This weekend in science (and The Blob)
Posted on | July 10, 2009 | Comments Off
It just occurs to me that a couple of links I added this week have to do with weekend events. It ALSO occurs to me that it will be a glorious weekend (albeit with a slight chance of rain).
In short, take the kids and go outside…and when IF it rains, you can go see Geckos at the Academy of Natural Science or celebrate the Earth Fair at the Franklin Institute!
Here are some ideas in the region:
Science Saturday at the Fairmount Water Works
— 7/11, 1:30 pm -3:30 pm
Children and parents alike are fascinated by the microscopic life that thrives in the river. FWWIC educator and molecular biologist Megan Malloy will take visitors to the banks of the Schuylkill to get a fresh sample of river water. Back in the Interpretive Center lab, there is much to see when you make a slide from the sample and view it through the powerful Seeing Is Believing microscopes. Some life forms will elicit oohs and ahhs. Other creatures are deemed “yukky.” The river critters can range in size from algae, diatoms, protozoa and other microorganism to the larger nematodes, scuds and snails seen by the naked eye. These tiny life forms are the beginnings of a healthy food web for the shad and other water critters. Free; no registration required.
Butterfly Count at the Schuylkill Nature Center — 9am 7/11
As part of a larger effort from the North American Butterfly Association, the nature center is sponsoring a butterfly count. There are sites across the region, so check your local nature center for details.
The count circle is 15 miles in diameter, similar to the bird count circle. It includes Lower Merion Conservancy, The Schuylkill Center, Saunders Woods, Valley Forge and Morris Arboretum.
You don’t need to know about the butterflies to join in on a count. The more eyes we have, the more butterflies will be seen! Count continues at The Lower Merion Conservancy at 12:30pm
Cost:
$3 per person
Free for children under 12All fees go to the administration of the count and the printing of the annual records.
For more information, please contact Claire Morgan at 215.482.7300.
Also, Blobfest is this weekend. It isn’t science-related, but it is fun.
If you have any upcoming events you think may be of interest to our readers, please contact us at PhillyWhat[at]gmail.com
UPDATE: There is a Nikola Tesla festival in Philly this weekend!
