"Earth From Space" at the Delaware Museum of Natural History!

June 16 - September 3, 2012

   

Each day, high above the clouds, dozens of sophisticated imaging satellites circle the earth. These high-tech machines are capable of capturing extraordinary conditions and events that are nearly impossible to document from the surface of the planet.

Experience the Smithsonian's traveling exhibit: Earth From Space!  See incredible images of our planet from a new vantage point with satellite photographs displaying major cities, forest fires, hurricanes, and river deltas.  Plus, discover how satellites are being used for more than just space exploration, including tracking massive flocks of birds in their annual migrations.

For more information:

The Delaware Museum of Natural History

4840 Kennett Pike

Wilmington, DE 19807 

302-658-9111

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Birding Field Trips!

Enjoy the Spring migration season!

This coming weekend there are two field trip opportunities for the Delaware Dunlins Youth Birders Club:

Saturday, April 21
Delmarva Ornithological Society field trip.
Lums Pond State Park, south of Newark, DE.
Bob Strahorn will be leading.

This trip is "Dunlins Recommended" and will explore the varied habit of this wonderful park. The meeting time is 7:30am at Glasgow High School, and the trip will last until late morning. If you are interested in participating, please contact Bob to register:
302-584-2065
bstrahor@comcast.net
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Sunday, April 22
Delmarva Ornithological Society field trip.
Middle Run Natural Area, north of Newark, DE.
Derek Stoner will be leading.

This trip will be in search of interesting nesting birds like Eastern Bluebird, Louisiana Waterthrush, Barred Owl, and Field Sparrow, as well as migrants like Broad-winged Hawk and warblers. We will meet at 8:00am at the main parking lot off of Possum Hollow Road. If you are interested in participating, please contact Derek Stoner to register:
302-893-8426
derekstoner@hotmail.com

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Science & Nature Programs for Homeschoolers from the Delaware Nature Society!

Delaware Nature Society

Homeschool Programs are Now Online!

These programs are designed to meet state and national standards and are appropriate for students age 5 and older. From Mining and Minerals to Farm Photography to Overnights at the Ashland Lodge, we are sure to have programs suited for your curriculum. Programs are held at Abbott’s Mill Nature Center in Milford, Delaware and at multiple sites in New Castle County, Delaware including the Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin and Coverdale Farm in Greenville.

Click Here to View Offerings!

Advance registration for all programs is required.

Contact David Pragoff
School and Group Programs Team Leader
302-239-2334 - ext.133
davidp@delawarenaturesociety.org

Delaware Nature Society

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Endangered Species Day! ~ A Program at the Brandywine Zoo!

The Brandywine Zoo is home to many species of endangered animals. Come meet some up close and in person. More importantly, find out what you can do to save some of these cool species from becoming extinct!

When

Friday, May 20th 2011

10 am - 1 pm

Cost

$2 per person

Pre-registration required

Checks payable to:

The Delaware Zoological Society

Contact & Location & Mail Registration

Fax

302-571-7787

attn: Sarah

Email

DNREC_Parks_ZooPrograms@state.de.us

Brandywine Zoo

1001 North Park Drive

Wilmington, DE 19802

(302) 571-7747

website

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Earthday - Students & Schools Event at the Brandywine Zoo!

When

Friday, April 15th 2011

10 am - 1 pm

Cost

$2 per person

Pre-registration required

Check payable to:

The Delaware Zoological Society

Contact & Location & Mail Registration

Fax

302-571-7787 attn: Sarah

Email

DNREC_Parks_ZooPrograms@state.de.us

Brandywine Zoo

1001 North Park Drive

Wilmington, DE 19802

(302) 571-7747

website

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"Natural Leaders: Presidents and Nature"

Presidents' Day

Monday, February 21st

9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m

The Delaware Museum of Natural History celebrates Presidents' Day with Natural Leaders: Presidents and Nature. This family-friendly event features hands-on activities and crafts about presidents' roles in environmental conservation.

