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Linguistics, Squid & Rockets Highlight Science Central December Activities

Fort Wayne, Indiana…Science Central, the region’s premier gateway for informal science education, has slated the following special activities for the month of December 2013:

Tuesday, December 10 – Half-Pint Science, 10-11:30 a.m.
Blast off for some out-of-this world fun at this month’s “Half-Pint Science” program, where science is presented with a kids-eye view. This special programming is dedicated exclusively to pre-schoolers and their designated adults, and includes hands-on science activities, time to explore Kid’s Central, and a snack. December’s program theme is “3, 2, 1…Blast Off!” and will feature space-themed activities, including suiting up as an astronaut, blasting off rockets, and making astronaut food. Cost is $12 for one child and one adult for non-members, $8 for members. Pre-registration is required.

Tuesday, December 10 – Afternoon Science, 2-4 p.m.
Afternoon Science programs are designed to offer homeschool students an opportunity to spend an afternoon together participating in a scientific lab, a demonstration and exploring the exhibits. December’s program will focus on biology, and will feature a demonstration on “Body Matters.” Squid dissection labs will be held for ages 5-8; 9-12; and 13-16. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday, December 14 – Lunch with an IPFW Scientist, 11 am-12:30 pm
Shannon Bischoff, IPFW Assistant Professor of English, will present “What is Linguistics? What is Language?” at December’s Lunch with an IPFW Scientist. Participants will look at a number of linguistic phenomena that have a tendency to surprise, including an experiment that demonstrates that seeing is not only believing, but for many it is also hearing. Visitors will see how linguistic research makes its way into public policy at the federal level, how dolphins exhibit what was once believed to be a property of human language only, and how bird brains and human brains have more in common than anyone ever imagined. Participants will also see how language is constantly changing, and how some speakers in northern Indiana and the Great Lakes region are radically changing American English. Cost is $10 for Science Central members, or $16 for non-members. The fee includes lunch. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday, December 14 – Science Central at the History Center, 1 pm- 4 pm
Science Central will present “The Science of Sugary Structures” at The History Center, in conjunction with the Festival of Gingerbread. For a $3 fee, visitors can explore sturdy (and not so sturdy) structures by making their own creation using graham crackers, candies, toothpicks and icing. The fee is in addition to regular History Center admission.

Saturday, December 28 – Last Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
In conjunction with the Downtown Improvement District’s “Last Saturdays,” Science Central will offer half-price admission on Saturday, December 28. Admission will be $4 for ages 3-adult, and children two and under are admitted free.

Tuesday, December 31 – Countdown to Noon, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
5-4-3-2-1– Happy Noon Year! If staying up until midnight to ring in the New Year doesn’t interest you, then bring the kids to Science Central on Tuesday, December 31st from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to celebrate Countdown to Noon. This is the 14th year that Science Central, in collaboration with Lake City Bank, WAJI Majic 95.1 and WLDE Fun 101.7., has provided this family-friendly alternative to New Year’s Eve celebrations. Hands-on science activities, a soda pop toast, and a balloon drop at noon will highlight the festivities. Normal admission rates apply.

Science Central, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, has provided a hands-on fun learning environment for over 17 years. Through our 120+ exhibits, school tours, distance learning programs and weekend public events, we bring the excitement of science and technology to over 130,000 children and adults annually. For more information, contact Science Central at 260-424-2400, or visit us on the web at www.sciencecentral.org <http://www.sciencecentral.org&gt; .