WOW Update - September 10, 2009

Greetings WOW Enthusiasts:

We enter into the month of September with lots of new and exciting updates! 

Fundraiser Update

Science at Bare Ranch was a great success! We appreciate everyone who participated and enjoyed a perfect evening out at the Ranch.  Pictures of the event are posted on the website!  View the gorgeous grounds and the creative Gatsby outfits. The World of Wonders Science Museum would like to extend a very special thank you to the Phillips Family for all of their time and donations to make this first event such a wonderful success.  See you all again next year!

Thank you.

Exhibits

The WOW is excited to announce several new additions to our exhibit family!

With the generous donation from the Hovatter family, the amazing 30” Plasma Ball has arrived!  Plasma is often stated as the fourth element and it consists of hot ionized gas or excited gas molecules created by electrical energy. Just to note here that the other three elements of course being water, air and earth, whereas Plasma is neither gas or air but an element in its own right. Thank you, K.R. and Roberta Hovatter!

Also, the bicycle wheel gyroscope is back up and in action!  This illustrates an important conservation law of physics:  the conservation of angular momentum or turning motion. Sit in the chair while holding the spinning bicycle wheel and it will send you in circles!

The WOW would also like to thank the Lodi Tokay Rotary Club for their donation of a monitor and DVD player, to display the wonderful video, How Things Go.  This is a 31-minute Rub Goldberg project combining physics and chemistry, and is wonderfully engaging to watch.  “Dedicated to the Physics and Chemistry teachers who inspire us to discover the hows and whys of the way things go.”  Thank you John Marshall, President of the Lodi Tokay Rotary Club, for your inspiration.

Events

September 12 - Zapotec Native Art Heirloom Rugs

On September 12th from 12:00-4:00pm, Zenon will be at the World of Wonders Science Museum in Lodi to demonstrate his wonderful art. 

We invite you to join us!

Zenon Hipolito is a 7th generation master weaver.  He has been weaving since the age of 8, and through the art, is able to honor his ancestors.  Zenon was presented artist of the year by McMillin and McGraw Hill in 1996.  From 2000- 2003 Zenon was invited to the San Francisco Academy of Science to display his weaving, and in 2005 he was awarded “Best in Show” at the Castro Street Faire.

Learn more about Zenon from this website.

September 22 - Teacher Open House

Join us between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. for a free visit to the World of Wonders Science Museum to learn about field study trip opportunities at the “W.O.W.” as well as many other cultural and nature organizations in our county.

Have children of your own? Bring them along! Liquid refreshments will be provided.

Organizations Attending:

• World of Wonders Science Museum
• The Childrens’ Museum of Stockton
• Cosumnes River Preserve

Please RSVP by September 21 by calling the WOW or emailing Diane at ddebruno@wowsciencemuseum.org.

Lodi Grape Festival

As all of you are well aware, the Lodi Grape Festival will be September 17th through the 20th!  The museum will be having a booth inside the Grape Pavilion and we are looking for volunteers to help represent the WOW.  If you are interested in helping please contact Jamie Henderson at the museum, 209-368-0969. If you cannot help but will be at the festival, don’t forget to stop bye and say hi!

Stockton Record Book Fair

Saturday, September 19th is the Stockton Record’s Book Fair at University Park in Stockton from 10am-3pm.  The Book Fair draws anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 visitors each year!  There will be many booths for the kids, all of which are interactive.  The WOW will also have a booth at this event.  If you would like to come out and help represent the WOW, please call Jamie Henderson at the museum.

Fundraiser - Rotary Rocks

When Ralph Cesena Jr. was selected to be the President of Lodi Sunrise Rotary club for the 2008-09 year, he wanted to find a creative way to make a difference in the community.  One of his first ideas was to combine his Rotary service, his love for music, and his passion for providing youth service.  As a result he created a series of wine, food and music events featuring his Lodi-based classic rock band, the “Vine Dawgz” in partnership with Lodi Sunrise Rotary, his community service club.

Last year’s inaugural event was a fundraiser for the World of Wonders Science Museum, and that event is being carried over this year.  The 2nd Annual Rotary Rocks! for World of Wonders Science Museum will be held Friday October 2nd, at the WOW Museum.  All proceeds will benefit the WOW!

Thanks To...

Jessica Helmick has worked hard putting together our Volunteer files, forms and placement.  Jessica has received a promotion at Lucas Winery and will no longer be able to donate her time as our Volunteer Coordinator.  Yet, what she has already done in this short period of time has made a huge impact and we would like to thank Jessica for her personal donation to the WOW.

And to end our newsletter, the WOW is very excited to announce that the World of Wonders Science Museum has been voted best of San Joaquin in the Out and About Category (2nd place)!  Combined congratulations and thanks to everyone who has contributed their time, effort, and/or money to help make this museum so wonderful!

Don’t forget to visit the WOW Science Store!  Unique gifts for children and a great place to get a head start on the holidays! Remember, members receive 10% off all purchases!

We look forward to seeing you at the WOW Museum! 

Thank you, 

With your continued financial support, the reality of the World of Wonders Science Museum will never fade. Your support will help to open the doors of science learning and opportunity for the children of today and for all future generations.  Thank you for making this possible.