Q&A: What's happening at Saturday's Raleigh Kids March for Science

The Raleigh Kids March for Science starts at 9 a.m. with hands-on activities and continues until 1 p.m., Saturday, with a variety of other kid-friendly doings.

Posted 12:03 a.m. Apr 12, 2018 — Updated 7:22 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

, Go Ask Mom editor

Thousands will descend on downtown Raleigh on Saturday for the Raleigh March for Science, part of an international event that lists advocating for open and honest science communication; evidence-based policy and regulations; and funding for scientific research and its applications, among its goals.

Last year's event drew hundreds of families. And this year, organizers are planning special activities just for them. The Raleigh Kids March for Science starts at 9 a.m. with hands-on activities and continues until 1 p.m., Saturday, with a variety of other kid-friendly doings.

I checked in with Amy Hellmers, March for Science organizer and a mom, to learn more about what's planned on Saturday and the discussions she's having with her own kids about the march and about science. Here's a Q&A:

Go Ask Mom: How did the Raleigh Kids March for Science get its start? Were there activities for kids last year?

Amy Hellmers: I was inspired by the 2017 Boston Kids March for Science, and I thought the Raleigh march could build on last year’s Community Science Fair to make it an even more inviting event for children. The fair last year included a series of presenters and informational displays, but this year we are expanding the children’s activities even further. They even have their own mascot, Atom the Science Squirrel, which was created by volunteers.

GAM: What are you hearing from parents and kids? Why do they want to get involved?

AH: I've heard from many parents that they appreciate having an event like this that designs a child-centered space to explore what it means to be a citizen in an uplifting and celebratory way. Parents have been looking forward to the festival atmosphere of giant puppets and bubbles, too, and are excited that we're expanding on the Community Science Fair from last year - that was a big hit for the grown-ups too! The kids I've talked with want to speak up about why we need clean air and clean water, and recycling.

'We want solutions'

GAM: How does participation in events like these help to build interesting discussions among kids and parents? What kind of discussions have you been having around your house?

AH: Teenagers and older children can understand the policy side of the march -- advocating for robust funding for scientific research and policies that are supported by that research. But for younger children, the march is also a celebration of science, a time to explore how fun it is to learn about the world you live in. Speakers will be emphasizing how important science is in solving the world’s problems, and the children who march today will be the ones to do that.

My 8-year-old third grade daughter, Violet, has joined me at rallies for a couple of years now, starting with the Women's March on Raleigh in January 2017. She asks insightful questions while we're making signs or when we're in the middle of a crowd that demonstrate her curiosity and comprehension of what's happening in our world. These experiences will offer her a sense of ownership and confidence that she can speak her mind and create positive change in her world in the years to come.

Our brief chats often lead to reading a new book or watching a documentary to dive deeper into her discovery of the world. For example, she decided to research famous women who changed the world and artistically prepared 40+ biographies to share with each community sponsor at the Women's March anniversary event this year. She's now eager to hear about each new scientist who will speak and can't wait to meet astrophysicist Katie Mack, National Geographic Explorer Luke Dollar and the founder of HowStuffWorks, Marshall Brain.

Last weekend she went to a screen print studio and helped make screenprint posters to hand out at the science march - she came up with the slogan, "We want solutions! Not exclusion or pollution!" I am quite proud as a mother to see her excited to teach her younger brother and sister about turning off the lights to save energy, or writing her own story about girl scientists who travel across space to save the day with only their brains for their superpower!

Paperhand Puppets, music, fun for kids

GAM: What will you have for kids and families on Saturday?

AH: The actual kids march starts at 9:45 a.m. on the north side of Halifax Mall. Kids can bring signs, instruments and wear costumes if they choose, and they’ll be joined as they march by puppets from the Paperhand Puppet Intervention and the Oakwood Second Line band.

There will also be kids activities going on from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Kids for Science Corner. Local universities and science clubs will be there with a lot of hands-on science activities and experiments, including N.C. State University’s Science House and Triangle DIY Biology. One activity that we know will be very popular is a make-your-own-slime station.

GAM: How can people get involved?

AH: We are still looking for volunteers for several parts of the event, including the Kids Science Corner. We’re also taking donations to cover the cost of the event. Information on both can be found at our website, www.raleighmarchforscience.com. There will also be T-shirts by House of Swank and buttons for sale at the march. They’ll feature the Raleigh skyline or Atom the Squirrel, and sales will benefit the march, too.

People can also participate in a social media campaign I've called "Everyone for Science.” The idea is to share our photos of us doing science, or write a story about one way that science has impacted our lives, or share what your favorite science class was in school, or make a fun video of a science experiment, and share them on social media as a way to virtually "stand up for science." You can use our hashtags on your posts: #RM4S and #marchforscienceraleigh

Most importantly, come out to show your support for science, and spread the word about this family-friendly event!

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