Library offers science program for families

Six-year-old Brandon Berean shouted in delight on Saturday, Sept. 10, as he put a modified index card on a small table in the children’s department of the Cora J. Belden Library.

The card was mounted on a pair of straws with round mint candies on the ends serving as wheels. The purpose of the paper cup on top of the card became apparent when the toy vehicle was placed in front of a fan and blown across the table.

Brandon and his father Kevin explained how another child used a small hand-made sail instead of a cup to serve as a “wind-catcher” for the card.

Saturday’s event was the first of what librarians hope will be monthly events called Science Saturdays. The next one is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 8.

Children’s Librarian Catherine Potter said the library plans to use a different theme for each event to illustrate scientific principles. She said there was a good turnout for the event, which is intended for children between the ages 4 and 10.

The event on Saturday came with an activity plan provided for free by FETCH!, a program aired on PBS KIDS. Information on the program is available at www.pbskidsgo.org/fetch.

“These are simple experiments that can be repeated at home,” said Potter. “It gives families another thing to do at the library.”

The first activity suggested getting straws, an electric fan, Life Savers, paper clips, paper cups, a plastic bag, rubber bands, a ruler, scissors, paper, string, tape and an index card to build the cars and catchers. The plan suggests using paper clips for weight to test the pulling power of the catcher.

Potter said that variations on the activity plans are encouraged. She said each of the vehicles made on Saturday was unique.

“It’s about the kids expanding their own creativity,” she said.