The Museum connects two powerful movements. Eli Whitney helped launch the Industrial Revolution here which collected 19th Century workers into cities – often smokey cities. East Rock Park was established on our south boundary in 1882 at the height of the Public Park Movement, a national effort to create access to nature in those cities.
This Earth Week, we will explore the riches of East Rock Park…and make things with or out of them. Each day we will take walks to observe and learn to collect with respect. We will construct Fandexes* to help identify differences. Then choose projects to deepen understanding and to experiment. (We have backup plans to adapt to April showers.)
We will also look at the field guides of New Haven's Dr. Worthington Hooker (1806-1867) who helped inspire the Public Parks Movement.
For ages 6 (first grade) – 12 years old. Each day has an advanced level group.
Extra Notes
1. We take great care in exploring. We do not walk far from the Museum.
2. Long pants, sneakers or boots, and socks are a must.
3. Tuesday, (The Stream), bring waterproof boots.
4. After lunch each day, Lena and Luther will lead an optional walk: How to walk a Schnauzer in the Park.
*Fandex Family Field Guides is a series of flexible field guides designed and copyrighted by New Haven's Eric Epstein and produced by Workman Publishing. We make our 5 card studies with permission.