Lewis and Clark scavenger hunt

Live peacock with information about plumes used for hats

A matching game about forests, parks, and preserves

Endanger species exhibit

Duck stamp program game

Polar bear puzzle

Brown pelican craft

sponsored by

Elementary Workshop Montessori School

WHERE:

Delaware Museum of Natural History

4840 Kennett Pike

Wilmington, DE 19807

ADMISSION:

$7 for adults

$5 for children (3-17)

$6 for seniors

Free for children 2 and younger

Free for museum members.

MORE INFO:

www.delmnh.org

(302) 658-9111.

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Winter Programs for Homeschoolers at the Brandywine Zoo!

Two Programs:

“Animals and Their Young”
(K-12)
February 10
10am - 12:00 noon

Love is in the air this month and shortly thereafter comes babies! Learn interesting facts about the mysteries of zoo babies like: gestation periods of up to TWO years; special diets for moms to be; how porcupines are born; and much more!
PRE-Registration strongly suggested.
$8 per person
$6 per Delaware Zoological Society Member
ONE adult is free per family.

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“Wonders of Water!”
(K-12)
March 11th
9:30am - 12 noon
Brandywine Zoo and Wilmington State Parks offer a unique cooperative program “Wonder of Water!” Water makes the world go ‘round! We’ll meet in the Zoo’s Education Building then begin the morning with a round trip hike at the Brandywine Creek. Learn how flowing water changes the landscape and how people can change the course of water and history! Back at the zoo, a live animal program will focus on how animals change water and water changes animals! This is an outdoor program, so dress comfortably for the weather! Strollers recommended for small children.
Registration is required
ONE adult is free per family.
$8.00 per person
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TO REGISTER:
http://www.brandywinezoo.org/home_school.html


Nicole Goodsell
Education Outreach Coordinator
Brandywine Zoo
1001 N. Park Dr. Wilmington, DE 19802
phone: 302-571-7850 x224
website

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Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport! Save Big This Summer on Admissions to 10 Area Musuems!

The Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport Program!

Receive discount admission at ten Brandywine Valley treasures.

May 31-September 6, 2010

Brandywine River Museum
Delaware Art Museum
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts
Delaware Historical Society & Read House
Delaware Museum of Natural History
Hagley Museum and Library
Longwood Gardens
Mt. Cuba Center
Rockwood Museum
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate

$35 for individuals
$75 for a family of 2 adults and up to 3 children.
Includes discounted one-time admission at ten sites.

Passports are available at all ten sites and the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana, the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau (GWCVB), the Brandywine Conference & Visitors Bureau, the Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau.

website

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"Ospreyfest" at the DuPont Environmental Education Center on the Riverfront!

Saturday, June 12, 2010
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
$3 per person for ages 3 & up
A Full Day of Family Fun! See and learn about our resident Osprey and other feather friends, encounter live animals including Buddy the duck, take bird walks and habitat garden tours, listen to live music, watch retriever and waterfowl calling demonstrations, meet local bird related organizations, enjoy children's crafts and activities including face painting and meeting a local author for story time.

website

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Sculptures Inspired by the Sea at the Delaware Museum of Natural History!

Stan Smokler
Metal Works
Inspired by the sea, Steel Currents ~ June 4 through July 18 at the Delaware Museum of Natural History.

Smokler's welded steel sculptures represent abstractions of a horseshoe crab, lobster, seaweed, nautilus and other marine life.

"Displaying these works within a museum of natural history emphasizes the reference to the natural world through form and texture," Executive Director Halsey Spruance said. "This exhibition shows how art can be used to enrich and inspire our understanding of the natural world."

WHAT:
Steel Currents: Sculptor Stan Smokler exhibits works inspired by ocean life with interpretation by the museum's curator of mollusks.

WHERE:
Delaware Museum of Natural History, 4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807

DATES:
Friday, June 4 - Sunday, July 18, 2010

HOURS:
Monday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 12 - 4:30 p.m.

ADMISSION:
$7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children (3-17), free for children 2 and younger.

INFORMATION:
Call 302-658-9111 or visit www.delmnh.org.


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Free Admission to the Delaware Museum of Natural History!

Admission to the Delaware Museum of Natural History will be waived from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 23 for the PNC Free Sunday Morning, courtesy of the PNC Foundation!

For more information:
www.delmnh.org
or
302-658-9111

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Physics is Phun: University of Maryland Department of Physics, Public Demonstration Programs!

