Chris Duerr runs a test with his daughter to answer the question "Does mold grow in the light or in the dark?" during the PS 84 Science Exploratorium.

Students run the show at the Exploratorium, presenting what they have learned in class to parents and guests. These 6th-graders explain the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) tower garden during a greenhouse tour.

The Exploratorium was the brainchild of science teacher Gail Sims Bliss. “We’re creating a culture of science in the school,” said Sims Bliss. “Our goal is to give the students a predilection for inquiry and discovery, interest and curiosity.”

Sixth-grade students oversee the testing of minerals, one of the many things the students have learned in science class this year.

Science teacher Ming Chan helps students prepare kale, grown in the school’s greenhouse, for tasting. Guests were also invited to take home a greenhouse plant.  

Teacher Lisa Saleh checks on some 3rd-grade scientists.

Teacher Lisa Saleh checks on some 3^rd-grade scientists. 

Guests recognize science teachers (from left) Gail Sims Bliss, Leslie Yam and Ming Chan, who organized the event along with Dan Hutton, while teachers Bernice Ayala, Michael Viau and Kimberly Chu prepared the 6th graders. But on the night of the event, said Yam, the students “are science stars.”

Speech therapist Kimberly DeRienzo listens to 4^th-graders help parents answer the question:“Can you light a bulb with one wire and a battery?”

Each experiment answered a question in earth science, physical science, life science or chemistry, and parents were asked to complete a shortened version of the lab report students do in class.