Colorado State University Spur is centered around the excitement that comes from learning something new, and now, those lessons can reach an audience far beyond the physical campus in Denver.
That’s thanks to Wiz Kid who, in addition to being a fan of bedazzled lab coats and colorful bandanas, is the host of six new YouTube videos aimed at connecting kids – and the young at heart – with the wonders of science. These episodes dropped on April 4 and feature a variety of at-home science experiments and activities for everyone, furthering CSU Spur’s mission to break down barriers and provide inclusive, accessible education for future generations.
Throughout the videos, Wiz Kid highlights the wonders of CSU Spur, showcasing everything from the living wall in the Terra building to the virtual reality laboratory in Vida. She also guides viewers through multiple experiments – with help from her friends at CSU.
“One of our motivations in launching CSU Spur was to help connect kids with science and learning in fun, accessible ways – so they can start to imagine themselves in careers they might never have considered before,” CSU System Chancellor Tony Frank said. “By joining in adventures with Wiz Kid, students from all across Colorado and beyond can share in these experiences – they don’t have to be physically at Spur to benefit from this one-of-a-kind learning environment. We’re excited for where Wiz Kid can go in the years ahead.”
Check out the Wiz Kid videos below, and be sure to follow her adventures on Facebook and Instagram. Meet and interact with Wiz Kid at CSU Spur events throughout the year, including a special event from 10:30 a.m. to noon on May 5, as part of 2nd Saturday at CSU Spur. Find out more at csuspur.org/wizkid.
During this pilot episode, Wiz Kid explores the three buildings at CSU Spur: Vida, which is centered around health; Terra, which focuses on all things food; and Hydro, a hub for water-related research and activities. After exploring everything from the mock veterinary clinic to Spur’s popular stream table, Wiz Kid caps things off with an expert involving what’s known as “direct spherification” – a satisfying experiment that has to be seen to be believed.
Wiz Kid explores all things plants at the Terra building’s rooftop greenhouse. Jennifer Bousselot, an assistant professor of horticulture and landscape architecture at CSU, shows her the different parts of a plant. Next, Candyce Wondercheck, a lead educator facilitator at CSU Spur, teaches her how to make her own wildflower seed spheres.
Wait, you can make bread in a bag?! Wiz Kid learns this lesson and more thanks to Nicholas Trujillo, the Food Innovation Center operations manager at CSU Spur. In addition to helping her make bread, he also walks her through how to make homemade butter and even cheese for an afternoon snack in the campus’ test kitchen.
Wiz Kid walks viewers through three easy-to-follow, hands-on chemistry activities: playing with Oobleck, writing a secret message and making a special fizzy lemonade.
Jake Holley, a research scientist and co-manager of the Metropolitan Ag Research Center on top of the Terra building, walks Wiz Kid through how he uses the scientific method to study plants. Later, Wiz Kid tries her own experiment by determining what does and does not dissolve in water.
During this episode, Wiz Kid learns about why certain foods taste the way they do – and what impacts our different senses. Martha Calvert, the manager of CSU Spur’s Sensory Lab, explains how the sense of taste works and how smell impacts the messages our brains receive.
Wiz Kid Live
Join Wiz Kid for autographs, photos and a special screening of the Wiz Kid premiere at CSU Spur! Enjoy the popcorn-candy bar, watch the pilot episode and meet Wiz Kid — join at 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m.
The first 100 kids receive a special, limited edition Wiz Kid bandana.
Open house-style; RSVP requested (so we have enough popcorn for everyone!): https://col.st/rJbmh
Reach out to csuspurwizkid@colostate.edu with any questions. Hope to see you there!
About CSU Spur
CSU Spur is a free learning destination open year-round in Denver, focused on engaging K-12 students, families and visitors. CSU Spur showcases the work of the CSU System campuses: CSU, CSU Pueblo and CSU Global, while advancing knowledge on topics in food, water, health and sustainability. To inspire lifelong learners to engage in important world issues, CSU Spur brings together scientists at work with youth and families, showcasing career paths, while creating a space and place for collaboration across disciplines.
