WHAT: Children in grades 3-12 will join their parents at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., June 4 to launch rockets, conduct science experiments and immerse themselves in the NASA experience during “Take Our Children to Work Day.”

In keeping with this year’s theme, “Making Choices for a Better World,” the Marshall Center will mix engaging science- and space-themed activities with informative sessions about bicycle and helmet safety and smart money management. The children will meet retired NASA astronaut Owen Garriott of Huntsville, experience the awesome force of a space shuttle launch and tour the Payload Operations Center, where NASA personnel manage science and communications on the International Space Station.

Participating local organizations include the Huntsville Area Rocketry Association, the Huntsville Police Bike Patrol, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Sci-Quest and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. “Take Our Children to Work Day” activities are organized by the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity.

WHERE & WHEN:

— Kickoff: Marshall Building 4200, Morris Auditorium, 8 a.m.

— Site tours/activities: Centerwide, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

— Grand finale rocket launch: Open field behind Building 4203, 1:30 p.m.

TO ATTEND: News media interested in covering the event should contact Janet Anderson of Marshall’s Public and Employee Communications Office at 256-544-0034 no later than 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 3. Media must report to the Redstone Joint Visitor Control Center at Gate 9, Interstate 565 interchange at Rideout Road/Research Park Boulevard 45 minutes prior to the start of the event. Vehicles are subject to a security search at the gate. News media will need two photo identifications and proof of car insurance. Visitor parking is available in front of Bldg. 4200 on the southwest side.