Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, in partnership with local Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 443, will host “Push, Pull and Drag: Hands-on Science Demonstrations,” Saturday, March 21, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Planetarium on the University campus. The event is free and open to the community.

A series of five hands-on science demonstrations set up as experiment stations will allow kids of all ages to participate and observe a variety of aspects of science. The experiments and stations were researched, developed and built by Denis Barsalou, a freshman at Spanish Springs High School, as part of his leadership service project leading to the rank of Eagle Scout. Barsalou is a member of BSA Troop 443, which will also assist with the event.

“We were pleased that Denis wanted to partner with the Planetarium and share his project with the community,” said Dan Ruby, Planetarium associate director. “He’s done a great job of researching and building these exhibits and I know his troop is proud of his efforts.”

“I selected this project specifically because of my love of science and my focus on space and astronomy,” Eagle Scout candidate Denis Barsalou said. “I also wanted to help others learn how to enjoy science and to learn in the process. The goal is that everyone who participates will learn something, whether it is a science fact or that they have more interest in something new.”

Barsalou’s five “Push, Pull and Drag” experiment stations will remain on display at the Planetarium after the event.

“The hands-on exhibits are designed for elementary school kids but should be fun for all ages.” Barsalou said.

Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center is located north of Lawlor Events Center on Virginia and 16th streets, on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Free parking is available in the West Stadium Parking Complex, level 3, just east of the Planetarium.

For more information about the free event, or for Planetarium show tickets and showtimes, call (775) 784-4811. For more information about joining Friends of the Planetarium, and upcoming exhibits, events and shows playing in the Star Theater, call (775) 784-4812 or visit The Planetarium website.