FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — Science Central is “taking to the skies” this week to learn about the atmosphere and space! This is the final week of summer camps at Science Central.
Science Central hosted seven camps this summer, including this week’s “Soaring Scientists” camp for younger scientists ages 5 to 11, and “High-Altitude Balloon Camp” for older scientists ages 11 and up. The camp will run from July 22 to 26.
Shenna Gingerich, Director of Education at Science Central, presented the event plan for the week.
“We have two different camps, one for our younger scientists called ‘Flying Scientists’ where they learn about air pressure, aerodynamics and also talk about high-altitude balloons,” Gingerich said.
Gingerich added that the high-altitude balloon camp will involve releasing a hydrogen balloon into the upper stratosphere, which is about 31 miles above the surface, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They will also be sending up their own experiments and will also spend the night Thursday at Science Central.
The “High Altitude Balloon Camp” is a first-of-its-kind camp that will be working with NearSpace Education in Upland. NearSpace will launch the hydrogen balloon, talk to campers, and chase the balloon after it pops to observe the experiments. The Fort Wayne Astronomical Society will also be involved with the camp.
“The Fort Wayne Astronomical Society is going to go out Thursday night and do some stargazing with the campers and look at some constellations.”
Gingerich noted that turnout has been great, with nearly every camp sold out this summer.
While it’s too late to sign up for this camp, there are events scheduled over the next 30 days at Science Central.
They will hold “Sci-Fi Central” on August 17, their annual celebration of science fiction and its impact on pop culture, including interactions with cosplayers from the field portraying science fiction, including Star Wars.
They will also be hosting a 21+ event, “W2: Whiskey-Whiskey,” on August 23 from 7-10 p.m. It’s a fundraiser for Science Central to celebrate the science of distilling and the art of whiskey and whisky by tasting unique whiskeys/whiskeys selected by experts. The event will be held at The Plex South.