May 6th, 7th, & 8th

When You're Hot, You're Hot!
Thermodynamics in action
with
Dangerous and Exciting Demonstrations!

7pm ~ Hands-on Activities
7:30 8:30 ~ Program

Hosted by Matthew Bobrowsky and the staff of the Physics Lecture-Demonstration Facility, assisted by numerous invaluable volunteers. These free public programs, which present physics at the highschool level through the use of demonstrations, aim to educate, inform, and entertain. Interactive experiments will be available with volunteer supervision 30 minutes before each program. Each program is presented three times, on a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

For directions and further information:
301-405-6045
website

Physics Department Lecture Halls
Physics Building
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742

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52 Totally Awesome Science Experiments You Can Do At Home!

This site is simply a wonderful resource for anyone looking for science experiments you can do at home!

Check it out:

Website

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Working with Animals Workshop ~ Program for Homeschoolers at White Clay Creek!

Thursday April 8th
Fee $6
Classes for both age groups will meet from 1-2:30.

Animal Adoption Volunteers from the CompAnimals Pet Rescue Center and "friends" will talk about their organization.
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After their presentation participants will help to make items for the center’s use!
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Space is limited.

Call the Park Office to register:
302-368-6900—until Friday noon
After that call the Nature Center- 302-368-6560

This program is part of Earth Explorers
Programs For Homeschoolers:
Alternating Wednesdays and Thursdays
Registration must be received no later than noon on the Friday before the program.
Discount available when you register for multiple classes.
To receive full class listing visit their website
or
Call the Nature Center.
To register call the Park Office.

Junior Explorers (ages 6-9)
$4.00 per class
(plus material fee if needed)
Senior Explorers (ages 9-15)
$5.00 per class
(plus material fee if needed)
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Kathleen Sullivan
Naturalist/Environmental Educator
WCCSP
302-368-6560

CompAnimals Website
White Clay Creek Website

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Iditarod 2010 begins Saturday March 6th!

Don't miss this amazing, historic, annual, race!

History, geography, math, science, social studies, reading, or just for fun!

Incorporate the race in your curriculum!

Iditarod site for teachers!

Resources page


Iditarod insider

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Astronomy at Brandywine Creek State Park!

Astronomy
Saturday, March 13th
6:00 p.m.

Join members of Delaware Astronomical Society to learn about constellations and basic stargazing.

The Program will start inside with an introduction and then head out to see the stars!
Equipment is available or you may bring your own.
Red filtered flashlights only please!

Pre-registration suggested.
$2 per person.

Please call to register:
302-655-5740

website


Claire Mickletz
Park Interpreter
Brandywine Creek State Park
PO Box 3782
Greenville, DE 19807
302-655-5740

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Homeschool Overnight Adventures at the Ashland Nature Center!

Geology, Watersheds and Orienteering Overnight

Investigate the geology and geography of Ashland.
Use a topographic map and compass to navigate trails and locate contours of a watershed.
Learn about landforms, the formation of rocks, and use rock hammers and goggles to collect mineral and rock samples for identification.

Thursday, March 23, 10:00 am
to
Friday, March 24, 1:00 pm

Target age group is 12 - 16.

Join other homeschoolers for this overnight adventure.
Stay in the beautiful Ashland Lodge - heated and comfortable.
Spacious great room and kitchen.
Separate boys/girls bathrooms and dorms.
Simple meals are planned.
Participants will be asked to bring grocery items to share.
One adult per family should plan to attend.
Price includes lodging and instruction.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cost:
$20 per student for Delaware Nature Society members.
$30 for non-members.
No charge for adults.

For further information contact:
Judy Montgomery, Overnight and Outreach Coordinator
302-239-2334, extension 127
judym@delawarenaturesociety.org.

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Design Your Own Overnight Retreat!
Interested in organizing your own Overnight Adventure?
Schedule a 2-day retreat during January, February or March and rent the Ashland Nature Center Lodge for only $300. Programs can be provided for an additional cost. Reserve your dates now.

Ashland Nature Center
3511 Barley Mill Road
Hockessin, Delaware 19707

website

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Brandywine Zoo ~ Programs for Homeschoolers!

Eco-Action!

