Explore alternative energy at DuPage Children Museum

Kids can investigate, explore and analyze hands-on science exhibits at DuPage Children’s Museum’s Science Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 10 at 301 N. Washington St., Naperville.

Museum visitors and members will discover the science of biofuels and alternative energy sources that can be used for transportation. Preregistration is not necessary.

In an effort to support and encourage working toward badge completion, the museum welcomes Cub Scouts and leaders in uniform to participate and receive 50 percent off admission.

“Generating excitement through hands-on science activities helps to ignite a lifelong love of science,” said Chris Barry, DuPage Children’s Museum school program manager. “Our Learning Lab programs have always offered these types of activities, but with the Science Saturday program we can reach a larger audience with our programming.”

Science Saturday will feature eight different hands-on experiment stations, each focusing on a unique element related to biofuels or alternative energy sources.

Participants can learn about various forms of fuel as they build their own alternative energy car. They can use a Dinoscope to view cell wall construction on a computer screen — even see the cellular construction of their own skin and hair. Kids also can operate a Refractometer, a scientific measurement tool used to estimate the sugar content of various liquids.

Museum visitors can participate in all of the activities or just a few. The program is self-guided, and regular exhibits will be open during programming hours for additional play opportunities.

The museum’s Science Saturday is part of the Farming for Fuels program and is offered in partnership with the Bioenergy Science Center, a division of the U.S. Department of Energy. It is partially funded through a grant from the Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga, Tenn.

The museum as one of only six in the country to participate in the two-year program development plan, which began in summer 2010.

For details about the event or Farming for Fuels program, call (630) 637-8000, ext. 6100, or visit dupagechildrensmuseum.org.