OSU Hatfield Science Visitor Center - Newport, OR

OSU has an awesome free science center in Newport, OR located inside the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center. They charge nothing for admission, but do accept donations.

It’s a small science museum, but they have packed in the hands on exhibits. The day we went there was an educational lecture on whales. They also have the Yaquina Estuary Nature Trail outside on the property that is open to the public from dawn to dusk. The trail is ½ mile paved and wheelchair-accessible.

Learning Exhibits

• Tsunamis and Earthquakes
• Sustainable Fisheries
• Tide Pools
• Invasive Species
• Octopus and Sunstars

Touch Pools

They had touch tanks full of fun sea creatures. Our kids spent most of their time here touching starfish and various anemones.
 

Hatfield Marine Science Center

2030 S.E. Marine Science Dr.

Newport, OR

541-867-0100

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Experiment with Water

Another fun  and easy science experiment for kids is this paper towel absorption experiment. You will need two paper towel, three clear cups, water, and food coloring. We went with blue water in one cup and yellow in another. In the middle you add no water. Wind up a paper towel and place it with one end in the water and one in the empty cup. Do the same with the other glass.
Kid's can observe how the paper towel soaks up the water, eventually moving it into the middle cup. This also helps teach colors to young children. My five year old now knows that blue and yellow mix together makes green.

Microwave a bar of Ivory Soap - Science Experiment

Microwaving a bar of soap is a simple science experiment for kids that you can do at home.
We had so much fun with this quick and easy science experiment. All you need is a bar of Ivory soap and a microwave.
Place the bar of Ivory soup in a large bowl and microwave for two minutes. With in two minutes you will have created a soap cloud.

Over at Steve Spangler science you will find out all the details of why this happens and can have a great discussion with your kids.