Scrub A Dub Dub
45 - 90 Mins, Chapter 5 Read, Connect, Protect, Children, STEAM, Low Cost, Outdoors, Game/Activity
August 24, 2020 0.00 KB 2166 downloads
Oil spill sensory play! Discuss pollution and demonstrate an “oil spill,” followed by a cleanup effort to clear the polluted water. This is a great way to show how our actions affect the environment, including animal habitats. Another activity demonstrates how polar bears stay warm in water. Children stick their bare fingers in ice water, then dip their fingers again after coating them in Crisco. Discuss how blubber keeps polar bears warm.
Endangered Species Stop Motion Animation
Chapter 5 Read, Connect, Protect, Children, 60 Mins+, Game/Activity, STEAM, Teens
August 24, 2020 0.00 KB 2196 downloads
In this two-part program, teens create simple stop motion videos about endangered animals. Ask them to advocate for their animals through their videos, such as by showing habitat destruction and how to help; alternatively, adapt this program for any animal theme. In the first part, show stop motion animation clips and discuss basic storyboarding. Teens choose and/or create their animals and backgrounds, and plan their shot lists (see Printables). In the second part of the program, teens learn how to use Stop Motion Studio (a free app) and begin production. Screen everyone’s videos at the end of the program.
Skype A Scientist
60 Mins+, Chapter 3 Animal Caretakers and Friends, Children, Low Cost, Outside Presenter, STEAM
August 24, 2020 0.00 KB 2423 downloads
Children learn from animal scientists during a Skype interview! From the Skype a Scientist website, choose from almost any kind of scientist, including zoologists, ecologists, marine biologists, evolutionary biologists, veterinarians,
and paleontologists. Before the interview, consider reading a book related to your topic. Then lead a quick discussion to generate questions that the children might want to ask. If you have time, include a craft or experiment after the interview. For example, if you have a scientist discuss working with bats, do a simple bat craft and/or echolocation experiment. Or pass out coloring sheets to complete in the library or take home. You can tailor the content to any age group. The recommended donation for an interview is $1.
Ask Me About Wildlife Conservation
60 Mins+, Adults, Chapter 3 Animal Caretakers and Friends, Low Cost, Outside Presenter, STEAM
August 24, 2020 0.00 KB 2024 downloads
A library take on the popular Reddit AMA* (Ask Me Anything), this is a chance for participants to ask their burning questions of local animal conservationists (or any animal experts). Host one expert to give a presentation with a Q&A, or host a panel moderated by library staff or a community volunteer. For a passive component, make a comment box for patrons to submit questions beforehand. Adapt to your patrons’ interests and available time/space.
Owl Pellet Dissection
60 Mins+, Chapter 2 The Wild Side, Children, STEAM, Game/Activity
August 24, 2020 0.00 KB 1624 downloads
Find bones in owl puke! But first read some owl books and give some fun owl facts. Ask children to guess how many bones they think they will find, and give a prize to whoever is the closest to their guess. Teen volunteers or caregivers could assist in the dissection, working slowly to remove and identify bones as they go.
Eons Making Prehistory
Game/Activity, 60 Mins+, Chapter 2 The Wild Side, Outside Presenter, Low Cost, STEAM, Teens
August 24, 2020 0.00 KB 2452 downloads
See prehistoric life in virtual reality! Or choose short videos about the earliest life on earth from the PBS Eons YouTube channel. Optionally, let teens destress with prehistoric coloring sheets while watching the videos.
Creepy Crawlies
Adults, Chapter 2 The Wild Side, Children, 45 - 90 Mins, Low Cost, Outside Presenter, STEAM, Teens
August 24, 2020 0.00 KB 2714 downloads
An insect expert gives a presentation with a Q&A period and an interactive component. Your local Audubon Society branch may have free information packets about insects, and you could hold a show-and-tell event for patrons who have pet insects. Can be adapted for any age group or run as a multigenerational program.
Creating And Coding An Animation
60 Mins+, Chapter 1 Bookish Beasts, Children, Game/Activity, Low Cost, STEAM, Teens
August 24, 2020 0.00 KB 2237 downloads
Using the free online coding program Scratch, teens create an animated cartoon featuring an animal sprite (computer graphic). Teens code instructions to populate their cartoon with words and characters. Scratch is
easy to teach, even for non-coders.