Discovery Theater - January Shows Smithsonian

JANUARY 2013

Thu., Jan. 17

Tot Rock: Jammin' at the Smithsonian - Billy Kelly and the Blahblahblahs: Blast Off! Location: Air and Space Museum; meet at the information desk Ages and Price: Tickets: $6+ | Recommended for Ages 2-6

Fri., Jan. 18

Tot Rock: Jammin' at the Smithsonian - Billy Kelly and the Blahblahblahs: Blast Off! Location: Air and Space Museum; meet at the information desk Ages and Price: Tickets: $6+ | Recommended for Ages 2-6

Wed., Jan. 23

How Old is a Hero? Preview Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian Ages and Price: Tickets: $6+ | Recommended for Ages 6-11

Wed., Jan. 30

Storyteller Baba Jamal Koram: Under the Griot's Tree Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian Ages and Price: Tickets: $6+ | Recommended for Ages 5-10

Thu., Jan. 31

Storyteller Baba Jamal Koram: Under the Griot's Tree Location: Ripley Center, Smithsonian Ages and Price: Tickets: $6+ | Recommended for Ages 5-10

SPAM for SERC classes

Home School Parents,

Please be advised that there is a misleading post that is going around claiming that Spring Classes are now available for sign-up. THIS WAS NOT POSTED BY SERC or our blog. It is a spam. I did not post anything about spring classes. The classes will open up in mid January. I will e-mail you through the blog to let you know the exact date, just like last time. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not click on any link or follow it for registration this may be mining for personal information and credit cards.

I’ll follow up and try to track the source of this e-mail down.

“Lights On The Bay”- Annapolis

Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Annual

Now Open!

~Holiday Light Show Enters its 17th Year~

Notes

• Sandy Point State Park is located off Route 50, at exit 32, near the Bay Bridge.
• The show is open to drivers each night, including holidays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Admission is $14.00 per car.
• Large passenger vans, mini buses and trolleys are $28.00. Buses are $50.00
• Discount coupons are available through local publications and at many retail locations.

Annapolis, Md. (November 16, 2010)— Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (AAMC) annual holiday light show,Lights on the Bay, will open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 20 and run through Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011. Taking place at Sandy Point State Park, the event features a two-mile scenic drive along the Chesapeake Bay with approximately 70 animated and stationary displays illuminating the roadway. 

“We are thrilled to be entering our 17th year of Lights on the Bay,” said Victoria Bayless, president, Anne Arundel Medical Center. “This event is a festive family destination for our community that benefits AAMC. It is a wonderful holiday tradition that allows people of all ages to take in the beautiful sights along the Chesapeake. To many, it’s the official kickoff of the holiday season.”

AAMC has been hosting Lights on the Bay since its inception 17 years ago. In addition to popular classic displays that visitors have enjoyed for years, including a colonial village inspired by historic Annapolis and one of the USNA midshipmen tossing their hats in the air, guests will also be treated to two new themes this year: Up North Village and Candy Cane Lane. 

Lights on the Bay has something for everyone in the family. Children can participate in a nightly scavenger hunt, challenging them to find items within the show, answer display-related questions and enter a drawing to win prizes. With special glasses purchased at the door, secret three-dimensional images will appear within the displays. As always, Santa will make an appearance on Thanksgiving Day and every weekend through December 24. For both novice and experienced runners, AAMC and the Annapolis Striders will host its annual 5K fun run, “Dashing Through the Show.” The 3.1-mile race will be held Friday, Nov. 19 at 6:15 p.m. Runners should arrive at the gate one hour prior to the event to complete the registration/ waiver. Cost is $14 per runner.

Sandy Point State Park is located off Route 50, at exit 32, near the Bay Bridge. The show is open to drivers each night, including holidays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $14.00 per car. Large passenger vans, mini buses and trolleys are $28.00. Buses are $50.00 Discount coupons are available through local publications and at many retail locations. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 443-481-3161.

Zoo Lights, Washington

More than 500,000 environmentally-friendly LED lights transform the zoo into a Winter Wonderland.  Lit animal silhouettes, musical light displays, and a new garden scene light sculpture make for truly magical sights.  National Zoo, Washington DC.   Contact: nationalzoo.si.edu. 

