WAIMEA — Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library of the Hawaii State Public Library System is one of only 75 public libraries in the nation — and the only library in the state of Hawaii — selected as a partner in the NASA@ My Library program.
It acts as an initiative to enhance STEM learning opportunities for public audiences nationwide with the excitement of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) exploration and discovery. Thelma Parker Library will offer a series of free science programs for students and families in December and January.
The first event will be “Jump to Jupiter” from 10:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 16. Children and their families will tackle the high-energy task of jumping from “planet” to “planet.” As the immense scale of the solar system is revealed, participants of all ages will experience unforgettable “aha” moments while learning about the solar system.
“Playing with Shadows” will be the next event, held at the library at 10 a.m. December 21. Preschool children will explore shadows and learn how an object’s shadow changes size and shape as it moves closer to and from a light source, how objects have shadows that change in direction, size and shape, and how the sun changes position in the sky.
On Jan. 18 at 10 a.m., “Windstreamer” will allow preschool children to create a weather tool and learn how the weather on Earth is always changing. They will also learn how scientists and children can watch and use tools to observe different types of weather, wind direction, wind speed, temperature and precipitation.
“We’re so excited that Thelma Parker Public Library has been chosen for this fantastic opportunity. NASA’s rich knowledge of exploration and discovery programs will provide Hawaii keiki with a great learning experience,” said State Librarian Stacey Aldrich.
The program is made possible by the National Center for Interactive Learning at the Space Science Institute (SSI) in partnership with the American Library Association Public Programs Office, the Pacific Science Center, Cornerstones of Science and the Education Development Center, and the support of the NASA’s Science Mission Directorate via a cooperative agreement between NASA and SSI.
Info: Call Thelma Parker Memorial Public Library at 887-6067