March 18, 2010
9:30am-12 noon
(For Grades K-12)
Come and take action in saving our ecosystem! Get hands on experience and create your own green products that you can take home and use. Programs may be held simultaneously for older and younger grades, based on registration.
Registration strongly suggested.

Fee:
$8 per person.
$6 per Delaware Zoological Society members.
ONE adult is free per family.
~

To Register:
www.brandywinezoo.org
or call
302-571-7850.

Nicole Goodsell
Education Outreach Coordinator
Brandywine Zoo
1001 N. Park Dr.
Wilmington, DE 19802
phone: 302-571-7850 x224
fax: 302-577-7480

www.brandywinezoo.org

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FIELD STUDY PROGRAMS
THROUGH
THE ABBOTT'S MILL NATURE CENTER

Birds in Focus
Friday, March 12 - 1:30-3:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: $5/$7
Course #: W10-142-AM

Explore the unique and varied adaptations of native birds, including body shape, beaks, and feet. Investigate how these adaptations help them survive in their habitats. See mounted specimens and study the diversity of species in the Delmarva region. Use binoculars on a guided bird survey through different habitats. Find out how birds are affected by seasonal changes.

Weighing at the Mill
Friday, March 26 - 1:30-3:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: $5/$7
Course #: W10-143-AM

Discover how corn and wheat are transformed into food products inside historic Abbott's Mill. Conduct experiments while weighing corn, wheat and wood at various stages in the milling process. Arrange items in serial order based upon your research.

It all Starts with Soil
Friday, April 16 - 1:30-3:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: $5/$7
Course #: W10-144-AM

Discover soil and how it influences plants, animals and people. Conduct scientific experiments to identify the three basic components of soils and compare soil types from forest, meadow, and swamp. Observe soil layers with augers and test pH to distinguish humus, sand and clay.

Pond and Stream Study
Friday, April 30- 1:30-3:30 pm
Member/Non-Member: $5/$7
Course #: W10-145-AM

Immerse yourself in pond and stream ecology and get up close with the animals and plants of these aquatic ecosystems. Use dip nets and waders to survey the inhabitants of Abbott's Pond and Johnson's Branch. Discover the life cycles of insects, fish, frogs, and turtles that live in the pond. Examine the unique plants that make their living in the water.


Advance registration for all programs is required.

Contact:
David Pragoff
School and Group Programs Team Leader
302-239-2334, ext.133
davidp@delawarenaturesociety.org

Click to Register



15411 Abbott's Pond Road
Milford, DE 19963

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Field Study Programs ~ Ashland Nature Center, Coverdale Farm and DuPont Environmental Educational Center!

Maple Sugaring
Friday, March 12 - 1:00-3:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $7/$12
Course #: W10-136-AS

Learn to identify maple trees and the function of roots, branches and leaves. Discover the history of maple sugaring, tap a tree, observe the changes in maple sap as it is boiled and becomes maple syrup, and taste the final product. Program meets at Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin, DE.

Land & Water
Friday, March 26 - 1:00-3:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $7/$12
Course #: W10-137-DC

Look at the land from the perspective of an osprey, raccoon and snapping turtle. In the marsh, find evidence of water interacting with the land. Investigate how humans affect soil erosion and deposition. Program meets at DuPont Environmental Education Center, Wilmington, DE.

Cycle of Life
Friday, April 9 - 1:00-3:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $7/$12
Course #: W10-138-AS

Learn about producers, consumers and decomposers and their importance in Earth's cycle of life. Use magnifiers, collecting containers and guidebooks as you hike through a marsh, forest and field to discover live organisms. Program meets at Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin, DE.

Farm Photography
Friday, April 23- 1:00-3:00 pm
Member/Non-Member: $9/$14
Course #: W10-139-CF

Discover farm life through a camera lens! Use cameras to learn photography skills and compose digital photos. Create your own "Farmer's Almanac" calendar page to capture the month of your visit. The cost of this program includes photo paper, almanac matting page and use of camera. Program meets at Coverdale Farm, Greenville, DE.

Advance registration for all programs is required.

Contact:
David Pragoff
School and Group Programs Team Leader
302-239-2334, ext.133
davidp@delawarenaturesociety.org

Click to Register

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