SEE THE ZOO IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT! 
ADMISSION IS FREE!

Parking is $9 for members; $16 for non-members

5-9 P.M.

NOVEMBER 23-25, 30

DECEMBER 1-2, 7-9, 14-23, 26-30

JANUARY 1

Winter Solstice Hike - Lothian, MD

Winter Solstice Hike, Lothian. Take a break from Christmas shopping to enjoy the change of seasons and shortest day of the year.  We'll explore the Glendening Preserve, looking for signs of winter.  We'll also visit the recently completed boardwalk off the CliffTrail.  Cameras and binoculars recommended. The Plummer House, 5702 Plummer Lane, Lothian. 3-5 p.m. Free. Ages 6 and up. 410-741-9330

The Nutcracker - BSO and BSA

BSO and BSA Present The Nutcracker, Baltimore. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA), Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and The Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric come together for the first time to present Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, Baltimore. 2 & 7:30 p.m. $33-$63. Repeated Saturday. ticketmaster.com

B&O Trains in Baltimore

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF TRAINS & TOYS at the B&O in Baltimore

Friday, November 23 - Monday, December 31

Monday - Saturday (10am - 4pm) & Sunday (11:00am - 4pm)

 

Operating Model Train Layouts: Friday, November 23, 2012 - Thursday, January 31

• O-scale model train from Mike's Train House (MTH)
• B&O's Children floor level G-scale model train layout
• HO model train layout in the C&O #725 Passenger Car
• G-scale outdoor garden model train layout

Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 30: N-scale model train layout by the Baltimore Area NTRAK Club

Sat Dec 22 - Sun Dec 30: O-scale model train layout by the National Capital Trackers

Weekend Train Rides with Santa: Saturday, November 24 - Sunday, December 23
Train Rides with Railroad Santa:  Sat Dec 15 & Sun Dec 16 (1pm & 2pm), and Sat Dec 22 & Sun Dec 23 (1pm & 2pm)  

Weekend Visits & Photos with Railroad Santa: Saturday, December 1 - Sunday, December 23

Sat Dec 15 & Sun Dec 16 (12 Noon-12:45pm & 2:30pm-3pm), and Sat Dec 22 & Sun Dec 23 (12 Noon-12:45pm & 2:30pm-3pm)

Weekend Train Rides with Frosty the Snowman: Saturday, November 24 - Sunday, December 30

Sat Dec 15 (11am & 12 Noon), Sun Dec 16 (12 Noon), Sat Dec 22 (11am & 12 Noon), Sun Dec 23 (12 Noon), Sat Dec 29 & Sun Dec 30 (12 Noon & 2pm)

Photos with Frosty the Snowman: Saturday, November 24 - Sunday, December 23

Sat Dec 15 (12:45pm-2:30pm), Sun Dec 16 (11am-11:45am & 12:45pm-2:30pm), Sat Dec 22 (12:45pm-2:30pm), Sun Dec 23(11am-11:45am & 12:30pm-1:45pm)

Weekday Mile One Express Train Rides: Friday, November 28 - Monday, December 31

Dec 12-14, Dec 19-21 at 11:30am

Dec 26-28 & Dec 31 at 11am, 12 Noon, 1pm, 2pm, & 3pm

Train Rides to Mount Clare Museum House: Saturday, November 25 - Monday, December 31

Sat Dec 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 11am, 12 Noon, 1pm & 2pm, Sun Dec 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 12 Noon, 1pm, & 2pm, Wed Dec 26-Fri Dec 28 at 11am, 12 Noon, 1pm, & 2pm & Mon Dec 31 at 11am, 12 Noon, 1pm, & 2pm

Featured Holiday Exhibits: Friday, November 23 - Monday, December 31

• Home for the Holidays, new archival exhibit featuring recordings from the B&O's Glee Club, employee decorated Holly Tree, and historic art and print images of Santa Claus portrayed by Thomas Nast and past B&O Railroad artists
• The Honorable William Donald Schaefer antique toy train layout and some of this treasures holiday artifacts and memorabilia

