Debbie Mickle

Thomas Jefferson’s design of the Rotunda at UVA has made it one of the most iconic structures in the United States. But at the time of his death in 1826, his plans for its interior had not yet been realized.

You may think it’s a coincidence that Michael Beiro lived in Edison, NJ until he was about nine years old, but it seems that some of that famous inventor’s talent rubbed off on Michael at an early age. “I have been interested in robotics and automation for almost as long as I can remember. I think I was about eight years old when I decided robots were the coolest thing ever,” he recalls.

Of all the tasty confections served up each holiday season, fruitcake has somehow become the dessert Americans love to hate. With origins in ancient Rome, the modern-day fruitcake is a brick of nuts, candied fruit, and dense, chewy pastry. Renowned for its shelf life and old-fashioned flavor, it remains a popular gift despite jokes about its remarkable heft and sometimes questionable age.

For over 100 years, the National Audubon Society has held an annual Christmas Bird Count between December 14 and January 5 at locations throughout the western hemisphere. During this time, volunteers are assigned to specific, mapped areas to count every bird they see and hear.

A new program gives elementary students a glimpse into future careers through VCU College of Engineering.

On the eve of Computer Science Education Week (December 9-15), VCU’s Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre (SALT), will present a new production of “Ada and the Engine” by Lauren Gunderson. The play explores the relationship and collaboration between Ada Byron Lovelace (daughter of the flamboyant and notorious Lord Byron) and her friend Charles Babbage, the inventor of the first mechanical computer.

PHOTOS Engineering in VisionA new program gives elementary students a glimpse into future careers through VCU College of Engineering On a late-autumn…

Kids in grades 2 through 6 are invited to Richmond’s Main Library for their monthly WeDo LEGO® Robotics Club. They’ll learn about robotics and engineering by creating a unique Lego design, building it from scratch, and then testing it out to see how it works.

VCU’s Computer Science Day aims to give high school students exposure to a variety of career opportunities in this growing field.

The Richmond Astronomical Society is hosting a Skywatch at Varina Library, where you’ll be able to look up and see Saturn and a whole lot more.