Science Explorers: A Program for Homeschoolers

Homeschool students in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to take part in Science Explorers at the Main Library in Children's Services. At our first meeting, we'll have fun exploring the science of bubbles!

Tuesday, August 23, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.: Blowing, Bouncing, Bursting Bubbles

Upcoming Science Explorer programs include:
Tuesday, September 13, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.: Flying Things
Tuesday, October 25, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.: Dramatic Static


We hope you'll join us as we have fun exploring the wonders of science. Think - Do - Learn!

Celebrate Urban Birds

Calling all ornithologists!   Here's your chance to contribute to science and learn about birds at the same time.  The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is offering free Celebrate Urban Birds kits to families who would like to learn about and observe 16 bird species in urban settings.

While you're at it, stop by the library to pick up some great bird books!

The Great Backyard Bird Count!

Hey, friends! Here's a great chance to help scientists learn about birds.

It's the Great Backyard Bird Count!

To participate, simply watch and count the number of birds you see in your backyard or some other location from Friday, February 18 through Monday, February 21.
Then record what you see here. Anyone can participate -- kids and adults.

Invite a friend or two to get involved -- the more information the scientists can gather, the more will learn. How many birds do you think you will see?

Science Explorers

About 50 kids had a oozy, gooey time creating some mysterious mixtures this week at the first session of Science Explorers, a new program for homeschoolers at the Main Library. Next session is scheduled for 2 p.m., Tuesday, October 26th.

Bubble-ology with Science Central!

Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles! Join us as we welcome the folks from Science Central who will be showing us some super-cool stuff about bubbles!

Bubble-ology in Children's Services at the Main Library:
Tuesday, July 20, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 22, 2:00 p.m.

For a complete schedule of Bubble-ology programs, click here.

Eggdrop Eggstravaganza!

Don't miss the 12th Annual Eggdrop Eggstravaganza Contest on Saturday, July 11th @ 1pm at Science Central.

The challenge: build a container which will protect an egg that is dropped off of the roof of Science Central.

The fun: watch containers being dropped off of the roof of Science Central while hoping that the eggs don't break.

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

• Grand Prize: to the egg that doesn't break
• Most Creative
• Most Scientific
• Most Devastating Crash
  

Whether you are a participant or a spectator, you are sure to enjoy this Three Rivers Festival event. For more information visit this site.

Oobleck, Slime and Dancing Spaghetti

Are you looking for a fun science experiment to share with your child? Check out Oobleck, Slime and Dancing Spaghetti by Jennifer Williams.

This creative book includes 20 science experiments for children preschool to 5th grade which are inspired by favorite children's books.

One of the 2nd grade experiments was inspired by the book Everybody Bakes Bread by Norah Dooley. During the experiment, children lock yeast & sugar in bags and measure the expansion to discover why dough rises. Included is an opportunity to take the experiment further, an oral history component and this great link to the Exploratorium's bread page.

School Science Fair - Arghh!

Don't let the school science fair project get you down!
We have books filled with science experiments geared for school science fairs.
They range in difficulty, too, from the "Let's just get it done" level to the "I think I might win this year" level with everything in between.
Visit the library where one of our librarians will be thrilled to help you find the perfect book!

It's that time of year...

No! Not that time, school science fair time!!
Visit the Children's Services department at the library and ask a librarian to help
you find the perfect book with the perfect science fair project!

Science in the Summer

Do you like Science? Try this website, Sci4KIDS (http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/) to learn LOTS of interesting things about almost EVERYTHING! And if you want more information about a topic, ask a librarian and we'll be glad to help you.

YOU Can Help Scientists Track Fireflies!

Are lightning bugs disappearing? That's the question that the Museum of Science in Boston is working on. YOU can help with the Firefly Watch by becoming a citizen scientist.

All you need to do is observe your own backyard and report online the number of fireflies you see. Even if you don't see any lightning bugs, your information is still valuable. Learn more about this project by clicking here.

Fun Nature Website!

Check out eNature.com for lots of information about wildlife.

Tonight I read about

• what happens to birds in a hurricane
• how to identify what animals are in the area by their scat
• how much scientists don't know about dragonfly migration

and

• what plants, animals, and birds might be living in my backyard

Check it out! (And then come to the Library for more books on these subjects!)

NASA

I just learned about a GREAT website from a friend's blog. Check out the NASA website for a bunch of fun stuff for kids (K through high school) to do. You'll find photos, information, games and more!

If you are a teacher or homeschool parent don't miss the "For Educators" section which includes educator guides, activity books, and classroom resources on many topics. Best of all - it is free!

Let's get Growing!

Saturday
May 24th,
2:00 p.m.


A Gardening Program
Join us in Children's Services as we learn to explore the basics of planting a garden. We will hear from local gardener Josie Dellinger, who will help us get started on a little planting of our own! Listening to gardening stories, learn about plants and seeds, and participate in a hands-on gardening activity.

-Kindergarden-5th grade

Weather Channel Kids

I just discovered another cool website - Weather Channel Kids! It lets you see your local forecast and play weather related games; it includes great resources like a weather encyclopedia and a weather glossary; it tests your weather readiness for a variety of weather conditions; and, it has a parent and teacher section for all you grown-ups out there. Check it out at http://www.theweatherchannelkids.com/.

Science Fair

Are you looking for a science fair project? If you like to take pictures, you might like to build your own pinhole camera. This book tells how and gives good background information on the science behind photography. It's part of a series by World Book. Click here to see all of the other experiment topics in this series. ACPL is the place to visit for science fair help.