Programs for the Entire Family
A series of interactive Children’s/Family programs has been developed around the map and exhibit by the Foundation with the aid of the UB Geosciences Program, UB School of Informatics, and UB Graduate School of Education. Designed for children in grades K-8, our educators take a hands-on approach to teaching as they work through the wonders of geology and earth science. These programs are free and open to the public, and will be held in the West Room on select Saturdays from 11am-2pm throughout the exhibition period. Below is the schedule of current programs (schedule subject to change). Contact the Library Foundation at (716) 858-6393 for more information.
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September 17
Map-opoly: All About Maps!
Join us for a hands-on, creative lesson to get kids thinking about the world around them through the basics of mapping. A three-station approach will have kids mapping their own theme park and finding treasure throughout the library! This program is free and produced by the UB Geosciences Program.
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September 17
Bookish Strata: Mapping the Library
This program incorporates the concept of stratification in sedimentary rocks. Participants examine maps and the idea of ‘levels’ in the world around us. Children then proceed to ‘the field’ to examine the library and its own strata levels. Back in the classroom, participants draw a large scale version of their library strata map and incorporate symbols and details. A period of sharing and talking about maps follows.
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October 15
Squishing Strata and Fabricating Fossils
This program provides families with the opportunity to make their very own strata levels and fossils from plaster of Paris and clay. The students explore the concepts of stratification and its relation to fossils then proceed to transfer their new knowledge to making and identifying their very own fossils. Participants then trade fossils with one another in a friendly exchange to enhance the diversity of their unique fossil collections.
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November 5
The BIG-BIG-Timeline
Students explore the concept of a timeline in relation to geologic time. Participants then create their very own timeline of their past, present and future to share with their classmates.
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November 19
Paper Bag Paleontology
Children learn how to make their very own field journals to record all of their discoveries and finds. Paper bags filled with cool objects will be passed out to each child for their very own discovery and drawing in their new journals.
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December 3
Stories with William Smith
Children will come face to face with ‘William Smith’ and have an opportunity to listen to his story and adventures. Fantastic children’s books will be read by William Smith with direct audience interaction.
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December 17
Sedimentary Sandwiches
‘Sedimentary Sandwiches’ is a different take on geology. Participants explore the concept of stratification and make a ‘sedimentary sandwich’ from construction paper. Students discuss the oldest and youngest levels of their sandwiches in groups. Participants then take part in a lunch of real sedimentary sandwiches where they make their paper sandwiches come to life!