Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Fall and Winter Programs 2012-2013




For more information e-mail McDonaldK@si.edu

October
Puddle Stompers: Fall Leaves
Wednesday, 10th (10-11 am & 1:30-2:30 pm)
Leaves are starting to change and we’ll explore their colors and why they fall.  These programs are for children ages 3-5 yrs. All classes are $7 a student which includes a materials fee. Siblings are $3 a student (sibling ages 1-2 yrs. or 6+ yrs.).  Registration is online only at http://serc.si.edu . Classes are limited to 18 students per session. 

Evening Lecture Series
“It’s a Weedy World We Live in: Are Deer to Blame?”
Dr. John Parker (SERC)
7-8 pm
Dr. John Parker’s research focuses on the causes and consequences of alien plant invasions. Alien plants are often assumed to have negative impacts on native ecosystems, and that invasions are made worse by overabundant deer populations.  In this talk, Dr. Parker will describe some of the important plant invaders in the mid-Atlantic area, with particular emphasis on invaders that are common to forest understory communities. Then, he will describe results from a 4-year long experiment directly testing how aliens negatively impact native plants and animals, and whether deer are making the problem worse.

Canoe Excursion (Only 4 spots left, last one for the season!)
Saturday, October 20th (9-11:30 am)
Paddle along the shores of Muddy Creek and the Rhode River to learn about one of the many tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. We’ll look for wildlife, eagles, shorebirds, reptiles, and more. This trip is designed for beginning and intermediate paddlers. Basic instruction will be given at the start of the program.  Cost is $14 per adult and $7 for children 6-12 years old; limited to 16 participants. Preregistration is required online at http://serc.si.edu .

Puddle Stompers: Bones
Wednesday, 24th (10-11 am & 1:30-2:30 pm)
Learn about the bones of animals from skulls to bodies. We’ll look at real bones and skulls and learn about different animals. These programs are for children ages 3-5 yrs. All classes are $7 a student which includes a materials fee. Siblings are $3 a student (sibling ages 1-2 yrs. or 6+ yrs.).  Registration is online only at http://serc.si.edu . Classes are limited to 18 students per session. 

Introduction to Spiders
Saturday, October 27th (10-11 am)
Do you know the difference between hunting and weaving spiders? In this program we will explore some of the unique features of spiders from their hydrostatic skeleton to their multiple eyes and hooked legs; great for all ages. Preregistration is online at http://serc.si.edu , $4 per person.

Drawing Bones
Saturday, October 27th (1-3:30 pm)
Bones are the underpinnings of animal anatomy and they are unique subjects for drawing. We’ll explore some basic drawing techniques and then use of our many specimens of bones, from vertebrae to skulls, for drawing. Class is for ages12-adult. Bring your own favorite drawing pad, pencils, and pens. Some supplies will be available to borrow or try out. Preregistration is required online at http://serc.si.edu, $10 person. 
November
Introduction to Botany for Adults
Saturday, November 3rd (1-4 pm)
Ever wondered how to use a plant press, make specimens, and identify plants? In this class we’ll start with the basics and delve into the amazing world of plants. Class is for ages 16+. If you have a plant press, field guide, or hand trimmers please bring them. Preregistration is required online at http://serc.si.edu, $12 person. 

Evening Lecture Series
“Restoring Oysters and Associated Species in the Brackish Chesapeake Bay”
Dr. Keryn Gedan (SERC)
7-8 pm
Oysters, “the kidneys of the sea,” filter marine algae from the water column. How big an effect can oysters have on Chesapeake Bay water quality? And how about other bivalves that also filter feed? Another native bivalve, the bent mussel, can be even more common than oysters in restored and natural oyster beds, nearly as effective at filter feeding, and even more effective at snagging the small stuff. Scientists have high hopes that the large-scale restoration of oyster bed communities on Chesapeake Bay will improve water quality. Meanwhile, improved water quality is just one potential benefit of restorations that suck and slurp!

Puddle Stompers: Turkey Tot
Wednesday, 14th (10-11 am & 1:30-2:30 pm)
It’s turkey time! Come discover all you ever wanted to know about turkeys, from their calls to the name for the funny dangly bit hanging from their beak. These programs are for children ages 3-5 yrs. All classes are $7 a student which includes a materials fee. Siblings are $3 a student (sibling ages 1-2 yrs. or 6+ yrs.).  Registration is online only at http://serc.si.edu . Classes are limited to 18 students per session. 


December
Puddle Stompers: Snowflakes
Wednesday, 5th (10-11 am & 1:30-2:30 pm)
Each snowflake is different and unique. We’ll uncover how snowflakes are formed and their shapes and types. These programs are for children ages 3-5 yrs. All classes are $7 a student which includes a materials fee. Siblings are $3 a student (sibling ages 1-2 yrs. or 6+ yrs.).  Registration is online only at http://serc.si.edu . Classes are limited to 18 students per session. 

Puddle Stompers: Winter Owls
Wednesday, 19th (10-11 am & 1:30-2:30 pm)
In the winter owls are wide awake. Let’s learn about why and what they’re doing all winter long.
These programs are for children ages 3-5 yrs. All classes are $7 a student which includes a materials fee. Siblings are $3 a student (sibling ages 1-2 yrs. or 6+ yrs.).  Registration is online only at http://serc.si.edu . Classes are limited to 18 students per session. 

January
Puddle Stompers: Sharks
Wednesday, 16th (10-11 am & 1:30-2:30 pm)
Come explore the underwater world of sharks and their many neat adaptations for living in the oceans.
These programs are for children ages 3-5 yrs. All classes are $7 a student which includes a materials fee. Siblings are $3 a student (sibling ages 1-2 yrs. or 6+ yrs.).  Registration is online only at http://serc.si.edu . Classes are limited to 18 students per session. 


February
Puddle Stompers: Animal Valentines
Wednesday, 6th (10-11 am & 1:30-2:30 pm)
We’ll look at many different types of unique animals and then make an animal valentine to take home for our family. These programs are for children ages 3-5 yrs. All classes are $7 a student which includes a materials fee. Siblings are $3 a student (sibling ages 1-2 yrs. or 6+ yrs.).  Registration is online only at http://serc.si.edu . Classes are limited to 18 students per session. 

Puddle Stompers: Nature Counting
Wednesday, 20th (10-11 am & 1:30-2:30 pm)
Practice counting skills while learning all about the neat things found in the Bay, in this fun hands-on program. These programs are for children ages 3-5 yrs. All classes are $7 a student which includes a materials fee. Siblings are $3 a student (sibling ages 1-2 yrs. or 6+ yrs.).  Registration is online only at http://serc.si.edu . Classes are limited to 18 students per session. 

  
Karen S. McDonald
PO Box 28
647 Contees Wharf Rd.
Edgewater, MD 21037
(443) 482.2388

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