Western Colorado Math & Science Center

Description:

• This incredible hands-on facility is designed to "create enthusiasm and excitement for math and science" for kids of all ages -- right on up to seniors. It's the brainchild of physicist John McConnell, who decided to turn from research to education and started a mentoring program in math and science for western Colorado students. With sophisticated experiments and interactive presentations packed in the trunk of his car, McConnell traveled from school to school; eventually, the popular program outgrew the car's trunk and morphed into the Western Colorado Math & Science Center. Somewhere along the way it acquired the acronym SITHOK, or Science in the Hands of Kids. And that's it in a nutshell: The basic elements of science and math are presented with explanations, and kids (and adults) are invited to "touch, turn, look, listen, feel, pull, adjust, try out, and question." The staff of volunteers is continually adding and changing exhibits. Be sure to schedule your visit around school hours, since schools from a 160-mile radius make field trips to the center. Allow 1 to 4 hours.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010