Spend a day at the Montshire getting wet! Investigations at the Science Discovery Lab and in Science Park will focus on water and other liquids. From Lab Coat Investigations exploring density to Push Cart Science activities making boats, the day will be filled with science of the wet!

The Science Discovery Lab will be buzzing with activity as we explore 'the small.' Using an array of magnifying instruments from hands lenses to compound microscopes, we'll observe everything from the weave of a t-shirt to invertebrates in pond water, to the nuclei of our very own cheek cells! Discover a whole new world hidden from the naked eye!

The grounds of the Montshire Museum are home to a surprising diversity of club-mosses and horsetails. These groups of spore-bearing plants are related to both ferns and extinct plants that dominated the landscape during the dinosaur age. The course will cover the identification features used to distinguish most of the species. We will start with classroom discussion and finish with a hike for a first-hand look. Bring a hand lens if you own one. Recommended text: Peterson's Field Guide to Ferns. Co-sponsored by the New England Wildflower Society. Instructors: Don Lubin and Ray Abair. Montshire and NEWFS members $55, non-members $65. To register contact NEWFS at 508-877-7630, or visit www.newfs.org. This course counts as an elective for a certificate in Native Plant Studies.

Join us as we explore Montshire's 110 acres of forests, fields, and riverbanks. We'll get down and dirty (on the forest floor, that is) as we take a look at science outside. We will also have a chance to explore aquatic insects and other natural history specimens at the Science Discovery Lab. We'll even get a chance to taste the finished product of the work of one of our favorite social insects!

Air is all around us and we'll spend a day investigating it. Join the fun as we make kites, and a variety of highflying paper craft and parachutes. We'll even learn how to take advantage of air pressure by using pneumatics. This day will have something for everyone.

Tuesdays, Sep. 8 - Dec. 8 (no class Nov. 24)
3:15 - 5 p.m.

For your curious young scientist who wants to discover, explore, and create, this program provides science and engineering activities galore. The program includes nature studies, science experiments, building and engineering projects, and games. Snacks provided. For children in grades 1-3. Members $340, non-members $370. Registration begins August 3.

Wednesdays, Sep. 9 - Dec. 9 (no class Nov. 25)
Morning session: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Afternoon session: 1-3 p.m.

Designed to foster the natural curiosity and learning of your young child through hands-on experiments, projects, and explorations in the physical and natural sciences. Your preschooler will enjoy fun activities and individual explorations. Preschool programs are made possible with support from the Byrne Foundation. For children ages 4 through Kindergarten. Scholarship aid is available. Members $340, non-members $370. Registration begins August 3.