Does your school aged child have lots of questions about the natural world? If so, here are a few handy resources you can explore with them to support and develop their scientific interests.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
They might like to check out these videos that the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History has on their website. The videos are of scientists from different fields of study explaining about what they were fascinated by as kids and what they do working professionally as scientists now. Their objective? To hopefully inspire the next generation of kids to pursue their scientific interests!
https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/teaching-resources/video-kids-you-are-just-scientists
https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/teaching-resources/scientist-spotlight-videos
Your Local Library
If you have a library card (which children and adults can get) then you can check out a Telescope or a Citizen Science Kit. Most of the libraries around us have them but you need to go in to the library to request them. (Only Surprise Regional Library allows online ordering) Who knew libraries had such an array of resources available to check out?!
A Telescope: It is free and the telescope will be all yours for 1 week. There is a L-o-n-g wait list so know that you can't check it out and bring it home right away. Get your name on the list now though, and you'll have the telescope in time for those warm nights when it's just perfect to be out at night stargazing with the kids.
Citizen Science Kits: Also free and on a range of topics. All of the Surprise libraries have five different Citizen Science Kits available for checkout. Each kit includes a printed activity guide, helpful tips and any specialized tools or materials you need to complete the project. Reserve your kit in person, online, or over the phone (Asante 602.222.2940; Hollyhock 602.222.2955; Surprise Regional 602.222.2901.)
Maricopa County and Peoria Librarys have similar Kits. If the one you want is not at your local library, they can order it to be transferred just like they do for books. Easy and educational!
Surprise Library Info: https://www.surprisepubliclibrary.gov/
Peoria Library Info: https://peoria.polarislibrary.com/polaris/default.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.8
Maricopa County Libraries: https://mcldaz.org/en-US/
