August 2009
News on events, programs and exhibits at The Children's Museum

Summer Fun Continues at
The Children’s Museum

We love summer. We’re still celebrating it through August with our Special Wednesdays. Join us for fun, hands-on, drop-in events from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

August 5 - Scientists: The Next Generation
We’ll introduce young scientists from around Connecticut: the Uberbots FIRST Robotics Team, the teens of the Yale Peabody museum, animal breeders, and other scientists of the future.

August 12 - Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
Temperatures in mid-August will hit 300 below zero. We’ll do super-cool experiments with liquid nitrogen. And there’s free ice cream!

August 19 - Insider Day
What goes on inside? Find out on a day filled with dissections of eyeballs, flowers, owl pellets and more, plus special X-Ray crafts.

Extreme Planets
Our newest show, Extreme Planets is now playing at the Travelers Science Dome. If you haven’t seen it yet, check our website for the "Shows" schedule .

Animal Demonstrations All Day
Get up close with animals in the UTC Wildlife Sanctuary during special animal demonstrations at 10:00 am,
11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. It’s feeding time at 3:00 pm.

Summer Science Camp

There’s still time to sign up so don’t miss out on all the great summer fun!  Spaces are filling up.

August 3 Robo Engineers
Go nuts and bolts building a working robot.

August 10 Lab Rats
Be part of the chemistry lab, testing and concocting different experiments.

August 17 Eco Explorers
Conduct environmental investigations, including a visit to a local waterway.

Fun Fridays, an awesome way to end the week, includes robot races, water games and other extra special activities.  Campers take home different Museum Keepsakes and a Science Camp T-shirt.

To register, contact our Registration Department at 860.231.2830 x 44. For more information about Summer Vacation Camps, visit our website.

Nature Mania: Birds of Prey

Friday August 14, 2009
6:30 pm

The Children’s Museum, Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) and the PBS series Nature are partnering to bring fun animal events to the Museum throughout the year. The next day of Nature Mania is August 14, 2009 and includes this special evening event all about Birds of Prey.

Mary-Beth Kaeser from Horizon Wings, a wildlife rehabilitation center and educational facility in Ashford, CT, gives a special presentation about our feathered friends. See live hawks, falcons, and owls, all while learning about raptors and wildlife rehabilitation.

$10/person for members, $12/person for non-members
To register, call 860.231.2830 x44 or e-mail Events@TheChildrensMuseumCT.org.

The Children’s Museum Preschool

We Have Preschool Learning Down To A Science

The Preschool provides a unique enrichment experience for your child, incorporating weekly visits to the Museum. We offer several part-day preschool classes, including an afternoon Pre-K class for children ages 4 and 5. For registration information or to schedule a tour of the preschool, call Joyce Cowles, school director at 860.523.7449.

Register now for classes beginning in September!

Family Mystery Night at the Museum

Friday, September 11, 2009
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Save the date for a special evening of family fun!
A crime was committed and it’s your job to solve the mystery. Transform into science sleuths as you identify clues to discover “who dunnit”. Adults and children work together to gather the evidence that will help crack the case.

$8/person for The Children’s Museum members; $10/person for non-members.
To register, call 860.231.2830 x44 or email Events@TheChildrensMuseumCT.org.

Volunteers Wanted

Looking for something fun and rewarding to do this summer? If you are interested in donating your time and talents, The Children’s Museum is the place for you. We are currently looking for volunteers for Vacation Science Camp, as well as in our facilities and planetarium departments. The Children’s Museum is also looking for long-term volunteers to help out in our museum gift shop, the Explore Store. Contact Jennifer Parker at jparker@thechildrensmuseumct.org or 860.231.2830 x38 to learn more.

August 2009

Openings for Nature Center Summer Programs

Spaces remain in two of Roaring Brook Nature Center’s “Summer Discovery” programs in August. Nature Center summer programs offer your child a unique blend of education and recreation that takes advantage of the curiosity and sense of wonder that all children feel towards the natural world.

For children who are 4-5 years old, “Teeth, Tails and Claws” meets August 10-13 (Monday-Thursday) from 9:15 am to 11:45 am. Why is a hummingbird’s beak like a straw or an opossum’s tail like a rope? Find out how animals’ adaptations help them to survive in our woodlands.

Students entering grades 2-4 may choose classes that meet Monday through Friday afternoons from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Openings remain in “Rocks, Minerals and Dinosaur Tales” August 3-7.

For additional information on these programs, or to receive a summer program brochure, please contact the Nature Center at 860.693.0263 or check the Center’s website.

Nature Center Offers Evening Walk Series

Wednesday August 12, 2009
7:30 pm to 8:45 pm

Roaring Brook Nature Center’s Wednesday evening walks provide a relaxing end to a busy summer day, as well as an opportunity to observe a wide range of animals that become more active in the cooler evening temperatures. Long sleeves, a flashlight and insect repellent are recommended; pre-registration is not required. Cost of the walk is $3/person for members, $5/person for nonmembers (children $2/person for members, $3/person for non-members). In past years, we’ve seen and heard a wide range of creatures on our evening walks. What will we find this summer?! Call the Center for additional information at 860.693.0263.

Thursday Afternoon Animal Demonstrations

August 13 and August 20, 2009
2:00 pm

Roaring Brook Nature Center’s afternoon animal demonstrations for the public continue into August with two programs scheduled. The demonstrations begin in the Nature Center auditorium and last for approximately 45 minutes. Featuring live and mounted animals, slide presentations, and in some cases, a brief outdoor walk, each demonstration will focus on a different theme and provide an opportunity to learn about the habits and habitats of various animal groups. August programs include “Frogs” on August 13 and “Snakes Alive” on August 20. Admission to each demonstration is $2/person for members, $3/person for non-members. Children under age 6 must be accompanied by an adult.