Clifford the Big Red Dog to launch Sci-Quest’s ‘Sprouting Scientists’

(CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – A new program at Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center will guide youngsters to become “Sprouting Scientists.”

The Sprouting Scientists weekly program will help toddlers and preschoolers discover their surroundings, marketing manager Jennifer Deermer said.

For each session, an experienced preschool educator will present a hands-on activity, story and music focused around a selected scientific theme. Children will learn science concepts and ideas and receive take-home sheets full of information and tips to encourage at-home learning.

Weather is one theme. “Children will identify weather changes using their own powers of observation and learn about the sun, rain and snow,” Deermer said.

Sprouting Scientists will meet on Tuesdays through May 20, 2014. Toddlers who are two and three years old can attend with an adult caregiver. Preschoolers who are four or five years old also are eligible. Pre-registration is required.

“We have worked really hard to create a program that fosters a foundation in science for toddlers when they’re just starting to understand the world around them,” Sci-Quest Director of Education Angela Giles said.

Cost for each class is $7 for toddlers and $8 for preschoolers.

To launch the Sprouting Scientists series, storybook character Clifford the Big Red Dog will visit Sci-Quest for a pancake breakfast on Sept. 28 starting at 8 a.m.

After breakfast, families can meet Clifford, who will participate in fun, family-friendly activities and photographs. Personnel from Madison Public Library will lead a story time. Children can engage in games and crafts based on Clifford’s books.

Special guests will include North Alabama Spay Neuter Clinic, Greater Huntsville Humane Society, North Alabama Search Dog Association and Therapy Partners Inc.

Cost is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Breakfast hours are 8 to 9:30 a.m. with activities lasting until 11 a.m.

To register for Sprouting Scientists or Clifford’s breakfast, call 256-837-0606 or visit sci-quest.org.