Beautiful! Powerful! Dangerous! Cold!
Ice has an amazing story to tell, and The West Woods Nature Center will be just the place to hear it during Geauga Park District’s Ice Science Drop-In on Thursday, January 3rd from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Kids (and their adults) are all welcome anytime between those hours to enjoy hands-on exploration of ice during this winter-break program.
“Let’s face it,” said Naturalist Chris Mentrek, program co-host, “water has some properties that are downright goofy: it’s one of the few substances that expands when it freezes! That quirk is the whole reason why fish, tadpoles, turtles and other swimming creatures can survive the winter. It also gives ice the power to break apart rocks, pavement, and almost anything that gets in its way.”
Drop-in activities will explore the power and potential of ice. Indoors, guests will investigate how adding salt can make ice colder with the help of an old-fashioned ice cream maker, take a close-up look at crystals and how they form, and have fun with some very cold “dry ice.”
We’ll also discuss the history of ice harvesting here in Geauga County. For folks without electric refrigerators, ice was the only way to keep things cold. Did you know that ice cut from ponds was one of Geauga County’s biggest harvests in years past?
If weather conditions are right, Naturalist Chris said they will also host some ice investigation outdoors. “We might get a chance to see some snowflakes ‘in the wild,’” he said. “Plus, if it’s cold enough, we’ll check on the pools along the Discovery Trail to see how wildlife is able to survive in water that’s frozen solid.”
Registration is not required to attend this activity. The West Woods Nature Center is located at 9465 Kinsman Road (Route 87) in Russell Township and is fully wheelchair/stroller accessible.
For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online via Geauga Park District, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