More Fun for Kids of All Ages: Friday, November 23 - Thursday, January 31

Mon-Sat (10am - 3:30pm) & Sun (11am - 3:30pm)

Now - Sun Dec 23: Children may mail letters to Santa, decorate wooden train ornaments, and enjoy crafts & activities at Santa's North Pole

Now - Thu Jan 31: All ages may ride on the indoor carousel

Discounts for donations to Toys for Tots: Friday, November 23 - Sunday, December 16

• 50% off admission with a new, unwrapped toy for donation to Toys for Tots
• 10% off discount for on-site toys purchased at the B&O Railroad Museum Store for donation to Toys for Tots through Sunday, December 16

Live Entertainment on Weekends: Saturday, December 1 - Sunday, December 16

Sat Dec 15 (11:15am & 1:15pm) Maryland Sings 

Sun Dec 16 (1:15pm) Flair Studio of Dance

(Performances, appearances, and train rides are subject to change without notice. Museum closed on Christmas Eve & Day and New Year's Day.)

Admission: $16 Adults, $14 Seniors (60+), $10 Children (2-12), B&O Members FREE! To purchase a B&O membership click here.

Mile One Express Train Rides: $3 Adults, $2 Children (2-12), B&O Members FREE! To purchase a B&O membership click here.

Train Rides & Admission to Mount Clare Museum House (with paid admission): $5 Adults, $4 Children (2-12), B&O Members FREE!

To view membership benefits or to purchase a B&O Membership click here.

Holiday Photos: $12 for (2) 5x7s

Carousel Rides: $2 (one ride) $5 (unlimited for the day)

Wooden Train Ornaments: $1 each

Homestead Act for Maryland

Homeowners who have not filed a Homestead Eligibility Application have until have until December 31, 2012 to submit an application to continue being eligible for this credit. You can find out if you have already filed the Homestead application by looking up your property on the SDAT Real Property database; information on filing status is located at the bottom of the page.

http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/homestead.html  government site with all the details.

American Girl Club meeting

December American Girl INFO and Reminder

Our Featured American Girl for December is Samantha! (One of my favorites!)
Meet Samantha is our featured book for December 19 at 1 pm and 3 pm CST. There will be two identical meetings for December. Choose 1 pm CST or 3 pm CST on December 19.

 http://currclick.adobeconnect.com/currclickamericangirlclub/ 

Sign in as a guest when using this direct link.

Questions for Discussion:
1. The early 1900s were an exciting time of innovation. What technologies were considered “newfangled” in Samantha’s time? What inventions are considered new and innovative today?
2. Samantha’s stories take place more than 100 years ago. If Samantha could travel forward in time to
this year, what changes do you think would surprise her the most?
3. What do you think the world looked like 100 years ago? Describe life 100 years ago.
4. What is Samantha like?
5. What characteristic of Samantha do you think is most like you?
6. There is a theme of generosity and friendship throughout the Samantha books. Who do you know that is a very generous person? What does this person give?
7. What do you think is the most signif! icant happening in Meet Samantha? Why?
8. Samantha is an only child. Do you think being an only child i! s a good thing? Why or why not?
9. List the basic story elements: Setting? Main Characters? Plot or Storyline? Conclusion?
10. If you could give the story a new title, what would it be?

CRAFT: Victorian Christmas Paper Doily Angel Craft
Paper Doilies, construction paper circle for head, glue, optional glitter

SNACK IDEA: Three kinds of Christmas Cookies from the early 1900s to choose from below:
by Caroline Coe

CHEARS 7th Annual Winter Solstice Party

When Saturday December 22, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM EST Add to Calendar Where Eugenia Kalnay 56 Lakeside Drive Greenbelt, MD 20770 Driving Directions

Greetings! In this sad time when we are all searching for answers and new hope---    You are Cordially Invited to Celebrate the Winter and Entice the Light with a Mindful Silent Walk around Greenbelt Lake, Potluck Shared Meal, Music, Song, a Warm Fire, and Good CHEAR Among Friends!    Join us for whatever part you can!  The Greenbelt Lake Walk will leave Eugenia's around 5:30 PM followed by shared meal, fire, and song.  Bring   flashlights for the Lake Walk.  We'll sing songs from the newly published Tom Wisner songbook.  Bring whatever instruments you have and your wonderful voices.   The only wrong note is one that is not sung!      Get more information Register Now!  Hope to See You Saturday and Happy Holidays to you all! Sincerely, Kim Walsh Chesapeake Education, Arts and Research Society kim@chears.org 612-804-6230

Physics is Phun - January 2013

The next Physics is Phun program, entitled "ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM,"

will be presented on Thursday and Friday, January 3, 4.  (There will not be a Saturday program this time.)

