The joy of science showcased in Expo event at Fairplex
POMONA -- A doctor and a forensic crime scene investigator seemingly don't have much in common -- but they do.
The common link is that their work involves a great deal of science.
Doctors, crime scene investigators, scientists from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, teachers and other people will showcase their work on Saturday at the second annual Nancy McCracken Science, Math, Service Learning and Arts Expo.
The free event at Fairplex will include a variety of science and art exhibits produced by Pomona Unified School District students.
In putting together the expo, organizers had two goals in mind, said Sarah Ross, chairwoman of the Pomona Youth and Family Master Plan Community Board's Promoting Academic Achievement Task Force.
On one hand, "We're hoping to raise (students') interest in education and math and science," Ross said. "Secondly, we want families to spend more time together."
The expo makes it possible to work on both goals, she said.
Families will find something that interests every member regardless of age, she said.
Visitors will be able to participate in a Jeopardy-style science quiz, check out the stars through the traveling Sky Dome Planetarium shows and watch Pomona Unified teachers performs creative science experiments, she said.
Art demonstrations, musical performers and giveaways -- including two trips to middle school science camps -- will be part of the event, Ross said.
Last year's event at the Village at Indian Hill was attended by about 250 young people and 300 adults.
This year, Fairplex opened up its doors to the event, which will allow for more attendees, Ross said.
Participants will include members of the Pomona police Forensic Crime Scene Investigations unit who will explain the importance of science in their work.
The unit's work includes gathering and preserving evidence -- from fingerprints to DNA -- which police can use in solving cases and district attorneys can use in prosecuting criminals, said Sheri Orellana, a crime scene investigator with the department.
"There is so much science and technology to what we do," Orellana said.
Young people will be able learn about CSI work and then test their knowledge by going through a mock crime scene.
"We'll talk to the them about what are the good traits of a CSI investigator," Orellana said.
The expo will provide an opportunity to talk about science, but also encourage interested attendees in the CSI field to "stay in school, get good grades, stay away from gangs and drugs" and they could be a CSI investigators one day, she said.
The second annual Nancy McCracken Science, Math Service Learning and Arts Expo will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Activities will be in Building 5, which can be accessed from Gate 3 off of McKinley.
Admission and parking are free.
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