October 2: Hunting for seashore specimens. Help us fill our saltwater tank for the winter. Although it’s late, let’s see what we can find for the tank. We will be using the seining net to take a look at what animals we can collect. We will be meeting at the Harbormaster’s office at Island Wharf at 3:30 pm. Please plan on getting a little damp!
October 16: Learning About Leaves. Let’s explore the differences in the foliage of our commonly found species of trees and shrubs. We will be collecting examples during our walk and bringing them back to the museum to press. Each student will create their own plant press, so please register in advance so that we may be sure to have enough materials.
November 6: Rockets! Each child will have his/her own rocket with motor to assemble and set off. Warning: These are not the soda bottle rockets. The program is limited to ages 6 and up and is limited to 12, accepted on a first come, first served basis. Parent volunteers are encouraged to help with rocket assembly. Cost for this program is $20/participant. Program usually runs about 1.5 hours. Please submit payment to Marion Natural History Museum to hold your child’s spot.
November 20: What’s in a bog? We will be learning about what a bog is, what goes into building a cranberry bog, and what types of animals might live there. The students will be building and bringing home their own mini-bog, so please plan to get a little messy.
December 4: Preparing for winter: During the winter months much of the woodland, wetland and shoreline animals seem to disappear, and others reappear. Where did our summer friends go? Who are some of these winter residents that have reappeared, and where did they come from? Let’s explore these different adaptation options together.
December 18: Nature Crafts with the Marion Natural History Museum. We will work on projects for gift-giving using materials we find outside our front doors (volunteers to help with crafts would be most welcome). Light refreshments will be served.
All programs will be held from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Cost for each program is $4 for members, $6 for nonmembers. All programs, except the seashore program, will be meeting at the museum, which is located on the second floor of the building we share with the Elizabeth Taber Library, Spring Street, Marion.