See what happens with static electricity, electricity creating magnetism, and magnetism creating electricity, with vivid examples including the famous electromagnetic can crusher.

For directions and further information, contact me or visit our Web site:

http://www.physics.umd.edu/lecdem/outreach/phph/phph.htm

I hope to see you there!

Best wishes,

Matt

========================================

Dr. Matthew Bobrowsky

Director, Lecture Demonstration Facility Department of Physics University of Maryland College Park, MD  20742-4111

Tel:  301-405-6045

E-mail:  msb@umd.edu

http://www.physics.umd.edu/lecdem/

Gift Ideas

Magazines – the gifts that keep on giving.

Need a great gift idea for the children in your life. Check these out!

Cobbelstone – History Magazine

http://www.cobblestonepub.com/magazine/cob/

Story works –

http://storyworks.scholastic.com/home/login

Appleseeds

http://www.cricketmag.com/APP-APPLESEEDS-Magazine-for-Kids-ages-6-9

Zoobooks

http://zoobooks.com-sub.biz/?gclid=CMKIlc3rlbQCFdKd4Aod-jQABw

National Geographic kids

https://kidsubs.nationalgeographic.com/pubs/NG/NWO/NWO_OrdPgGreen.jsp?cds_page_id=118275&cds_mag_code=NWO&id=1355348855082&lsid=23471547350044770&vid=1&cds_misc_5=KDHOMEPG2

Ranger Rick

https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/N5/RGR/Google_15.jsp?cds_mag_code=RGR&cds_page_id=118062&cds_from_id=google&s_src=GoogleAdWords_Toggle&s_subsrc=TOG_KidsPubs_Mags-Books_KidsMagazines_New_15plusKite&ssource=GoogleAdWords_Toggle&kw=TOG_KidsPubs_Mags-Books_KidsMagazines_New_15plusKite_Ad-ParentsChoice_110711&gclid=CIyD9KTslbQCFYKK4Aod_AgAIg

Owl Magazine

http://magazine-subscription.com-sub.info/OWL/Welcome

American Girl (it’s not just about the dolls)

http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/static/magazine.jsp?gclid=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=american%2Bgirl%2Bmagazine&utm_campaign=American%2BGirl%2B-%2BMagazine_G

national Building Museum Homeschool Days

There's Still Time to Register for Homeschool Day on January 15, 2013  Homeschool Days have never been better at the National Building Museum! In January, some of our most popular programs like Be a Green Builder and City by Design will be joined by new or updated programs. Join us on Tuesday, January 15. Space is still available. January Program Schedule Morning Programs Become a Cartographer: Learn about maps before drawing and redesigning a neighborhood. Become a City Planner: What it takes to create a healthy, safe, and productive community? Work together to design and plan a new city. Build a Green Roof: Build a model hose with a green roof that really grows. (Sold Out) Engineering Egg Drop: Build a structure that can safely protect a raw egg from a 25' drop. Afternoon Programs Patterns Here, There, and Everywhere: Learn about and investigate patterns all around the National Building Museum. Frieze Stories: Learn about the elements of a story then create a frieze to tells a story. Drawing on History Tour: Become a building detective and investigate the history of home the National Building Museum. Architecture 101: Learn how to draw like an architect. Be a Green Builder: Become a carpenter and build an 8 x 10' wooden house while learning about sustaiable design. See program descriptions and register your students now.

