About 550 kids learned about the amazing science that happens every day at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory with hands-on demonstrations and tours during the lab's annual Take Our Kids to Work Day event on April 27.

Children between the ages of 9 and 15 had a rare, once-a-year opportunity to visit their parents' and guardians' labs and offices, while also dabbling in PNNL's diverse areas of research. Activities included:

• Seeing robots make catalysts to convert plant waste into fuels and useful chemicals
• Meeting fish and learning how physical stresses at hydroelectric dams can affect them
• Observing glass making and learning how it's being used to store radioactive waste
• Checking out atmospheric research instruments that evaluate clouds, aerosols, the sun and more
• Interacting with the latest virtual reality and augmented reality technologies
• Learning about online safety, including the dangers of free WiFi and online survey tools

More information about the numerous tours and demonstrations at PNNL's annual Take Our Kids to Work Day is available online: https://kidstoworkday.pnl.gov/.