WSU Turns Parks Into Educational Hubs for Science, Arts

OGDEN, Utah — Children of all ages and abilities can engage in science experiments and art projects all summer long thanks to Weber State University’s interactive outreach programs Science in the Parks and Arts in the Parks.
 
For the first time, this year, WSU students will provide sign language translation for students from the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB). USDB students will attend Science in the Parks June 9-11 and Arts in the Parks July 6-9.   
 
“Program coordinators have worked hard to provide American Sign Language Interpreters for our students in order to allow them full access to the science and art concepts being taught,” said Jamie Robinson, USDB lead interpreter. “Many of our students are young, and this experience will allow them not only to participate fully in the program, but also will allow them to learn how to utilize an interpreter.  The great thing about the programs provided is that they help students explore, create and question through play."
 
This year marks the ninth annual Science in the Parks and sixth annual Arts in the Parks events. The programs will run for six weeks in June and July from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 
“Science in the Parks was created so we can model science as play for a wide range of ages,” said Adam Johnston, Science in the Parks director. “Parks are naturally playful spaces, and we want to show how science is just a way to play with both the natural world and the ideas that explain it.”
 
The programs partner with the Ogden School District free summer lunch program. After students eat lunch, they spend an hour participating in hands-on learning activities.
 
“The Arts in the Parks program is a great way for WSU students in the arts, in education and in other disciplines to gain real-life experiences in presenting their skills to the public and in sharing their talents with children,” said Kathryn MacKay, Arts in the Parks co-director. “It is an example of what can be accomplished out of good partnerships with our sponsors and other non-profits.”
 
The dates and locations for this summer’s schedule are:
 
Arts in the Parks
June 1-5, at Lorin Farr Park (769 Canyon Rd., Ogden)
June 8-12, at 4th Street Park (502 Wall Ave., Ogden)
June 15-19, at Monroe Park (850 30th St., Ogden)         
June 22-26, at Jaycee Park (2465 Fillmore Ave., Ogden)
June 29-July 2, at Mt. Ogden Park (3144 Taylor Ave., Ogden)
July 6-10, at West Ogden Park (751 W. 24th St., Ogden)
 
Science in the Parks
June 8-12, at Lorin Farr Park (769 Canyon Rd., Ogden)
June 15-19, at 4th Street Park (502 Wall Ave., Ogden)
June 22-26, at Monroe Park (850 30th St., Ogden)
June 29-July 2, at Jaycee Park (2465 Fillmore Ave., Ogden)
July 6-10, at Mt. Ogden Park (3144 Taylor Ave., Ogden)
July 12-17, at West Ogden Park (751 W. 24th St., Ogden)
 
In addition to Weber State and the Ogden School District, supporters of the series include the Val A. Browning Charitable Foundation, Weber County R.A.M.P. (recreation, arts, museums, parks), the Utah Families Foundation, the Alan and Jeanne Hall Endowment for Community Outreach, the Eccles Art Center and WSU’s Department of Physics and College of Science.
 
For more information on Science in the Parks, visit weber.edu/scienceinthepark. For more information on Arts in the Parks, visit weber.edu/artsinthepark.
 
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
 
Author:
Marcus Jensen, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7295 • marcusjensen@weber.edu
Contact:
Adam Johnston, Science in the Parks director
801-626-7711 • ajohnston@weber.edu
 
Kathryn MacKay, Arts in the Parks co-director
801-626-6782 • kmackay@weber.edu