Wonderlab combines science, sports for kids

As they jumped, stretched and learned, local Bloomington children interacted with the IU women's volleyball team Sunday afternoon at WonderLab, 308 W. 4th St., during the museum's "Science of Sport" activity.\nThe day's theme promoted a healthy lifestyle with college athletes acting as mentors. It marks the beginning of an effort to develop a partnership between the science museum and the IU Athletics Department, said WonderLab Marketing Director Louise Schlesinger. \nMany children were interested in the "Reach for the Stars" exhibit, which allowed them to see how high they could jump and see the improvement after they received advice from volleyball team members. \n"Our goal is to make it fun and interactive, so people learn something without even realizing they're learning," Schlesinger said.\nAlong with the jumping exercises, the players led general nutrition and stretching stations. WonderLab visitors were presented with information about which foods to eat and which to avoid.\n"Sports drinks are intended for giving your body more energy, and are not recommended for those who are not exercising," said IU senior Melissa Brewer, a middle blocker on the volleyball team. \nDuring the session, team members said they take nutrition seriously. They have a pre-game meal together before every match. Typical foods include light salads, carbohydrate-loaded bagels and chicken for muscle-building protein. They avoid fried foods and soda. In addition, many of the nutritional power bars have such small amounts of beneficial proteins that other sources are recommended, said freshman outside hitter Anne Grabow. \nGrabow said vegetables are also an important part of a nutritious diet. She said to combat feelings of aversion, it can help to sneak them into sandwiches. \n"It's also good to eat fruits to get the natural sugars that your body needs," she added.\nThe team also taught visitors that stretching properly is equally important for all levels of athletes. They said a proper routine should consist of loosening exercises both before and after a game or a workout. Stretching after strenuous physical exertion can help prevent tightening and soreness of muscles.\nAside from the nuts and bolts of a healthy lifestyle, the day was also about fun. \n"It was an opportunity to share our sport in a different way," said volleyball head coach Katie Weismiller. \nChildren and players alike could be seen crawling, touching and creating at the various hands-on exhibits offered. Visitors played exotic instruments, measured their heart beats and tried to spot a diminutive fish named Nemo in an aquarium, with the guidance of WonderLab workers and the equally excited athletes. \nWonderLab, which opened its new location on Fourth Street in March, has an array of opportunities to experience. \n"I would have loved to come here for a field trip as a kid," Brewer said. "It has all the things I liked to do in one place." \nOther exhibits include enormous bubbles, miniature hot-air balloons and a live bee hive connected to the outside of the building.\n"We frequently get adults that come in here and don't notice that hours have gone by," said WonderLab Programs Coordinator Carrie Miller. \nAlong with Sunday's event, future programs are planned targeting all age ranges. Registration is required for a few of them, such as one aimed at preschoolers taking place Oct. 30 and a series of informational DNA presentations for adults. The adult sessions will be led by the IU Division of Continuing Studies, which will provide biology and medical experts. More information on these activities can be found on the WonderLab Web site at www.wonderlab.org.\nThe IU women's volleyball team plays at home at 7 p.m. Friday against Michigan in the University Gym. \n-- Contact staff writer Tim Callahan at tmcallah@indiana.edu.