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Gatton Academy and Kentucky Science Center hosted “Kids Science Night” featuring Emily Calendrelli on Tuesday, February 13th in Van Meter Hall.
Calandrelli was the night’s headliner and was better known as “Space Gal” on numerous social media platforms. Calandrelli is the host and co-executive producer of the Netflix series “Emily’s Wonder Lab,” and the executive producer and Emmy-nominated host of FOX’s “Exploration Outer Space.” She also appeared in “Bill Nye Save the World.”
The event aimed to bring excitement and wonder to the fields of science and mathematics and propel young students toward future careers in STEM fields.
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It started at 5 p.m., and tables were set up for students to participate in hands-on science experiments.
Allen Clark, Gatton Academy’s lead housing counselor, worked at one of the tables at the event and demonstrated the power of surface tension to students. After sprinkling the pepper into the water and applying dish soap to their fingers, students placed their fingers in the water and watched as the pepper wrapped around their fingers.
“The fun part was getting the kids to think,” Clark said.
The Kentucky Science Center kicked off the event with a “Do Science Demo” show of science and explosions. When the balloons and fireballs exploded, the audience screamed, first in confusion, then in excitement.
Calandrelli then came out and shared with the family some personal life advice and experiences she’s gained through her years working in the STEM field.
“One test or moment doesn’t define you,” Calandrelli said. She went on to tell of a time in her life when she sought her “talent” but she failed a test. But that didn’t stop her.
Calandrelli graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in both Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. He then attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and earned his two Master of Science degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics and Technology and Policy.
Calandrelli used on-stage experiments to draw students into the room. In one such experiment, three volunteers placed Alka-Seltzer tablets into a film canister filled with water. Volunteers were instructed to close the canister as soon as they inserted the tablet, and then to turn the canister upside down. After a few anxious seconds, the can flew toward the ceiling, and the participants erupted in screams and cheers.
“Anytime I get to interact with kids, whether it’s a speech or a book signing, that’s my favorite part of my job,” Calandrelli said at a news conference Tuesday morning. “So any time I get a chance to actually talk to the kids who consume that content… it really feels magical and makes my job feel more real.”
Tom Pennington attended “Kids Science Night” with his grandchildren. Pennington, a WKU alumnus, co-founder of Bowling Green Physician Rehabilitation His Solutions, and member of the WKU Health and Human Services College Stakeholders Committee, feels STEM education is important for the next generation. I did.
“I think that’s what it’s all about,” Pennington said. “I think it’s important to make science and learning cool and fun.”
Pennington said, remembering his grandson Boone, 4. Because they, I’m amazed at how much this young spirit can amaze you with its creativity. ”
“The Space Gal” reassured the students and everyone in attendance that the differences and fears they may be hiding can instead be used as a “flashlight” to illuminate their path, We ended the night.
“Your anxiety may become your superpower,” Calandrelli says.
News reporter Cameron Shaw can be contacted at: [email protected].
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