The Lancaster County Environmental Center is pleased to offer an array of educational programs that relate to this year’s summer reading theme, Every Hero Has a Story! The following offerings are available at public libraries throughout the county during the summer.
Animals Heroes: The Animal Olympics
What wild animals can jump the highest or longest? Who is the best swimmer or flyer? Who eats the most and is the strongest? Learn the answers to all of these questions and many others relating to an animal’s athletic ability. First you will learn about the different animals and then you will have a chance to beat their records and see how human abilities compare to theirs.
Tuesday, June 9 @ 6:30 pm (All ages), Lititz Public Library
Thursday, June 11 at 4:00 pm (Family), Adamstown Area Library
Wednesday, June 24 at 10:30 am (All ages), Salisbury Twp. Branch Library (Gap)
Tuesday, June 30 at 10:30 am (Ages 4 – 10), Lancaster Public Library West – Mountville Branch
Tuesday, June 30 at 2:00 pm (All ages), Moores Memorial Library (Christiana)
Monday, July 13 at 2:00 pm (Age 5+), Lancaster Public Library East – Leola Branch Library
Tuesday, July 14 at 10:00 am (Family), Columbia Public Library
Tuesday, July 21 at 2:00 pm (Age 5+), Quarryville Library
Our First Heroes: Native Americans
Native Americans paved the way for the Country we live in. From growing crops to food processing to naming our towns and rivers, the Native peoples of the United States have influenced many aspects of our culture. Participants will learn about local Native peoples, see and touch some local artifacts, and try their hand at chores such as grinding corn. Children will also learn some authentic dances and play games meant to hone skills needed in adulthood.
Wednesday, June 17 at 10:00 am (All ages), Manheim Community Library
Wednesday, July 1 at 1:30 pm (Age 6-12), Ephrata Public Library
Tuesday, August 4 at 6:00 pm (Grades 2+), Pequea Valley Public Library
Super Forces of Nature
Air pressure is squeezing us from all directions, the magnetic field of the earth aids us in navigation, and the rays of the sun beat down on us relentlessly. All around us natural forces are at work, keeping plants alive, birds on the right path for migration and much more. Come out and enjoy some simple experiments to demonstrate the super powers of nature.
Tuesday, July 7 at 2:00 pm (Age 5+), Quarryville Library
Tuesday, August 4 at 6:30 pm (All ages), Strasburg-Heisler Library
Your Secret Identity
Survival for many animals is tied to their ability to hide. Camouflage aids in hiding from both predators and prey. Body patterns can confuse predators into missing targets or avoiding prey all together. Other animals mimic plant parts or poisonous prey in an effort to hide in plain sight. Learn all about camouflage and mimicry and discover fascinating animals.
Friday, June 12 at 2:00 pm (Ages 5+), Quarryville Library
Wednesday, July 15 at 2:00 pm (Ages 7+) Limit 30, Manheim Township Public Library
Navajo Code Talkers
Navajo is a complex unwritten language spoken only on tribal lands in the Southwest. With their language as the basis for a virtually undecipherable code, approximately 400 Navajos served in the Marines during World War II. Discover the role that these code talkers played. Participants will learn the basics of the code and practice sending and receiving messages.
Wednesday, July 15 at 6:00 pm (Ages 10+ – Adult), Milanof-Schock Library, Mt. Joy
Thursday, July 16 at 4:30 pm (Age 10+) Limit 40, Manheim Twp. Public Library
Investigations in Science: Forensic Clues
Put your science knowledge and observation skills into action. Through hands-on explorations you will unmask the clues that today’s scientists use to solve crimes. Looking at several aspects of forensic science, “crime scenes” will be investigated by studying finger prints, visual clues and observations, blood, and bones. The vital role of insects in the wild will also be examined as it pertains to forensic science.
Thursday, June 18 at 2:00 pm (Ages 9-20), Lancaster Public Library
Thursday, July 9 at 4:30 pm (Age 10+) Limit 30, Manheim Twp Public Library
Monday, July 27 at 1:00 pm (Tween/Teens) Limit 50, Elizabethtown Public Library
Be a Hero or Heroine for our Earth
Earth needs heroes too! Every person has the ability and opportunity to be one of our planets heroes. Learn about how you can make a difference using the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Children will work together to make a “garbage dump pizzas” to help foster the principles of stewardship and conservation. They will leave knowing some concrete ways they can help their families make a difference for our home planet.
Wednesday, July 1 at 6:00 pm (K-6 grades), Eastern Lancaster County Library (New Holland)
# # #