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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – After a pandemic pause, this year’s Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day is returning to the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
The free event takes place Saturday, Jan. 24, from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the university’s campus.
Organizers said it celebrates the legacy of Hawaii’s first astronaut while inspiring students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
The 21st running of the event also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy while honoring Onizuka’s enduring legacy and commitment to education, organizers said.
“Ellison Onizuka was from the Big Island, and he showed the world what is possible when we dream big, work hard, and have fun,” said PISCES engineer and project manager Amber Imai-Hong. “We are excited to bring Ellison Onizuka Science Day back to our community, providing an opportunity to explore the exciting world of STEM, and we hope it inspires keiki to pursue their own dreams, no matter how big.”
There will be an “Ask-Me-Anything” session with NASA astronaut Donald R. Pettit, hands-on workshops for students, STEM exhibits, and demonstrations.
Organizers said workshops will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and families are encouraged to register early.
Click here for more information and to register.
The event is hosted by UH Hilo’s Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES), in partnership with the Onizuka Family, Onizuka Memorial Foundation, Hawaii Science and Technology Museum, and Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope.
Click here to learn more about PISCES.
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