Educators...check out the OMSHKid Zone blog for more resources

Our blog for anyone interested in science

I put many links and lab activity connections on the OMSH Kid Zone blog that might not get added to this blog.  Be sure and check it out for additional resources.
Go to Blogs & Sites to Visit on the right side tab of this blog or
quick click OMSH Kid Zone

RiverWorks Discovery...a great resource and $$ for field trip opportunity

Discover the science behind the Ohio River      

One of the programs offered at the museum is RiverWorks Discovery.  Teachers can go to the RWD link for downloadable resources.  Both student handbooks and teacher manuals are available at:

RiverWorks Discovery

In addition to online resources, the RiverWorks Discovery program provides financial support for educational group field trips.  Schools and other groups (like scouts or Girls Inc) can receive $100 towards bus transportation and $2.00 per student towards the price of a museum ticket.  

Tours are tailored to the individual group and focus on topics from the RiverWorks Discovery program.

Science topics can include:  wildlife of the Ohio River, landforms of Ohio River, watersheds, pollution, river habitats, food chains and webs, ecosystems, erosion, birds species, migration, mammals of the Ohio River, River invaders, endangered and threatened species, nocturnal animals, hibernation, and Kids for Clean Rivers.

Visits can be requested year round so give us a call today and let us create a program for you!

Check out the Blog list on the side bar for additional info

Just a reminder, I have 2  other blogs.  OMSH KID ZONE is kid centered and sometimes will have museum info that the teacher blog doesn't, or may get the info earlier. Scan the Museum website for all museum events.  
The third blog I have is KJR Science Station and is basically what it states, a repository of science and teaching resources. If I haven't used it at the museum yet I will store it on the Science Station.  I stored resources in this blog when I taught (before I used Moodle and other tech aids).  I wish I had stored more Moodle info on the blog!  Anywhere you see "Sqworl"- check it out.  Sqworls are easy and wonderful ways to store websites.

Worm Care

If you brought your class to  Diary of a Worm , the following are tips to help you take the best care of your new class animals.
The worms used were Red Wigglers, among the best for composting.
1.  Worms like it damp but not wet.  If your worm home gets too wet, gently turn your container upside down (with lid firmly on!) and have a parent poke a few holes in the bottom lie the ones in the lid.  Set it back- bottom side down and set the container on an old container to catch draining water.  Then add some more DRY shredded newspaper to absorb some of the extra moisture.
2.  Add some extra dirt, one tablespoon full should do it for your small container.  Make sure it does not have chemicals in it.  Ask your parents. Worms need dirt to help them eat food.
3.  Feed your worms correctly.  It doesn't take much food.  If you still see food scraps then don't add more.  When you add food, just a little does it.  For just a few worms, chop up a big spoonful of RAW, UNCOOKED  fruit and vegetable scraps...no citrus like lemons and no onions or garlic. 
NEVER give your worms meat, dairy or grease!
4.  Worms like it dark.  Wrap some dark paper around he outside of your container.

Two red worms mating

5.  Not too cold or hot! Keep your container inside and away from hot things.  In the spring you can set them free in your garden if you want.
6.  If you see two worms together, leave them alone.  They are making babies.
7.  If you see a lot of black soil, that's worm poop and it is great food for your plants. Gently remove it and put it in your flower pot.  Your plants will love it!

For more pictures and graphics, open the November Story Lab page.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

STORY LAB

Story Lab is a new museum program that started in November.  Each month a new book is highlighted for a read-a loud story time.  Afterwards, children participate in a science lab or science activity that relates to the story.

Schools and groups may choose a Story Lab as a Field trip.  Once a Story Lab has been presented for the month it is available for school field trips.
Story Labs run about 45 minutes each and will be held in the Museum of Science and History's third floor Budding Biotech Lab.
 


 Story Labs now available to classes and groups:
                    Diary of a Worm 
                               and
                    Snowflake Bentley  





                                 November:    Diary of a Worm  by  Doreen Cronin
                                                       Lab: Worms and Composting
                                                         
                                 December:    Snowflake Bentley  by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
                                                      Lab: Crystals in Nature

                                 January:       Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly
                                                      and The Amazing Pop-up, Pull-out Space Shuttle by David Hawcock
                                                      Lab: Living in Space, Space Shuttle, Rockets

                                  February:     How Tall Was Milton? by Lawrence F. Lowery
                                                      and Actual Size by Steve Jenkins
                                                      Lab: Measurement and comparing sizes

 Story Lab is free to members.  For non-members it is included in the price of admission which is $3. Children 2 years and under are free.
         

Livermore Elementary visits

Friday morning started wet, cold and gloomy but Livermore Elementary School's 4th and 5th graders brightened our museum.  The students were attentive, well behaved and involved in the lessons.  Thanks kids!

In the Mammoth Gallery, we discussed "What is a model and what is real?"

Students discussed the structures and functions of specific animals and how they helped that organism with it's survival. Among animals discussed were bats, a shark, a coyote, a passenger pigeon, the mammoth, a sea turtle, an eagle, an otter, and a bobcat.

The lesson plan and handout can be located on the side menu under pages: Structures and their Functions for Organisms.
I hope to see you again in the future!