Our February Science Explorations theme is Science and Civil Rights. WonderLab believes in amplifying the work of many scientists and recognizes the importance of diverse representation in our museum and across our programs. We strive to put these beliefs into practice 12 months a year. We also recognize that February is Black history month and historically, not all voices and faces have been well represented in fields of science. So during the month of February, we are paying respect to the careers of Black scientists and conducting experiments that reflect their work. Join us and learn about Annie Easley, a computer scientist, mathematician, and rocket scientist that worked for NASA. Easley’s complex calculations and coding contributed to many NASA projects, including the 1997 flight to Saturn of the Cassini probe. We will do our own complex calculations by working problems in the four operations in bases other than base 10, which we usually work in. For older elementary participants, this supports Indiana Computer Science Standard 3-5.DI.1: Understanding and using the basic steps in algorithmic problem solving. For younger elementary students, this activity will reinforce the four operations as well as deepen understanding of our base 10 number system. Materials are not necessary, but feel free to have paper and a writing utensil.

Cost: Free

For more information contact:

Aleisha Kropf
(812) 337-1337