The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District invite one and all to come celebrate the launch of the “Catching Air” exhibit at a special Science Saturday at the Museum from 10 a.m. to noon on December 10. During the launch event, admission to the Museum will be free, sponsored by the District, which developed and funded the interactive exhibit.

“Catching Air” encourages young kids to experience air in a fun, colorful way. Children (and adults!) will enjoy placing objects like scarves and balls — available in a variety of hues — in the exhibit’s clear pneumatic tubes, which move the objects around in several directions before flying out into the air.

“We’re so happy to partner with the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum to bring this fun exhibit to our community. It’s a colorful, creative way for young kids to start learning about air,” said District Director Aeron Arlin Genet.

Arlin Genet, along with other District and Museum representatives, will attend the launch. There will be a brief program with speakers at 11 a.m.

“‘Catching Air’ is one of our main attractions on the museum floor. Everyone from toddlers to grandparents loves pushing balls and scarves into the tubes and watching them fly through the air,” Discovery Museum Program Director Amy Blasco said. “We’re so grateful for the District’s generosity and continued support of science and technology-based education through the exhibit and events like this one.”

Families who visit the museum during the launch party can not only play with the “Catching Air” exhibit but also can visit stations set up by the District and the Museum to further learn about air. There will be opportunities to learn more about handheld air sensors, design paper helicopters or airplanes, and decorate coloring books.

The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is located at 705 S. McClelland St. in Santa Maria. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org or Facebook to get up-to-date information on special events like this one, weekly programs, and daily tips on fun things to do with your kids!