Sneak Peak - National Children's Museum

The National Children’s Museum Launch Test has been extended!  If you
still would you like to get a FREE sneak peak while helping the
National Children’s Museum, please RSVP to play@ncm.museum or call
1-301-392-2400 ASAP.  On Tuesday, December 11, 10 am—12:30 pm, your
family will help the museum test its programs, ticketing system and
other operational systems before the doors open to the public.  To
participate, RSVP to play@ncm.museum or call the museum IMMEDIATELY!
Also, send all questions and concerns to play@ncm.museum or call
1-301-392-2400.  If you participated in the test on Monday, you will
not have to register again.  Please plan to arrive promptly at 10 am
at 151 St. George Blvd, National Harbor.  Each reservation should
include the name of each adult and child with age as well as your
telephone number.  The museum experience is designed for children aged
6 months to 4th /5th grade; however, family members of all ages are
welcome to participate if they are registered in advance.  Once you
enter the museum, you will be asked to go to specific places in the
museum.  Please do not bring food or beverages inside the museum.
Strollers and cameras are permitted.  You will be required to pay for
parking.  Before families leave at 12:30 pm, there may be a fire
drill.  Call to see if you can still participate in this incredible
offer!

Evening for Educators:

The Civil War in American Art

If you teach social studies or visual art, you don't want to miss the next Evening for Educators featuring our new exhibition, The Civil War and American Art!

 

Evening for Educators: The Civil War and American Art
Co-sponsored with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Date: Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Time: 4:30p.m.-7:30p.m.
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Cost: $25 (includes reception)
Register Here

  

The Civil War and American Art is a sweeping survey of the impact of the Civil War on American painting and photography, featuring artistic masterpieces and literary legends of the 19th century. The American Civil War was arguably the first modern war. Its grim reality was laid bare by the new medium of photography. American artists could not approach the conflict with the conventions of European history painting, which glamorized the hero on the battlefield. Instead, many artists found ways to weave the war into works of art that considered the human narrative -- the daily experiences of soldiers, enslaved people, and families left behind. This special evening for educators begins with an engaging lecture by Eleanor Jones Harvey, Senior Curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, then continues with an exploration of The Civil War and American Art exhibition, a photo scavenger hunt to uncover the building's Civil War stories, and refreshments in the Kogod Courtyard. All participants will receive a copy of The Civil War in American Art Teacher Guide.

To learn more about the exhibition, download the teacher guide in advance, watch Eleanor Harvey's exhibition podcast and more, visit americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/art_civil_war/ 

Suzannah

Education Department

Meet our Social Media Team

National Children's Museum -Opening

National Children's Museum to Open December 14, 2012!
151 St. George Boulevard - National Harbor, MD 20745
301.392.2400 - info@ncm.museum

We are so excited to announce that the National Children's Museum will officially open on Friday, December 14, 2012 at 10 a.m.!

Our main exhibit areas support NCM's mission to inspire children to care about and improve the world. The 3 & Under gallery, specifically designed in partnership with Sesame Workshop for the developmental needs and interests of the Museum's youngest visitors, encourages children to explore their ever-widening world through safe, creative play and interaction. Our World introduces visitors to the responsibilities and rewards of both global and community citizenship through three key areas: Map Zone, My Town and World Cultures.


The National Children's Museum will be open seven days per week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Labor Day and Memorial Day, and will remain open two hours later during the summer months with hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Standard admission is $10 per child or adult, and there is no cost of admission for infants age 1 or younger. 

Swim Lessons - Sport Fit Bowie

Winter Swim Session is enrolling NOW!! December 10th- January 29th Classes are available for ages 8 months and up!   These 6 week sessions are designed to promote safety in a fun and active learning environment.  Why wait? Sign up to swim today! Winter Swim Lessons will be on break  starting Monday, December 24th and will resume on Wednesday, January 2nd! Enjoy your holiday! Register online TODAY! www.MySportFit.com We can't wait to swim with you!

Open House - Currclick Live

NOW offering live, full-semester Saxon Math Courses!

Stay tuned for information about our Winter/Spring LIVE Meet and Greet Open House, January 7th and 8th from 7-9 CDT. Meet our teachers, get discounts and spend some time with our very own Student Ambassadors.

Select a subject to skip down to those classes... Arts Bible and Religions English Foreign Languages Free Clubs Life Skills Math Physical Education Science Social Studies / History Special Needs