Last year, children who attended the “Fish and Frogs” program had the opportunity to see zebrafish, African Clawed Frogs, and bluegills.
On Wednesday, June 28, the NCI grounds will be filled with the chatter and laughter of children for the 21st annual Take Your Child to Work Day event.
Every year, the event aims to spark children’s interest in science through a variety of programs and activities.
Last year, children who attended the “Fish and Frogs” program had the opportunity to see zebrafish, African Clawed Frogs, and bluegills while learning how aquatic organisms are used to ensure water safety. At “I Think Mice Are Nice,” they learned all about how to care for and handle mice, as well as how the rodents help scientists discover cures for diseases.
But the day isn’t all about animal activities. In “What Is Inside a Computer?” children had a chance to learn about the components of a desktop computer and then try their hand at assembling one. And both “From DNA to Mice” and “Spool Strawberry or Banana DNA” gave kids the opportunity to extract DNA from cells.
Other Hub activities involved building and launching paper rockets, creating “tie dye” style t-shirts with permanent markers and rubbing alcohol, and trying on the sleeve and glove of a biocontainment suit.
Take Your Child to Work Day wouldn’t be a success without the participation of NCI at Frederick staff. The programs and activities are truly the backbone of the event, and they give children a glimpse into the daily lives and activities of their parents and the other employees at NCI at Frederick and Fort Detrick. Hopefully, they serve to inspire a new generation of scientists.
Program and Hub registration opens on April 10 and closes on May 10. If you are interested in hosting a program or need ideas, contact tyctwd@mail.nih.gov.
Registration for children opens on May 15 and closes on June 16, with itineraries being sent to parents on June 26.
Important Dates
April 10 – Program and Hub registration opens
May 10 – Program and Hub registration closes
May 15 – Child registration opens
June 16 – Child registration closes
June 26 – Itineraries sent to parents
June 28 – Take Your Child to Work Day
