DINOSAURS AND GEOLOGY THEME
DISCOVERING DINOSAURS ages 4-10 years
A hands-on investigation of dinosaurs using visual materials, fossil replicas,
fossils and scale models to help children discover what dinosaurs were and how we know about them.
*Children will make and take home their own "fossil" using self-hardening clay. Children can take home a simple booklet of dinosaur coloring pages and activities if desired. *Additional materials fee: $30.00
ROCKS & MINERALS (ages 7-10 years)
Learn to identify minerals like a geologist does!
Children will perform scientific tests for color of streak, luster, hardness and more on various rocks and minerals.
Learn about interesting special properties of minerals like double refraction and fluorescence.
Children will record their observations on data sheets that can be taken home.
NATIVE AMERICAN THEME
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE ages 5-10 years
Children learn about Native American culture through exhibits, handling selected authentic Native American tools and artifacts and using replicated tools to grind corn, drill holes in stone and to make fire (smoke) using a fire drill. Children will also get their faces painted using natural rock pigments from our preserve.
EXPLORING NATIVE AMERICAN POTTERY ages 5-10 years
Hands-on exploration of pottery and the making of pottery using traditional Native American methods, including working with clay. *Children will make a simple pottery vessel that they will be able to take home.
*Additional materials fee: $30.00
NATURE THEME
BIRDWATCHING FOR BEGINNERS ages 5-10 years
Children will learn the basics of the identification of birds using the field mark system developed by Roger Tory Peterson. They will learn to use binoculars (provided). Children will then go on a guided nature walk to observe birds on the preserve. Participants may bring their own binoculars if desired. Children will bring home coloring sheets of some of the birds that they observe.
POND INVESTIGATION ages 5-10 years
Children will investigate the community of life in one of the ponds on the preserve. They will learn the proper technique of using a dip net and hand lens and will learn to use a simple key for the identification of pond creatures.
BEACH EXPLORATION ages 5-10 years
Children will investigate the community of life at our shoreline on Hempstead Harbor. They will gather animals from the intertidal zone, use a hand lens and will learn to use a simple key for the identification of sea creatures.
