Category: Nature In The City

Solar Eclipse 2024

4/18/2024

For the second time in our existence, the Kiddie Science Lab had the honor of hosting another solar eclipse educational opportunity! Seven years ago we witnessed our first eclipse at approximately 70% totality. This time, NYC was in the path for 90% coverage, which is pretty significant.

Once again we gathered on the sidewalk on Rogers Avenue and were amazed by science!

In addition to the eclipse, glasses, we viewed the eclipse using pinhole viewers, one of which was very, very big and provided an amazing view.

The box used as a pinhole viewer was repurposed from our recent toilet paper delivery, hence the tagline. It made for such a great viewer (and such hysterical pictures) that we tagged the company and they shared our image forward. You can check it out HERE.

Cheers to science and for finding a good laugh amongst the awe!

OUTDOOR SCIENCE IN WINTER

1/11/2023

Winter is officially in Brooklyn! An often overlooked season, winter provides outdoor opportunities to observe and explore. Provided its not frigid cold, you're encouraged to bundle up and head outside! Here are four ways you can explore science outside with your child during winter. We've presented the ideas as questions, which helps open up the exploratory possibilities.

What's the weather like outside today? Winter is a great time to observe and track the weather. For young children, this includes temperature, precipitation (type and amount), and cloud cover. Discuss the weather as you make your way out and about and make science a casual part of your day.

How can we explore with ice? Ice is a fun and fascinating material that can be used to explore a range of scientific concepts. You can try freezing different liquids in ice cube trays and observing how they look and behave, or conduct experiments to see how long it takes for ice to melt under different conditions. On the right day, you can find ice outside! At 32 degrees and below, water freezes into a solid state. Pay attention to the weather and when the temperature is right, go on an outdoor ice hunt.

How can we build with snow/ice?: Building structures with snow or ice can be a fun and challenging way to explore engineering principles. On a snowy day, design and build a snow fort or ice castle, and test their stability and strength. What else can you build with snow or ice? Challenge yourself to build the tallest structure you can build.

Who made these tracks? A snowy day walk through the trails inside Prospect Park will help answer this question. Many animals are more active in the winter, and their tracks can be easier to spot in the snow. You can also explore your own tracks. Compare and contrast the different sizes and shapes of your family's footprints.

If you have a baking sheet or similar, you can bring the snow inside! Place a towel under the baking sheet because this can get messy (for younger kids, you can set this up on the floor or bathtub). Collect clean snow and let your child explore!

How did your winter science exploration go?
Tag us in your pictures on Facebook or Instagram at @KiddieScience or #KiddieScience

July 5th Garden Harvest

7/6/2022

It begins! As of July 5th, we've harvest one zucchini weighing in at one pound, and a fistful of mixed beans weighing in at a little less. Each growing season, we implement math into our exploration by engaging young scientists in weighing out our harvest. Through the growing season, we add up our grand total and celebrate our success.

Stay tuned to watch our harvest totals change as the growing season moves along.

Community Science Resources

11/11/2021

Looking to learn more about the leaves and trees found in our community? Below are some resources to support your exploration!

The NYC Parks Department has an interactive street tree map which identifies the trees found in the five boroughs. You can zoom in or search by address to learn which trees grow in our community.

Learn cool facts about NYC trees from Million Trees NYC. How many trees do you think NYC has? The number will surprise you!

Community Science

11/2/2021

Increasing and improving access to science has always been central to the mission of Kiddie Science. Thanks to continued support from Con Edison, we aim to continue planting the seeds of science through a community-based initiative focused on not only access, but providing opportunity for meaningful connection with the subject.

On Thursday, November 11th from 11am to 12pm, our goal is to distribute FIFTY free mini science kits to families in the local community. In each mini kit will be basic tools and resources to assist with exploring the nature that exists right here where we live. Materials and activities are for age 2 and up with adult assistance as needed. With this mini science kit, you'll learn more about the leaves and trees in our community, collect and explore nature specimens, and utilize science tools for observations and explorations. Written and online information in our Bite Sized Science newsletter provide what you need for a successful nature exploration.

We'll also have free books to browse for age 12 and under.

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Solar Eclipse 2024

OUTDOOR SCIENCE IN WINTER

July 5th Garden Harvest

Community Science Resources

Community Science

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