Contact: LuAnne Pendergraft, (252) 338-6117; 312-3824; luanne@portdiscover.orgElizabeth City, NC – Children will have a new place to explore their imaginations and expand their knowledge when Port Discover opens the new children’s health and nutrition exhibit, Kinetic Kids, on Saturday, April 2.
Made possible through a grant from Albemarle Hospital Foundation, the new Kinetic Kids interactive exhibit and play space features three themed areas:
- The Scientist I Can Be exhibit encourages children to assume the roles of health professionals and fosters this play with a variety of play acting costumes, toys, and tools.
- A Fitter Me space features and interactive and music-based exhibit that offers children guidance on healthy exercise activities.
- A Healthier Me exhibit includes a market and food preparation space that, through play food, food labels, and utensils, teaches children how to make healthy food selections and portions.
“The goal of the Kinetic Kids exhibit is to use fun and engaging activities to teach children the importance of making healthy choices,” said Michelle Donahue, Port Discover’s Director of Education and Exhibits. “These healthy habits need to begin young. We hope that the Kinetic Kids activities will raise awareness of both children and parents and foster healthier children in the Albemarle.”
The Kinetic Kids exhibit is just one component of Port Discover’s children’s health awareness program designed for preschool to school-aged children. Upcoming Kinetic Kids programs include:
- March 24: Afterschool Science Program 1 + 1 + Achoo! featuring building healthy habits
- April 27: Kinetic Kids Health and Nutrition Spring Break Camp
- May 14: Second Saturday Science—Fit as Can Be! featuring children’s yoga
- Week of June 20: Kinetic Kids Summer Camp
Kinetic Kids is funded by the Albemarle Hospital Foundation grant, as part of their Community Benefits Grants Program, which is funded by the University Health Systems (UHS) Community Benefits Committee’s 2010-2011 Health Initiatives Grants Program. Albemarle Hospital is affiliated with UHS through a management agreement.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents, with an estimated 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years identified as obese.
Port Discover is located at 611 East Main Street in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The science center’s hours are Tuesday through Friday from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Programs can be arranged at other times for special groups. For more information, call 252-338-6117 or www.portdiscover.org.
Port Discover is a community-based, non-profit organization, established to enhance the public’s understanding and enjoyment of science through engaging programs, activities, and exhibits. Elizabeth City State University along with the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce initiated the project that has attracted broad community support, including Elizabeth City Morning Rotary, College of the Albemarle, Albemarle Hospital, Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools. Port Discover is also a member of the NC Grassroots Science Museum Collaborative.
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