How do you get a raisin dancing? What makes glow sticks shine? Thanks to the Big M in Sherburne, budding chemists will learn the answer to these questions and more through simple experiments with materials found around the home during the Nov. 5 “Family Fun” program.
“People often picture chemists as white-coated scientists combining unusual liquids in a laboratory, but actually we are all chemists!” said Sarah Freedman, Friends of Rogers environmental educator. “This engaging program will illustrate how chemistry concepts can explain everyday life observations.”
On Nov. 19, join Friends of Rogers to create hand-made paper with repurposed materials. Sponsored by Hummel’s Office Plus, this “Family Fun” program gives participants the opportunity to repurpose everyday fibers into unique paper creations.
Papermaking is thought to have originated in China nearly 2,000 years ago. Paper as a writing medium evolved into its use as bathroom tissue, food storage, and currency well before the Industrial Revolution.
“Family Fun” programs are held at 10:30 a.m. on the first and third Saturday of every month and last approximately one hour. These programs provide interactive learning about the natural environment for people of all ages. During the months of November and December, this unique educational series is being made possible thanks to the generosity of Hummel’s Office Plus and Big M.
“We are extremely grateful to Hummel’s Office Plus and Big M for partnering with us,” said Simon Solomon, executive director. “Since 2011, when Friends of Rogers saved Rogers Environmental Education Center from closing, we have relied on the generosity of local businesses like Hummel’s Office Plus and Big M to support community activities, allowing this vital resource to be preserved – and to flourish.”
Rogers Center is operated by Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers educational programs for all ages. Summer hours are from 10 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (607) 674-4733 or visit www.friendsofrogers.org.