Space captures the interest and imagination of many people. When you look up into the night sky, what do you wonder about? I think about how amazing it is that we have sent men and women into space to explore our Moon and learn more about our Milky Way Galaxy. March is Women's History Month, and this week, we celebrate the many contributions of female scientists, engineers, and astronauts who have taken us to the stars and made space exploration possible. Join us at a program to learn more about these amazing Space Pioneers!
READ: Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts by Alicia Klepeis
Do you dream of going into space? Do you wonder what it's like on the moon? In Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Astronauts with STEM Projects for Kids, readers ages 8 through 11 explore the lives of some of the world's most amazing female astronauts, including Bonnie Dunbar, Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, Sunita Williams, and Serena Auñón-Chancellor-all pioneers in the field of space exploration. Their hard work and dedication to science and experimentation gave the world much new knowledge about space, biology, and more. These brave women took risks and pushed the limits of what we know about life in space.
PLAY: Moon Rock Hunt
Supplies:
- Rocks (from outside or purchase at a garden center)
- Glow-in-the-dark paint (can find at craft stores)
- Paintbrushes
- Newspaper
- Timer
Instructions:
- Get together with some friends and/or family members and paint rocks with glow-in-the-dark paint. Allow to dry on newspaper.
- When dry, expose the rocks to artificial light or sunlight for at least an hour.
- Take turns being the one to hide the rocks, either in a darkened room or outside at night.
- Decide on a time limit for players to search for the rocks; whoever finds the most wins and is the next person to hide the moon rocks.
NOTE: Alternately, you can cover rocks with pieces of aluminum foil and play in the daytime!
EXPLORE: Make a Space Sensory Bottle
Supplies:
- Empty plastic bottle; see if you can find one in an unusual shape
- Distilled water
- Baby oil
- Food coloring, color of your choice
- Star shaped glitter or sequins color(s) of your choice
- Regular glitter, color(s) of your choice
- Duct tape (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill bottle about ¾ full with distilled water. Add a few drops of food coloring and mix.
- Add 2 teaspoons of star glitter combined with the regular glitter to the bottle.
- Add 2 tablespoons of baby oil.
- Close bottle and secure with duct tape, if needed.
- Shake it up to mix and watch the liquids and glitter separate.
JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!
View all school age programs and events offered this week.
For virtual programs, registration is required to receive the Zoom link; use the link in the program information to register.
For in person programs, registration is required; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
Jax Student Poetry Contest
This year, Jacksonville will have existed as a city for 200 years! To celebrate the Jacksonville Bicentennial, the City is having a Jax Student Poetry Contest and you can enter to win! The contest is for Grades 4-12 and the theme is “Looking back, moving forward.” The top three poems from three age groups will win cash prizes!
Submit your poems by April 30th to enter – find out more here: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/blog/jax-student-poetry-contest
