Hartford Public Library will partner with the Bristol-based ImagineNation, a Museum Early Learning Center, to offer a series of STEM programs for students in kindergarten through fourth grade.
The series explores the magic of nature. Children will meet animals virtually and learn about their lives. There will be fun crafts like making snow globes and kaleidoscopes. Through engaging activities kids get a practical glimpse into the world around them.
The series will begin in December. Pre-recorded STEM activities will air on HPL’s Facebook page Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. ImagineNation, working with HPL’s youth services librarians, will also present three live Zoom programs, taking place on Thursdays, December 3, 10, 17 from 4-4:30pm.
The partnership is part of Hartford Public Library’s continued emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math. “The Hartford Public Library is thankful for the partnership with the Imagine Nation. This partnership is one more way for STEM opportunities to be available to the children of Hartford through the Hartford Public Library. Many of the jobs of the future will be in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and we hope that this partnership will help children get excited about those possibilities today,” said Denise Martens, HPL’s . youth and family service manager.
Live video events
Hedgehog encounter: Meet Mac the Hedgehog! Learn some fun hedgehog facts, and listen to “The Hat” by Jan Brett.
Kibo Robot Exploration: Learn about different kinds of robots, and listen to “Clink” by Kelly DiPucchio.
Build your own Kaleidoscope: Learn about light, explore the beauty of kaleidoscopes, and build your own.
Prerecorded video events with Ms. Rachel of the ImagineNation Museum
Hibernation – Learn about what animals are up to in the winter time, and what different animals do to survive the cold!
Making a snow globe – Follow along with Ms. Rachel as she makes a snow globe!
Animal Footprints – Learn about which animals make the tracks you might see in the snow, and how to tell different animal prints apart!
Why leaves change color – Learn about what happens to trees in winter, why leaves change color, and why some trees don’t change at all!
Making a bird feeder – Make a bird feeder with out of household materials!
Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center is pleased to offer these educational virtual programs that are made possible by a grant from the J. Walton Bissell Foundation.
The grant will allow Imagine Nation to continue to expand community outreach efforts and advance its mission of developing inquisitive and imaginative lifelong learners by providing high quality, community-based learning experiences for children and families in the Greater Hartford area.
“We are appreciative of the J. Walton Bissell Foundation for their continued generous support and dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for early learners, and are excited to partner with the Hartford Public Library to deliver these engaging programs,” said Doreen Stickney, Development Director, Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center.
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