2007 INDOOR NATURAL HISTORY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Reservations are First-Come, First-Served, Call 621-0031 to reserve space
1 class offered from 9:30-10:30 AM unless otherwise noted;
$3.50/person -including adults who attend with their children.
Make checks payable to: The Pine Tree State Arboretum (PTSA)
Spring ‘07
Wed. March 7, Life in the Intertidal Zone, Presenter: Aimee Hayden-Roderiques, Natural Science Educator, MaineState Aquarium
***2 programs offered today: 9:45 – 10:45 & 11 – 12 noon ***
Have you ever been interested in learning more about those tide pool creatures you see at the beach? Wonder how scientists figure out what animal is what and how they give them their names? What characteristics make each creature special and how do they survive in the sea? In this program we will be talking about these creatures, how and where they live, and how scientists sort through all the thousands of ocean animals and figure out who's who. We will bring along some sea stars and crabs, sea urchins and lobsters, and maybe a few other creatures for you to meet. Grades 1 and up, max. 25 students/session.
Wed. March 14, A Look Inside a Fish, Presenters: Josh Platt, Kennebec SWCD & Emily Jones, Dept. of Inland Fish & Wildlife
In Maine we have a wide variety of fish in our lakes and streams. Learn about several different species of Maine fish, how camouflage helps them survive and what some of their physical adaptations are. Find out what the inside of a fish looks like, take part in a dissection and learn all the parts and their functions. Grades 1 and up, max. 40 students.
Wed. March 21, Maine’s Busy Beavers, Presenter: Lisa Kane, Dept of Fish & Wildlife
Beavers are the only animal besides humans that can create their own habitat, or place to live. They are abundant in Maine, and have an interesting life cycle. Using mounted specimens, skins, skulls, and beaver “chaw”, we will explore the world of the beaver, take a look at the animals’ place in US and Maine history, and investigate beaver populations today. All ages; max. 50 students.
Wed. March 28, Mercury Mystery: The Case of the Poisoned Loon!, Presenter: Tamara Whitmore, Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed Students will be introduced to the concepts of Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification through participation in an interactive story re-tracing the steps leading up to our tragic event: the unsuccessful hatching of a loon egg. Connections will be made between mercury pollution and other organisms, including humans, as well as measures we can all take to reduce mercury pollution in the environment. Grades 3 – 8, max. 25.
Wed. April 4, Tree Measurement, Presenters: Josh Platt, Kennebec SWCD & Darcy Whittemore, Ed. Director, PTSA
Find out how foresters determine the height and other measurements of a tree. By measuring a tree’s circumference, height and crown spread, students can determine a tree’s “Big Tree” number. Use Diameter tapes, Biltmore sticks and math during this session. Grades 4 & up, max 30.
Tues. April 10, Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! Presenter: Charlene Donahue, Entomologist, MaineForest Service; All Ages; max. 30 students
A program about the fascinating world of insects that lies at our very door. Learnhow these tiny animals live and how they have adapted to their surroundings. Live and pinned insect specimens, signs of insects and various insect life stages will be on hand for close up inspection.
Wed. April 25, Find a Space and Show Your Face Presenter: District Game Warden
***2 programs offered today: 10:00 – 11:00 AM & 11:00 – 12 noon***
A District Game Warden will go over important survival information for kids if they ever become lost in the woods. Students will learn how to build a shelter, stay warm, conserve energy, and attract the attention of searchers; all techniques that would help your students survive in the woods if lost. A good lesson to go along with studying Don Fendler's book, “Lost on a Mountain in Maine”. Grades 2 and up; max. 30.
Fall ‘07
Wed. November 7, Aquatic Plant Invaders, Presenter: Tamara Whitmore, Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed
Is it possible for plants that live in the water to ruin the health and usability of a lake? Yes! Especially when the plants are “alien species”! Learn how to tell the difference between some of our native species of aquatic plants and invading non-native plant species through a discussion of basic plant structure and a hands-on identifying activity using plastic look-alikes and taxonomic keys and pictures. Learn what role YOU can play to help stop the spread of these unwanted aquatic plant species to your local lake or pond! Grades 3 – 8, max. 25.
Wed. November 14, Birds & Their Adaptations & the Bird Olympics, Presenter: Lisa Kane, Dept of Fish & Wildlife
***2 programs offered today: 9:30 – 10:30 & 11 – 12 noon ***
For the first half of this program we'll use mounted specimens of songbirds, raptors and waterfowl to identify the many different adaptations birds exhibit to blend into their particular habitat. Looking at color, beaks, feet, feathers, diet and migration habits, we will learn how and where to find a variety of species of birds. The second half of this program will feature a 'Bird Olympics': kids will visit 5 different stations, representing how birds fly, find food, migrate long distances, etc. How does your arm flapping rate compare to birds'? How fast can you run? How does your arm span compare to wingspans of different birds? How well do you smell? How much food do you eat each day? A run through the challenges of the Bird Olympics will help you understand what athletes birds really are. Grades 1 and up, Max 30 students/session.
Posted by 
Feb. 26, 2007 - Hi...