In June, I saw several of you at Aldridge Gardens Summer Camp and it was wonderful! I had my first taste of being a camp director, there was way too much rain, and I loved it! I’m already thinking of things to do next year!
However, the reason for this post is to invite you and your children to continue our educational journey with our seminar/workshop offerings. There are several coming up that are specifically up the street of young scientists and those with creative minds.
The first is a workshop called the Adventures of a Citizen Scientist. It is being lead by Claire Datnow, a teacher of the gifted, and an ecological mystery writer (the Sizzling Six series) for young people. She will, with the photographic assistance of her photographer husband Boris, share how any one with a love and interest in science can become a Citizen Scientist. When I was studying for my masters degree we spoke a lot about Type I’s (finding out what’s out there), Type II’s (taking taste tests of various disciplines), and Type III’s. Becoming a Citizen Scientist is a Type III – that’s where a student (or interested adult) instigates a scientific investigation and practices as a professional. For example, if a student wanted to become an apiarist, they would find out as much information as possible about bees, interview beekeepers, visit hives, and, through apprenticeship, actually practice bee keeping. Being a Citizen Scientist allows the investigator to add their information or findings to the pool of scientific data in the world. Plus it can be done from your own back yard, neighborhood, or city. Which makes it easier for a student to participate. Anyway, it is a very worthwhile endeavor! Plus she will have copies of her books for purchase and signing.
The second workshop is titled Fairy Gardens for the Young and the Young at Heart. It is a two hour hands on workshop that begins with a discussion/demonstration with Carol Hunter, of Myers Plants and Pottery, followed by a make & take session that I will run so that each registrant takes home a beginning of a fairy garden. Each adult registrant is allowed to bring a child (between 5-12) as a free of charge tag along so that they can create their garden together and will receive a 20% off card for use at Myers for Fairy products. A great activity for Grandparents and Grandchildren. However, anyone with a love of fairy lore and crafty ideas is welcome!
How about the musically inclined? We are hosting a Didgeridoo Demonstration! Two members (both named Jay, by the way) of the Alabama Symphony will be on hand to demonstrate making music on the Didgeridoo. We will also have some bamboo available for creating rhythm sticks or mini dodge’s, if desired. I’ve read that the circular breathing technique used when playing the didge is very good for those with sleep apnea…?! Come, give it a try! There will be a few handmade didges for sale as well.
Adventures of a Citizen Scientist July 25, 6-8pm, in the Aldridge House Living Room. $25 for members/$30 for nonmembers. Limit of 20 seats.
Fairy Gardens for the Young and the Young at Heart, August 1, 2-4pm, on the back patio. $30 for members/$35 for nonmembers. Limit 20 registrations.
Didgeridoo Demonstration! August 8, 6-8pm, in the Aldridge House Living Room. $25 members/$30 for nonmembers. Limit 20 participants.
Check out the events calendar on the web site to register and see the other offerings we have, including Tai Chi in the Garden and Yoga, birdwatching, and more to come!
With Love of learning!!
Stay Safe & DFTBA! Mrs Mac