Thursday, October 21, 2010

Nonprofit Makes Science Hot

10.21.2010

I read an article in Sunday’s paper (10.16.2010) about a nonprofit that recently opened whose focus is on engaging children with science. A woman, Tara Chklovski, founded Iridescent while pursuing a doctorate in aerodynamics at USC. She is 32-years old and what an inspiration… I have had many kid-oriented nonprofit ideas in my head but have always talked myself out of exploring them because of fear.

What Ms. Chklovski has done is recruit surrounding-area schools to come to the complex and learn different things about science taught by volunteer teachers who are USC engineering students and the like. One little girl was so enthralled with a workshop where she got to pull things apart that she asked her mom if she could pull apart the family car. The mom didn’t think that was such a good idea, of course. (But hey, a kid excited about science!? And a girl at that!? Yay!)

These are the kinds of things we need more of and it also serves as one more example that it truly does take a village to raise a family. We all have a part in raising the next generation whether we have kids or not.

If you’re looking for a place to donate, I’m sure Iridescent could use the help. www.iridescentlearning.org.

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