STEM preschool series begins

Preschoolers, being naturally inquisitive, seem predisposed to science exploration. To help them explore their interest, the Washington County Conservation Board will be offering a series of STEM programs geared toward preschoolers and an adult friend or relative. The first one in the STEM Wonders series, Exploring Science, will be offered on Saturday, Jan. 17, beginning at 10 a.m. at Marr Park?s Conservation Education Center.

During this hour-and-a-half program, participants will have some fun discovering what science is, what a scientist does, and trying some experiments themselves. If weather permits, everyone will head outside for some more fun and a short hike.

STEM Wonders sessions are expanded versions of Pint-Sized Science, and are funded by the Governor?s STEM Advisory Council. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and focuses on increasing interest as well as expertise in these fields. The Conservation Board will be offering four STEM Wonders sessions. The remaining sessions are: Feb. 21 ? Let?s Move; March 21 ? Wild Weather; and April 18 ? Insects Around Us. Preschoolers may attend as many sessions as they wish and are able.

All children, ages 3 through 5, must be accompanied by an adult.

The Conservation Education Center is located at the south end of Marr Park, one mile west of Ainsworth and six miles east of Washington on Highway 92.

For questions about this program, contact Naturalist Pam Holz at the Washington County Conservation Board office, (319) 657-2400 or e-mailwccbnaturalist@iowatelecom.net.