Family Science Outside: Maple Sugaring!

Family Science Outside: Maple Sugaring brings at-home learners and their grown-ups into the living lab of the great outdoors to explore the science and math behind making maple syrup! This choose-your-own adventure style experience is a perfect escape from screens, but also a real-world supplement to school studies (aligned with many area school curricula, and state and national standards).

This experience includes:

• Virtual introduction from Jennings staff, including guidance on using exploration tools
• An investigation guide to complete together as a family, containing activities for exploring maple math and sugaring science
• A loaner kit to aid in your family’s exploration of maple trees and more, including items like measuring tools, tree ID guides, and more!
• Resources for continuing the explorations and learning at home

When? February 23-25 or 28. Families/cooperative groups/”pods” can register for their own time slot on one of the available dates. Time slots are available for one family/cooperative group/”pod” at a time (max 12 people/group) on Tuesday, Feb 23 through Thursday, Feb 25 at 9, 10, 11, or 1 each day, and on Sunday, February 28 every half hour from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Who? Especially meant for families with children in grades 2-6, but siblings welcome. 

How? Registration is required by clicking the register button or by calling 724-794-6011. When registering, register one responsible adult, and provide names for all other participants and include ages for children in the “Additional Info We Should Know” section. We’ll email a link to the virtual introduction and an electronic copy of the guide at least a day in advance of your scheduled time. Upon arrival, you’ll check out the loaner kit and receive the printed guide (if desired), then complete the activities together in designated areas of the park. A valid Driver’s License required for kit loan.

The following COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place

• All introductions are virtual, and pick up and return of equipment is no-contact, outdoors
• All materials will be thoroughly sanitized
• All should practice thorough and frequent hand washing and sanitizing
• We ask participants to stay home if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, or have been in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed or is experiencing symptoms.
• Anyone entering the building (not required) for any purpose must wear a mask.
• Participants must meet the requirements of the current Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Dept. of Health for Mitigation Relating to Travel. (https://www.governor.pa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20201117-SOH-Travel-Mitigation-Order.pdf)
• Waiver and contact info required for participants
• Investigation guides are available to print at home

NOTE: All programs are subject to change