Special to the Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
As Ivy Tech prepares to host its Matter & Motion community event for the 10th year in a row on Saturday, attendees should expect much of the traditional fare associated with great family entertainment. Activities that have become family favorites such as slime-making, a virtual roller coaster, the Mobile Weather Center, the Teddy Bear Clinic and child fingerprinting will all be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8000 S. Education Drive in Terre Haute. In addition, there will be new offerings such as C.J.’s Bus, a safe haven for children in disaster.
C.J.’s Bus is a mobile aid unit filled with games and toys that can go to disaster sites nationally to distract children while parents deal with recovery needs. It is named for Ivy Tech graduate Kathryn Martin’s son C.J., who was killed in the F3 tornado that hit Evansville and Newburgh in 2005. Martin not only raised money for the bus, but also was able to successfully lobby the state legislature to improve the safety of mobile home residents during dangerous storms. She was named Ivy Tech’s 2009 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.
At Matter & Motion, Ivy Tech will give the community an opportunity through free, family-oriented, hands-on activities and demonstrations to learn about the College’s technology, education, science and health programs. This year, both children and adults can experience “fast-paced, fun activities” offered by about 30 organizations and individuals.
Julie Will, dean of the School of Health Sciences, said her children look forward to Matter & Motion every year: “They are always eager for this time of year to roll around. Their favorites at Matter & Motion are slime-making and the Teddy Bear Clinic, which have become family traditions.” The Teddy Bear clinic was started by Becky Schonberger, chairwoman of the Medical Assisting program, as a way to teach children that a physician’s office is a nonthreatening environment. Children bring their stuffed bears and have the doctors “treat” them in order to simulate for the children what an actual doctor’s visit will be like for them.
Kim Purcell, assistant director of marketing and communications, finds that Matter & Motion is a great tool for Ivy Tech to connect with the community. She said, “This event is like an old friend to many Wabash Valley residents, one which has given us a lot of visibility. Families and individuals have fun but also find the activities informational because they demonstrate all the exciting educational opportunities we offer to our region.”
Other activities not to be missed this year are a mock operating room, fire safety trailer, computer games and other educational games and projects. Those attending will be able to relax with a live broadcast from Hi-99 radio and will have food vendors available for lunch purchases.
