California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA. - The science clubs at CSU Channel Islands (CI) have planned an exciting event for Ventura County students in grades K-8. The First Annual Science Carnival will take place on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at University Charter Middle School, 550 Temple Avenue, Camarillo.

The event was initiated by Dr. Philip Hampton, Professor of Chemistry at CSU Channel Islands. Hampton, who is also the Director of the National Science Foundation’s Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) and the Director of HIS STEM Grant at Oxnard College, is eager to encourage students to investigate STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) majors or careers.

The Science Carnival coincides with National Chemistry Week. Hampton credited the CI biology, chemistry and LSAMP clubs with the creation of the carnival. President Mary Grabiak and Vice President Ashley Bonneau of the chemistry club, the Free Radicals, were instrumental in spearheading the development of the event. Hampton and his students worked closely with Charmon Evans, Director of the University Preparatory School, so that all science content would relate to the science curriculum covered in grades K-8.

The Carnival will feature hands-on science activities, followed by a Science Magic Show that will have, according to Hampton, “…flames, color changes and things that go boom! Students will be able to roast hotdogs with electricity, make slime, and make color change by exhaling breath.”

Philip Hampton stated that the Science Carnival’s goal “…is to create a festive atmosphere where elementary and middle school students can experience the wonder and joy of science. The event is part of CSU Channel Islands' commitment to outstanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics education."

For further information about the Science Carnival contact Dr. Philip Hampton, Professor of Chemistry at CSU Channel Islands at 805-437-8869 or philip.hampton@csuci.edu.

For media inquiries contact Nancy Gill, Director of Communication & Marketing at CSU Channel Islands at 805-437-8456 or nancy.gill@csuci.edu.

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CSU Channel Islands is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

CSUCI Mission Statement

Placing students at the center of the educational experience, California State University Channel Islands provides undergraduate and graduate education that facilitates learning within and across disciplines through integrative approaches, emphasizes experiential and service learning, and graduates students with multicultural and international perspectives.