Science in the Library ~ Focus on Bears

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I realized that I’ve been taking pictures of the different Science in the Library programs we’ve attended.  But, I’ve failed to share them here!

Back in January, there was a session with bears as the focus.  Considering this is bear country, it is a perfect fit for the young ones.

The kids started off coloring pictures of different bears, with discussion of the different sizes.  They looked at the paw prints left behind and compared their foot to each one.  (FYI, if the paw print is close in size to yours it is most likely a black bear.  But, if it is bigger….be on the lookout for a grizzly/ brown bear.)

They talked about how our footprint compares with a bear’s (even distinguishing about which bear leaves which size print!)  This was coupled with an activity of making our own footprints on newsprint paper using water.

 

What bears eat was discussed and followed by a game of catching the ‘jumping’ salmon.  Each child made a paper salmon and then took turns being the bear or being the ‘dropper’ of the salmon.  It was a lot harder than one might have thought to actually catch that salmon!

Here’s a short video of the salmon catching ‘in action’:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g2cJ9d2-MA&hl=en&fs=1]

They finished up making a rolling bear by gluing cut out bears onto a toilet paper roll.  Bears like to roll and the challenge was to roll your bear and have it lands on it’s feet.

All in all, it was a great time for all involved.  And, one neat fact we learned is that when visiting a zoo, you may see a notice a polar bear looking a little green.  In warmer climates, they get mold growing that gives them a greenish hue.

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