Rockland Public Library: 5 week Ocean STEM program for kids

Wednesdays from 3-4:30 PM, July 13-August 10^th at Rockland Public Library

4H SPIN Club- Changing Oceans

Rockland, Maine Librarian and 4H positive youth development volunteer Jessie Blanchard joins local STEM expert and educator Carney McCrae to bring you “oceans” of summer science fun! “Changing Oceans” is a five-part program designed for youth 8 and up to learn about the life, science, and beauty of the Gulf of Maine, and the impacts of climate change. All sessions will include STEM learning activities, crafts, and resources for further action. Kids are welcome to drop-in to any session, but are encouraged to attend all five. All sessions are on Wednesdays from 3-4:30 PM, outside the Library’s Community Room (except for day 5, see below). For more information please contact Jessie Blanchard at jblanchard@rocklandmaine.gov.

Session 1, July 13

“Creatures of the Gulf of Maine”- we’ll get to know the inhabitants of our ocean by creating a 3D food web and ocean layer map.

Session 2, July 20

“Understanding Ocean Chemistry”- we will do simple STEM activities to show and test the ocean’s salinity, pH, and temperatures.

Session 3, July 27

“Presenting Climate Data as Art”- based on the work of scientist and artist Jill Pelto, we’ll use climate change graphs as an art form to demonstrate and interpret data.

Session 4, August 3

“Ocean Ecologies and Their Future”- we’ll play a game based on the ocean’s ecologies, then create our own using what we’ve learned.

Session 5, August 10

“The Climate and Seabirds, and the Beach”- we’ll walk to the Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to experience the replica seabird island, and then make our way to the beach to make a wish for the ocean and wrap-up activity. This day will involve a 15-minute walk to and from the Library*

*It is Library policy that children 10 and under are accompanied by an adult at all programs. An additional waiver must be signed to attend this activity.