Cutting the ribbon with ceremonial scissors were (l-r) Dr. Paul Finman, Dr. Laura Finman, Rathdrum Mayor Vic Holmes
The STAR Discovery Bus 2011 Tour launched today, July 12, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting celebration at Prairie View Elementary School in Post Falls. About 50 young future scientists and 40 adults were there to see the Bus, talk with its founders Drs. Lorna and Paul Finman, and talk with DiscoTech, a real rolling, talking robot.
Here are those future scientists from communities all around the area getting their picture taken with DiscoTech alongside the STAR Discovery Bus. The Bus’s summer tour will take hands-on exhibits, science shows like “Fun With Liquid Nitrogen”, and our area’s favorite talking robot DiscoTech to communities in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Here is the schedule.
Our area's future scientists with DiscoTech
Meet the Finman’s. The word “visionaries” is properly applied to them. They are the founders of Discover Technology in Rathdrum, Idaho. In 2012 Discover Technology will open the STAR Science Center in Rathdrum. The 20,000 square foot center will feature interactive exhibits, science laboratories, and opportunities for students to explore robotics, molecular biology, alternative energy, and agricultural technology.
Dr. Lorna Finman, DiscoTech, Dr. Paul Finman
Even today’s ceremony was educational. Shown in the photo below is Ross Welburn entertaining and educating the kids by using electromagnetism to propel metal rings high into the air.
Ross Welburn demonstrating electromagnetic force to the kids.
Ross Welburn supervising and showing that hands-on learning is important.
Here are a couple of photos of the kids talking with DiscoTech.
There was very little speechifyin’ at the ceremony today, but Rathdrum Mayor Vic Holmes deserves praise for his insight when, after acknowledging the Finman’s efforts to inspire youth to explore various pathways into math, science, and technology, he looked straight at the kids to his right and acknowledged them as being “the most important people here today.” Exactly right, Mr. Mayor.
Rathdrum Mayor Vic Holmes
For more information about Discover Technology and its programs and visions, follow this link to DiscoverTechnology.org .
And please go see the STAR Discovery Bus when it comes to your area this summer. Again, here’s the STAR Discovery Bus schedule.
Wow, here is a prime example of people who really want to give back. These people give back from their own pocket. As opposed to a certain slick CDA city Councilman who barely won re-election by 2 votes, who sees homeless as being a huge problem his idea of giving back is for YOU the taxpayer to give back and for you the citizens on 15th and Sherman to put up with. This guy wants the credit for fixing a problem then wants everyone else to buck up and either volunteer or pay for it.
Comment by WannaBe JD — July 12, 2011 @ 4:42 pm
WBJD,
My wife and I are going to Rathdrum Days this weekend and will go out to Lakeland High to go through the Discovery Bus.
It was inspiring to see and hear the kids’ enthusiasm and watch their participation today. I’m eager to see the STAR Science Center when it opens, particularly the agricultural technology area. Including agricultural technology shows an immense respect for both the history and future of this area.
Comment by Bill — July 12, 2011 @ 5:21 pm
WBjD, Didnt you hear obama talk about all of those “FREE” programs that cannot be cut?
Comment by concerned citizen — July 12, 2011 @ 9:32 pm
Congrats and big thank yous to the Finmans for walking the walk; they put their money where their mouths are and make a BIG difference in our community. Great photos, Bill!
Comment by mary — July 13, 2011 @ 10:53 am
Mary,
Thanks. After looking at my post again, I realized I had left out a photo demonstrating the principle that students learn better when they not only see and hear but touch as well. I’ve inserted it.
Comment by Bill — July 13, 2011 @ 12:01 pm
Good stuff, thank you!
Comment by Pariah — July 14, 2011 @ 2:57 pm