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Science Fun at the Library

by Shanine Sealey
Martensville Library

The Martensville Library hosted the Saskatchewan Science Centre Go Science program on August 10th. This educational opportunity brought Kelsey Paton and Vivian Heinrichs, University students hired by the Saskatchewan Science Centre in to teach children from Kindergarten to Grade 6 how fun science can be. This is the second time that the Martensville Library has had the free to attend program come to the community. This year, the program was titled ‘Geeking Out’, which was in relation to the TD Summer Reading Club theme.

“The kids had three hours to learn about different science related topics and had the opportunity to do some hands on building and experimenting as part of the program,” Librarian Marla Skomar commented. A total of 36 children attended and had the chance to construct their own ‘robots’ out of materials that can be found in most households including; a plastic cup, felt markers, a battery, insulated wire and tape. The robots had legs made out of the markers, and using electrical currents, the kids made their robots move and draw pictures on paper.

Kids also had the chance to learn about buildings and worked together to create structures. The stability of their structures was tested by shooting a Nerf gun at them and by using a leaf blower to see how well they were built. “The kids had a wonderful time and it was a great learning opportunity for them. The Martensville Library was able to provide this program to the community through funding assistance from the Saskatchewan Community Lottery Grant,” Skomar added.

This particular program was just one of the many summer activities offered at the local library. The popular TD Summer Reading Club currently has over 500 children registered and families and children are invited to come to the library at any time to make a weekly craft, play I-Spy, grab a board game or Lego and play at the tables, vote in the weekly ‘Would You Rather’ poll and enter prize draws for tracking their summer reading minutes. Additionally, there is a summer Lego Club that takes place Tuesday mornings from 10:30am-11:30am and Summer Story Time on Wednesday Mornings at 10:15am.

The Martensville Library will also be bringing Code Mobile to the city on August 16th from 10:00am-11:30am to demonstrate some programmable robots and Makey Makey, a tool that uses electrical circuits to turn everyday items into part of the keyboard. On August 22nd, Code Mobile will return from 1:30pm-3:30pm for a Scratch Beginner Coding Workshop for ages 10+. Skomar notes that this is a registered program, so invites those interested to call the Library for more details and to register.

There is always plenty of opportunity at the library for all ages. Currently, they are accepting registrations for all Fall Programs. A list of programs can be found in the City of Martensville Fall Program Guide, or by visiting the Library.

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