Springfield Science Museum celebrates April 13.
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Owen H. Jensen, 5, left, and Kaleigh A. Yeager, 6, both of Springfield decorate canvas totle bags designed to celebrate Earth Day and Earth Week at the Springfield Museums in 2010. Earth Day is April 22. Ellen Hartwell, of Broadside Books in Northampton, was asked for a few suggestions for parents and their children interested in learning more about the planet. The following books, she noted, are all "geared toward environmental education and our relationship with the natural world."
"DK Eyewitness series: Climate Change," by John Woodward, $16.99 (ages 8-12).
"B is for Blue Planet, an Earth Science Alphabet," by Ruth Strother, $16.95 (ages 6-10).
"Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge," by Joanna Cole, i $6.99 (ages 7-10).
"A Child's Introduction to The Environment," by Michael Driscoll etc.,$19.99 (ages 9 and up).
"The Buzz on Bees, Why are They Disappearing" by Shelly Rotner, $16.95 (ages 5 and up).
For some hands-on fun, the Springfield Science Museum will present its annual Earth Day Festival on the Quadrangle grounds on April 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities are free with, museum admission unless noted, and take place rain or shine.
The festival schedule is as follows:
11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.: Bluegrass environmental songs by “The Boys of the Landfill” (Quadrangle Green)
Noon: Live animal program by Tom Ricardi, Massachusetts Birds of Prey Rehab Program (Tolman Auditorium, Springfield Science Museum).
Ongoing displays and exhibits, 11 a.m.to 4 p.m.:
Free tree seedlings from Springfield Forestry Division.
Great American Cleanup Display by Keep Springfield Beautifu.l
Casting Clinic by the Massachusetts Wildlife Angler Education Program.
Wastewater Treatment Model by United Water Environmental Services.
Recycling Display by Springfield Department of Public Works.
Paper Making activity by the Environmental Center for Our Schools (ECOS)
Renewable Resource Display by Center for EcoTechnology (CET)
Drinking Water Display by Springfield Water and Sewer Commission
· Bookmarks and Tree Owner’s Manual from Regreen Springfield (Environmental Services Provided by Urban Trees)
Admission to the Springfield Museums is $15, $10 for seniors and college students, $8 for children 3-17, and free for children under three and museum members. The fee provides admission to all Springfield Museums and the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden. Springfield residents are free with proof of address.
On May 3 from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the public is invited to join the Science Museum’s volunteer team to help remove trash from Springfield’s parks and public spaces at the annual Earth Day Cleanup. Cleanup volunteers will meet at Duggan Middle School, 1015 Wilbraham Road in Springfield.
Bags, buckets and gloves will be provided at check in.
Equipment sponsors this year include Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, CleanHarbors Environmental Service, Joseph Freedman, and Superior Carriers. Lunches are provided on a first come, first served basis courtesy of Baystate Health Systems and Mercy Medical Center. The event will take place rain or shine. For information or to volunteer, call (413) 263.6800, ext. 404, or email daugustino@springfieldmuseums.org. Presented in conjunction with Keep Springfield Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup.