Idaho Museum of Natural History to offer Pint-Sized Academy for young children

The Idaho Museum of Natural History will offer fun, educational opportunities for children aged 4-5 and kindergarten this summer in its Pint-Sized Academy classes scheduled in June and July.

A different class will be offered each Thursday afternoon starting June 23 and running through July 28. Pint-Sized Science Academy offers two class times for each class, from either 12:30-1:30 p.m. or 2-3 p.m.

All classes will be taught by College of Education Early Childhood Education graduate student Valerie Tims. The cost for each class is $15.

All classes will be held at the Idaho Museum of Natural History, located at Dillon Street and South Fifth Avenue on the campus of Idaho State University in Pocatello. For more information, please call Rebecca Thorne-Ferrel at (208) 282-2195. A full list of classes for children and adults can be found on the Museum’s website, http://imnh.isu.edu.

Pint-Sized Academy classes scheduled are:

• Thursday, June 23 – "A Walk on the Natural Side"

Fresh air, birds, bugs and leaves! We will be taking a nature walk across the ISU campus so children can observe and collect their own objects from the natural environment. At the Museum, they'll learn about and use them for art projects and stories. Class Times: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. or 2-3 p.m.

• Thursday, June 30 – "Chemical Reactions: Ice Cream"

It is a conundrum! Cream, sugar, and a touch of vanilla makes ice cream?

How does that change occur? Come and learn about chemical reactions as you make ice cream and explore the changes in the ingredients. Class Times: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. or 2 – 3 p.m.

• Thursday, July 7, 2011 – "Goo Up to Your Elbows"

No one ever said scientific exploration was tidy! Join us as we make gooey glurch to explore and learn about glurch's properties and how the ingredients change when mixed together. Class times: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. or 2 – 3 p.m.

 • Thursday, July 14 – "Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles"

WOW! The physics and chemistry of bubbles amaze people. Are bubbles always round? Can you hold a bubble? We will be exploring making bubble solution, bubble wands and enjoying the fun and happiness only bubbles bring. Class Times: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. or 2 – 3 p.m.

• Thursday, July 21 – "Nature's Sparklers: Crystals"

Explore the fabulous world of crystals! Observe and discuss crystal characteristics as you learn about how they are made. You’ll also grow your own crystals to take home.

Class Times: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. or 2 – 3 p.m.

• Thursday, July 28 – "Push Me, Pull You!"

If I push the truck forward, what will happen? What happens when a ball bounces on the sidewalk? Children will explore using various objects of different sizes and weights to learn about Newton's 3rd Law of motion. Class Times: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. or 2 – 3 p.m.

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