Summer Science
Just because school is out, that doesn't mean that science is over.
The Summer offers many great science opportunities.
In the words of Henry David Thoreau...(a famous American) All good things are wild, and free.
There's nothing to do. Well...look what I found.
What to observe:
-Notice the trees and plants in your neighborhood.
-Make daily cloud observations.
-Investigate insect populations near your house and
notice the noises they make.
Are the insects more active during the day or night?
-Listen to the different birds in your neighborhood.
-Do any nocturnal animals live in your neighborhood.
-Look for lightning bugs or fireflies.
-Learn about and observe the night sky.
-When is the next full moon and what time does it rise?
-Notce the patterns of the sun and measure your shadow each day at the same time.
-If you go on a trip, even close to your home, observe the similarities and differences.
Where to go:
-Six Mile Waterworks http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/65369.html (great place to fish, bike and hike)
-Five Rivers Nature Center http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html (great hikes, great programs, best nature center)
-Albany Pine Bush Nature Center https://www.albanypinebush.org/ ( nice nature center, hikes and programs)
-Washington Park http://www.washingtonparkconservancy.org/ (great place to hike, bike, great trees!!!)
These areas all offer special summer programs. Check out there schedules.
What to read:
-Go to the library and pick out a book about your favorite animal.
-The newspaper always has science stories.
What to watch:
-Watch the weather channel to learn about the new Atlantic Hurricane season. Any strange weather patterns, droughts?
-NatGeo and all the rest. Take notes as you watch nature programs and show Mr. Flynn in September.
Some Great Websites:
Citizen Science Opportunities http://www.scientificamerican.com/citizen-science/
Nova (TV Show) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/
This summer try to;
hike, read, fish, count,
invent, observe, infer, compare,
investigate, solve, measure, contemplate,
listen, learn, exercise and get some rest.