Bulletin News

09/22/2011 

Children’s educational programs on pedestrian safety, using household items for exploration, composting with worms, interacting with reptiles, exploring dance and learning about technology will be highlighted during the Fall 2011 Children’s Museum season that begins on Saturday, Sept. 24.

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., unless otherwise noted, and are open to community families and their children.

The programs will take place in the McDonald Building at 60 Tompkins St. in Cortland. Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted. Proceeds from donations made on Sept. 24 will benefit flood victims in Binghamton, N.Y., and surrounding communities.

 On Sept. 24, Emilie Kudela, associate professor and early childhood coordinator, will host “Tiny Town,” a scaled-down model of a town that lets the children practice pedestrian safety and perform some neighborly activities. “Tiny Town” is on loan to the Children’s Museum from the Cortland County Health Department’s Injury Prevention and Traffic Safety Program.

Linda Pickett, an associate professor, will concoct mysterious mixtures on Oct. 15. She will show participants science activities using household items to promote understanding of science, math and literacy through activities that involve sensory experiences.

 Susan Stratton, an associate professor, will demonstrate “hands on” worm composting during a session on Oct. 22. Children and adults will learn about worms and how they compost our food scraps. Participants will be shown how to make their own worm composting bin.

The 20th annual Education Club Halloween Party will be celebrated on Oct. 29. The event is open to community children ages 1 to 10. Activities will include face painting, story telling, games and craft making. Donuts and other treats will be served and prizes awarded for games.

 The Cortland Dance Company will make a guest appearance on Nov. 5. They will lead participants in dance activities and invite all to make our bodies move to music. Children can make musical instruments with Kudela’s students and use them to accompany the music.

Dan the Snake Man joins Susan Stratton, associate professor, on Nov. 19. Dan’s shows, which feature many species of exotic reptiles, are created to educate people of all ages about reptiles. Through informative displays and up-close and personal interactions, the presentations help the audience better understand and appreciate the special nature of these animals and their importance to the environment. The audience is encouraged to view the reptiles, touch them and ask questions.

On Dec. 3, instructor Chris Widdall invites families and children to participate in a technology session with students from her class. They will bring their iPads and technology games and tools for children and adults to learn about computers and other forms of technology.

To enter the Children’s Museum, use the front door or the rear entrance. There is limited parking available in the McDonald Building rear lot and on adjacent streets. For more information, contact Kudela at (607) 753-5525 or Stratton at (607) 753-2467, or send an email to childrensmuseum@cortland.edu or visit the Children’s Museum website at www2.cortland.edu/community/childrens-museum.