Just For Kids: Science Week Returns To Porter Library

Westlake Porter Public Library’s third annual Science Week will take place Aug. 4 – Aug. 10. Sponsored by the Friends of Porter Public Library, Science Week is intended to emphasize the importance of science and technology in today’s economy while encouraging people of all ages to expand their knowledge of scientific concepts and ideas. Programs planned cover some of the S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) objectives included in the Westlake City Schools’ curriculum.

Several different studies have shown that student’ skills and knowledge deteriorate during the summer break from school, particularly in math. Some of those studies also suggest that summer learning opportunities can help stem that loss. Science Week is full of such opportunities.

Here are the programs the library has scheduled:

Monday, Aug. 5 and Wednesday, Aug. 7 (2 -  4 p.m.) Who's Living in my Backyard—Join us for experiments, games, crafts, songs and stories to discover the diversity of life in your own backyard. This two-session series is designed to increase scientific literacy. Grades 2 and 3. Please register for both sessions starting July 29.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 (2 - 2:45 p.m.) The Wonderful World of Bubbles—Join The Bubble Lady for an afternoon of science fun as we explore The Wonderful World of Bubbles. Free tickets available in the Youth Services Department starting July 30.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 (4 - 5 p.m.) Cosmetic Science—Have you ever wondered what goes into the making of lip stick, eye shadow, and mascara? Join Barb Cashmere, former chemist at Bonne Bell, as she tells all about the science that goes into making some of your favorite make-up products. You'll even do some mixing yourself and go home with your own homemade cosmetic. Grades 6-12. Please register starting July 30.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 (7 - 8 p.m.) It's a Robot Storytime. —All systems are GO. Clink, beep or creak on over to her out of this world stories about robots, sing songs, play games and make a stellar craft. Ages 4-7. Registration begins on July 30.

Wednesday, Aug. 7 (2 - 4 p.m.) Solar Cooking—We'll take recycled materials and turn them into an oven that cooks using just the power of the sun. You'll even get to make some delicious treats to eat in your very own solar oven. Grades 5-8. Registration begins on July 31.

Thursday, Aug. 8 (10 a.m. - noon) Daytime Astronomy—Visitors will have the opportunity to view the sun – Earth’s nearest star – through solar-safe telescopes. The moon may also be visible for viewing later in the morning. Please note that this program is dependent on the weather. Look for the telescopes near the library parking lot.

Thursday, Aug. 8 (10 a.m-3 p.m.) Experiment Station—Science Week continues with drop-in experiment stations in the Craft Room. Experiment day will end with our second annual egg drop at 3 p.m.. Supplies to participate in the egg drop will be available starting at 2 p.m. All ages welcome. 

Friday, Aug. 9 (7-7:45 p.m.) Thomas Alva Edison—The famous inventor will come alive in the library to talk about his early life and his inventions, like the light bulb, in this interactive program. All ages. No registration.

To register for any of these programs or check for updated program information, call 440-871-2600 or visit http://signup.westlakelibrary.org:8080.