Science in the Neighborhood

Science is everywhere, especially in our own back yards.

Here are 10 places in your neighborhood that you can visit with your kids to learn how things work.  Some may be easier to get a tour with a group (school, scouts, etc), but you may be able to go during a slow part of the day and get a private tour or interview.

Ask the professionals to share what tools and technology they use. 

1.  Utilities - Recycling, water sanitation

Some local utilities have specific dates for public tours or will schedule group tours.

2.  Fire station, police car, ambulance

Ask community helpers to show the inside of their trucks and tools they use.

3.  Local Restaurants

The kitchen in your local restaurant usually has well planned logistics to get food out quickly.  Pizza places sometimes offer tours to groups.  Even fast food restaurants have interesting tools they use to get food out fast and consistently.

4.  Grocery store

Peak behind the scenes in the stock room to see how food gets from truck to shelves and into our homes.

5.  Bank

Help kids understand money is not just about a credit card.

6.  Library

Ok, I am a Dewey Decimal system nerd and love the order of sorting and reshelving books.

7.  Repair shop

Lots of cool tools to ask about.

8.  Gas station

Where does the gas come from and how does it get into our cars?

9.  Local farm, upick or farmer's market

Whether there are animals or fruits and vegetables, there are plenty of learning opportunities  about where our food comes from.

10.  Construction site

Big tools and trucks.  Make sure you watch from a distance and everyone is safe.