TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Metroparks STEAM Day is this Saturday, Aug. 22 from noon to 4 p.m. at Swan Creek Preserve. No reservation is required, and it’s free to attend.
“We’re going to have a lot of hands-on opportunities for kids to both learn about the science and actually do some water testing, some soil testing… and also play,“ said Jessica Duncan, a Programming Specialist for Metroparks Toledo.
When you arrive at Swan Creek on Saturday, come in the Airport Highway entrance and make your way to the Mary Jane Gil Shelter near the playground.
“One example of what we’ll have is the insect investigation station,” said Duncan. “There, they’ll be able to see up close some great models and preserved insects and learn about insect life cycles. We’ve got some examples here like our Viceroy Butterfly and our Cicada shells. They also have an opportunity to use some nets to catch some insects that we can help them identify and learn on-site.”
There will be many activity stations on Saturday, and all of them will highlight the science behind conservation. You’ll get to use a GPS unit to complete a scavenger hunt and make your own native seed balls to take home.
“So they can just take a little piece of clay and flatten it out. Then they can put a little bit of seeds and soil. We have some seeds from our beautiful Coneflower, so just about a pinch of each. Then, they’re able to roll this up and let it dry and take it home,” explained Duncan. “Then to plant it, you just simply toss it out in your yard in area that you’d like to have some native plants.”
A lot of the conservation work in these parks is done behind the scenes, and this program is meant to not only teach, but actually involve families in the process.
“You can even participate in some real data collection that will be used as part of a long-term butterfly study in Ohio,” added Duncan. “That’s from one to two p.m.”
Lastly, those who come out will get to meet a special ambassador from the Metroparks: the eastern box turtle known as JR.
For more information on Metroparks STEAM Day this Saturday, click on this link: metroparkstoledo.com/learn-and-play/special-events-and-programs/metroparks-steam-day/
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