Bulletin News

09/22/2010 

Children’s educational programs on kite flying, insects and nature will be highlighted during the Fall 2010 Children’s Museum season, which continues on Saturday, Oct. 23.

The Children’s Museum offers interactive, hands-on educational experiences in an environment where Cortland community parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, college students, youth and young children can be inspired to play and learn together.

Presented by faculty and students in SUNY Cortland’s Childhood/Early Childhood Education Department, the programs run on selected Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and are open to community families and their children. All programs will take place at the Children’s Museum, located on the ground floor of O’Heron Newman Hall at 8 Calvert St. in Cortland. Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted. 

On Oct. 23, Alexis Abramo, grant project manager and former science museum educator, will show children and families how to “Go Fly a Kite.” Participants will learn about air and air pressure, view demonstrations and make a real kite using simple household materials.

The 19th annual Education Club Halloween Party will be celebrated on Oct. 30. The event is open to community children ages 1 to 10. Activities will include face painting, storytelling, invisible writing, games and craft making. Donuts and other treats will be served and prizes awarded for games.

Susan Stratton, assistant professor, will lead two sessions of the “Nature Nook Series” on Nov. 6 and Nov. 20.

On Nov. 6, a special program in the “Nature Nook Series” called “Insect Circus” will be featured. Cornell Naturalist Outreach students will bring displays and presentations to the Children’s Museum for participant exploration.

On Nov. 20, children can take part in nature study activities with the assistance of graduate and undergraduate childhood and early childhood teacher candidates. Supported by a grant through Cortland’s Auxiliary Services Corporation, the series will provide inquiry-based, hands-on activities for young children on nature-oriented topics. Participants will sample local fruits and vegetables and make easy to prepare dishes for all to share.

To reach the museum entrance, follow O’Heron Newman Hall’s driveway. Parking is not permitted in the driveway but is available in the parking lot of the Dowd Fine Arts Center on the corner of Prospect Terrace and Graham Avenue.

For more information, contact Early Childhood Coordinator Emilie Kudela at (607) 753-5525 or Stratton at (607) 753-2467, by e-mail at childrensmuseum@cortland.edu or visit their website.