Ander petting Sunshine the Boa Constrictor. Photo by James Welch

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Members of the Community Science Workshop gathered outside the San Benito County Free Library on July 14 to share their interactive exhibits with the public.

Families passing by stopped to check out the Summer Science Workshop’s various activities, which resembled exhibits one might find at an interactive science museum. Each activity was created by one of the organization’s members.

The event was enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Amelia and Sofia played endlessly with handmade devices designed to demonstrate electromagnetic fields.

The main attraction was a hands-on building project. Using a combination of batteries, tape and an electric motor, attendees could create their own automatic bubble blower.

Amelia, left, and Sofia check out an exhibit at the Community Science Workshop at the library. Photo by James Welch

The exhibit also featured two reptiles: Sunshine, a boa constrictor, and Pepsi, a bearded dragon. Both creatures seemed to enjoy the attention and petting from visitors.

The Summer Science Workshop was hosted by the Watsonville Community Science Workshop. 

The workshop will have its 30th anniversary in 2027, according to branch Vice President Curt Gabrielson.

Gabrielson said the Watsonville branch is one small piece of the organization’s vast national network. There are eight different groups in California alone, and four others spread across Texas, New York, Pennsylvania and Colorado.

Wyatt Moore playing with an exhibit. Photo by James Welch

Organizers say the Community Science Workshop’s goal is to create a physical science workshop for San Benito County, “a space where kids and their families can go and explore. Create the projects of their imaginations.” Gabrielson said.

He said the organizers want a place where kids can continue their own education driven by their own curiosity.

“It complements what schools are. That’s what we got in other towns, and we’d love to see it here in San Benito as well.” he said.

The organization will continue to meet outside of the library every Tuesday, from noon to 2 p.m., throughout the summer.

Learn more about the Community Science Workshop Network here.

Amelia works with an exhibit. Photo by James Welch

The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour and Taylor Farms.