Science on Wheels from Pacific Science Center is visiting Mercer Island this week. The van will be at Islander Middle School on Dec. 15.

Science on Wheels vans brings the excitement and curiosity of Pacific Science Center from Seattle to classrooms beyond its signature arches. With plenty of visual exhibits and opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning in subjects such as physics, space and geology, Science on Wheels delivers educational fun across the state of Washington.

Pacific Science Center’s Science On Wheels program delivers exciting, interactive science curriculum to elementary and middle schools in Washington State. It offers one hour and 45 minutes of student contact, making it the most extensive school outreach program in the country.

The Science On Wheels program at Pacific Science Center, an independent, not-for-profit educational institution, began during the gas crisis of the 1970’s, when groups of school children could no longer visit the museum on field trips. Educators were quick to respond, loading lessons and small exhibits into station wagons.

Science on Wheels quickly grew into one of the largest science outreach programs in the country. The demand for in-school and community based programs expanded so quickly in fact, that offerings were expanded in 1999. These new programs emerged to meet the needs of community organizations who also wanted science fun brought to them. While earlier programs had focused on school children, these additional programs inspired a love for science at libraries, community centers, fairs and festivals.

Science On Wheels offers seven subject areas; six designed for elementary schools and one for secondary schools. The van had visited Northwood Elementary School on Oct. 20, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3.

For more information about Science On Wheels, click here.