Norway Library After School Monthly Mineral Madness

Come and enjoy fun Science books, STE(A)M activities, and be a geologist investigating cool rocks.

In collaboration with Maine Mineral and Gem Museum’s Education Outreach Coordinator Deb Johnson

Second Wednesday of each month November – April

NOVEMBER: The Big Bang Wednesday, November 13, 2024 3:30-4:30
Starting at the beginning with a read aloud about space dust and then marvel at Hubble space
telescope images that are truly out of this world! You will use your creativity and even “sparkly
dust” for a take home STEAM (A =Art) project.

DECEMBER: Crashing Plates Wednesday, December 11, 2024 3:30-4:30
Bringing things back to earth with a focus on Earth’s hot, hot, hot inner core and moving
continents. Read aloud is a “Hands On Science” Geology book to learn about the formation of
different types of rocks and finishing with a quick squishy demonstration of mountain formation.
Will there be coal in your stocking?

JANUARY: DINO Bones are Missing Wednesday January 8, 2025 3:30-4:30
In this session you will meet the woman who identified the first pterodactyl but
wait….did someone steal all of Maine’s dinosaur fossils? Make your own “fossil”
to bring home and discover Pertica, the Maine State fossil. Who is Hairy-It?!

FEBRUARY: Granite & Building Bridges Wednesday February 12, 2025 3:30-4:30
Can you identify granite? Learn about why famous Maine Quarries are now swimming holes
and discover who is buried in Grant’s tomb. Your engineering skills will be challenged with some
sweet building blocks that may (or may not) form an arch.

MARCH: Shimmer and Shine Wednesday March 12, 2025 3:30-4:30
We will read about a young “rockhound” discovering amazing crystals that can be found in your
own backyard. What is the Maine State gem? Let’s examine some of Maine’s precious stones
and we will experiment with making crystals to take home.

APRIL: Make a Wish Wednesday April 9, 2025 3:30-4:30
The Lyrids Meteor Shower will be here soon. Look towards the night sky and learn the
difference between a meteor and a meteorite. There will be cool facts, word puzzles, and videos
of fireballs over Western Maine. Today you can even hold a real piece of space.