefits them,” Bill Chadwick said. “But this is a state resource and we are taking our message to the scientists and engineers of tomorrow.”