Family Science Night(s)

While we’re unable to welcome you to campus in person this summer, we want to share some virtual science fun for the whole family!  Thanks to the generous support of Machias Savings Bank, over the next few weeks we will be sharing our favorite ways for our younger community members and their families to explore science and the natural world – at home.  Check back often for updates on some great virtual activities brought to you by MDIBL staff and our wonderful partners.

Learn more about the MDIBL Community Environmental Health Lab 

Join Community Lab manager Anna Farrell as she talks about the work of the lab, monitoring the health of MDI’s waters and her part in the Art Meets Science 2020: From Debris to Art project.

Extract DNA from a Strawberry! 🍓

Spend some time with MDIBL’s Dr. Elisabeth Marnik to learn about DNA and why it’s so important. And then do an awesome experiment to extract DNA from a strawberry! This list tells you what you’ll need for the experiment. (PDF credit to NIH’s National Human Genome Research Institute.)

Beneath the Waves of the North Atlantic

Beneath the Waves of the North Atlantic is a blend of art and science that introduces both kids and adults to major topics in marine science. The book explores the complex interactions of various marine organisms from tiny plankton to large whales. Written by MDIBL’s own Allie Ceurvorst, it’s a great family r

ead!  Download a sneak peek or purchase a complete copy here.

All About Vernal Pools with Madeline Johnson and Dr. Jane 

Disney

Madeline Johnson of Nature Links Maine learns about vernal pools from Dr. Jane Disney of the MDI Biological Laboratory.(Concerned they aren’t social distancing? – Jane is actually Madeline’s mother!) This video is an invitation to explore the webs of life in your own backyard.

Join a Citizen Science Project through MDIBL’s Anecdata!

By participating in a citizen science project, people (perhaps you, even!) are able to learn, explore, collect, share, and discuss data all from the safety of their homes, backyards and neighborhoods. Don’t know where to start? Check out these suggested projects and help log the best star-gazing spots for NASA, survey beavers’ dam building efforts, or map the nesting locations of Barn and Cliff Swallows.

From Debris to Art  🗑   ♻️  🖌  🎨

Join in MDIBL’s newest Art Meets Science project with eco-artist Mariah Reading and MDIBL’s Community Lab!  Read more about From Debris to Art and join in the project through Anecdata.  Get a sneak peek of Mariah’s process here:

Maine Discovery Museum’s 100 S.T.E.A.M.y Days of Summer

MDM Staff have been hard at work creating educational opportunities that emphasize fun, hands-on methods of learning with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math.  Find 100+ activities here.

Frenchman Bay Conservancy and the Maine Outdoor School

Outdoor Programs and Guided Experiences for Schools, Organizations, and Families! Explore our local ecosystems and learn to identify the flora and fauna in our own backyards. Download their Baker Hill Scavenger Hunt or FBC Coloring Book designed to help kids of all ages learn about and explore nature on a trail or in your own backyard!

Friends of Acadia

Stay connected to Acadia National Park through Acadia Quest and other kid-friendly events and programs at Friends of Acadia.

Stay tuned for additional videos and activities!

Family Science Night is made possible by the generous support of Machias Savings Bank.