Nearly 700 flock to Pleasant Knoll for Family Science Night

Pleasant Knoll Elementary School became a place of curiosity, exploration and fun during the second annual Family Science Night Thursday.

Community organizations joined in the fun with demonstrations, live animals and an indoor planetarium for students and their families to enjoy.

“Its community outreach and it’s also a super fun night of science,” said Kristin Zeppelin with Pleasant Knoll Elementary. “We’re showing kids how science can be fun.”

The event drew more than 685 visitors with 70 volunteers and 19 community partners, she said.

Anne Springs Close Greenway, Carolinas Aviation Station, Catawba Nuclear Station, York County Recycling, Bricks 4 Kidz and many other community organizations joined in educating students with interactive displays.

Greg Coolidge, whose wife teaches at Pleasant Knoll, joined his son Greyson, 3, and daughter Reilley Grace, 7, in creating giant bubbles and exploring the variety of exhibits throughout the school.

“The kids love coming,” he said. “They have a blast.”

The participants got to play with a robot named Rosie and learn about recycling, biology and beekeeping.

During the event, students also used their art skills to help their school by painting rocks and raising $495 for the outdoor classroom, Zeppelin said.

“Teachers are excited about having the chance to go outdoors in the classroom,” Zeppelin said.

Nikolai Caton, 6, helped paint a few rocks for the classroom and enjoyed the science exhibits, said his mother Emily Caton.

“He loves science,” she said.

This story was originally published May 23, 2016 at 4:48 PM with the headline "Nearly 700 flock to Pleasant Knoll for Family Science Night."