Mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, oh my!

Young scientists age 5 to 11 are invited to join us on Saturday, December 16th at the Kiddie Science for up close and hands-on contact with a wide range of animal species. We learn about the classification of living things, their adaptations, and the current environmental challenges faced. Up to a dozen live animals visit the Lab, allowing young learners to conduct first-hand observations.

This program meets from 10am to 12pm. Advanced registration is required and space is limited.

Over the course of seven weeks, our young scientists explored Earth Science from the perspective of Brooklyn. Our goal was to connect with nature right here in our urban environment.

We explored local ecology, which included the plants and birds in an area. We observed and identified local plants and animals and explored how these populations differ in other nearby locations, such as Queens. During our exploration, we spent quality time in the Lab's backyard. Originally, we expected to transition the garden over to fall planting. The unexpected warm weather meant we instead continued to care for the summer plants, which continued to produce fruits and flowers through mid-October. While working in the backyard, we were able to observe several local birds, and we met Mr. Penny the grasshopper.

Our exploration and understanding of the natural world included the real life example of pollution. In particular, we explored water and noise pollution. 

Our young scientists were challenged to rescue plastic animals from an oil spill. Once they did this, they had to clean the animal and were then faced with another dilemma: how do you clean the water? With support and materials, our young scientists created a water filtration system that addressed this issue and brought about an enriching discussion on the importance of keeping the water we have clean.

Living in an urban location means there's more noise. But just how much noise? We explored sound and how it is measured. Using a sound meter, we explored the decibels produced from different sounds. We then compared and contrasted the decibels in the Lab's backyard and the gated front area. Although we knew it was noisy outside, we were surprised just how much noise there was! We determined that the noise from idling trucks creates noise and air pollution.

We look forward to seeing you at a future Science Saturdays workshop. The scientific fun continues!

Recently, our young scientists in the Science Saturdays program explored germs and unseen things. Using pre-poured petri dishes, we went around the room touching everything with our hands (the bathroom was off limits). Young scientists touched all types of surfaces in the Lab then we each dipped one finger into the agar. This became our "Dirty Hands" dish.

At the same time, we conducted another experiment where we explored the difference if we washed our hands and dipped a finger int he agar. This second petri dish became our "Clean Hands" dish. Both petri dishes were labeled, sealed, and left alone for one week.

​The results can be seen below:

What some of our young scientists had to say about the experiment:

"That's disgusting!"
"Eeeeeeew!"
"Even when we wash our hands, there's still germs"
"What is that????"
​"We should wash our hands better"

Our first month at the Kiddie Science Lab has been busy, busy, busy!  As our existing programs begin to take root in our new home, we'd like to share with you a bit of what we've been learning about and exploring.

Our Big & Little Scientists explored the human body systems before moving on to our current study of food science, where we get to eat what we explore. During our time together we've learned about digestion, how our heart works, the function of mucus, and what germs are. For food science, we've become 'seed hunters' to help us classify foods, we've made fresh butter using science, and we've cut and chopped our way to a yummy salad.

Our two Home School Science groups have been busy exploring physical science, the study of nonliving things. We've so far explored states of matter, force (attract and repel), colors & light, chemistry, and electricity. All of our exploration has been in a hands-on manner that incorporates the Scientific Method and allows our young scientists ample opportunity for discussion and collaboration.

Our young scientists in the Science Saturdays program have been biologists. We've been busily studying living things at the Lab and having a great time doing so. So far, we have explored germs and other unseen things (and we even grew our own germs!), we've learned how to use handheld microscopes, explored the characteristics of invertebrates, dissected a worm, and we're learning to care for three new hermit crab friends; Harry, Henry, and Discover.

More images, video, and program highlights can be found on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

In 2016, we presented science to over 400 young scientists. Our flagship program, Science Saturdays, continued to engage new and returning young scientists in hands-on science exploration. In moment number 8, we highlight our young scientists, who woke up early on Saturday mornings to explore the wonders of science.