Wild Weather and Changing Climate - January through March, 2007

FREE Family Science Workshops and Reading program!

Each year the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History and the Ann Arbor District Library coordinate their efforts to offer a Winter Family Reading and Science Program. This year’s theme, Wild Weather and Changing Climate, provides families with opportunities to read and learn together about the fascinating world of weather and our changing climate, with an in-depth look at climate science, storms, and weather tracking and forecasting.  In addition to Winter Family Reading Programs with incentives for participation, the Museum and many nearby libraries will host free family science workshops led by Exhibit Museum educators (a complete schedule with registration phone numbers is available below).

These workshops encourage parental involvement in children's hands-on science explorations, and are a great place to learn together! Thanks to the generous support of Pfizer, the James A. and Faith Knight Foundation and local libraries, these workshops are free for participating families. This program is ideal for children ages 6-11. Hope to see you there!

Workshop 1 - January
Curious about Climate:  Why Weather Works
At the Exhibit Museum on Sunday, January 21 at 3:30 p.m.
Free, but pre-registration is requested.  To register, call (734) 764-0478.
Many other sites, dates, times and registration numbers are below.

Ever wonder why weather happens, or why it is different all over the world?  Discover just what makes the weather, and how people like you can influence it.  Learn about the water cycle through a fun craft.  Explore climates of the past with petrified tree rings and ice cores, and try an experiment to learn just what global warming is and why it is happening.

Workshop 2 - February
Stormy Surprises:  When Weather Goes Wild!
At the Exhibit Museum on Sunday, February 11 at 3:30 p.m.
Free, but pre-registration is requested.  To register, call (734) 764-0478.
Many other sites, dates, times and registration phone numbers are downloadable below.

Crash! Bang!  Everyone has seen storms before, now find out why they occur!  Can the same air you breathe really take the roof off your house?  Why do you hear thunder after you see lightning?  And just what does the middle of a hurricane feel like?  Make your own wind-testers, and create a stormcloud with working lightning to take home.

Workshop 3 - March
Backyard Meteorology: Forecasting the Future
At the Exhibit Museum on Sunday, March 11 at 3:30 p.m.
Free, but pre-registration is requested.  To register, call (734) 764-0478.
Many other sites, dates, times and registration numbers are downloadable below.

Just how do meteorologists predict the weather?  Why is it so hard to do?  Explore real weather equipment and make some of your own to forecast weather in your neighborhood.  Find out how meteorology can help you understand global climate change.  At the end of the program, take home your own Global Warming Superhero, and make sure to water it!