A Spectacular Science Showcase for Families

  • A little girl looks though virtual reality glasses on a flyer for the Jefferson Lab 2024 Open House.

Jefferson Lab's 2024 Open House is the family event of the summer

NEWPORT NEWS, VA - Prepare for an incredible day of fun and discovery at the U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility's Open House event on June 8, 2024!

The biennial celebration has been on hold for six years, and the lab is pulling out all the stops for this 2024 event with an inspiring lineup of hands-on science activities perfect for children and families.

Young scientists can experience the power of particle accelerators by firing mock beams with their own hands. Nearby, even the littlest engineers can help assemble superconducting particle accelerator modules, learning how this technology allows accelerators to reach higher energies.

“Seeing all of this energy in action could unlock a lifelong passion for physics in kids of all ages," said Jefferson Lab Chief Communications Officer Lauren Hansen. "Here, they will experience how fun science can be, with the hope of inspiring them to explore and discover aspects of the STEM fields for themselves.”

Always a fan favorite, the Cryo Show will run all day and is a liquid nitrogen wonderland. From shattering frozen objects to billowing vapor clouds, these bizarre effects of extreme cold make the seemingly impossible wonderfully real.

At the hands-on science education stations, budding scientists can uncover at-home experiments and engage in activities like mastering magnet "magic."

Local robotics clubs will engage and inspire as middle and high schoolers showcase their work and passion for engineering.

Other stops will transform children into physicists tackling mysteries like angular momentum, polarized light, lasers and more. They will build model accelerator components and uncover hidden messages through scientific principles.

Families can also enjoy games, tasty treats from local food vendors, and snag highly sought-after Virginia is for Science Lovers® event items including posters, t-shirts, stickers and more.

With free admission for all ages, Jefferson Lab’s 2024 Open House ensures the entire family can access an enriching and fun day of learning.

"This event plants seeds of inspiration that could blossom into our next generation of innovators solving tomorrow's challenges," said Lisa Surles-Law, Jefferson Lab Science Education manager. "We cannot wait to see incredible possibilities take shape through their young minds and hands."

While offering activities tailored for youngsters, the open house has something to pique everyone's scientific interests. This community celebration welcomes all ages to experience the wonders of science.

For the latest on the Jefferson Lab’s 2024 Open House, visit the event website at https://www.jlab.org/openhouse or the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/3206270969516653/.

To be added to our event information distribution list for information updates and event reminders, email openhouse@jlab.org.

By Michelle Alvarez

Contact: Duane Bourne, Jefferson Lab Communications Office, duane@jlab.org

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Jefferson Science Associates, LLC, manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, or Jefferson Lab, for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. JSA is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Southeastern Universities Research Association, Inc. (SURA).

DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https://energy.gov/science