Science & Nature Projects
Learn about science with fun experiments and activities to do at home! Ages are suggested for all projects, however, they are designed to be open ended and adaptable to all audiences. Please check our calendar for upcoming live Zoom science labs.
Be an Origami Naturalist: American “Glassy” Eel — September 21, 2020
Eels go through big changes in their appearance between hatching from eggs in the open ocean, swimming to the Hudson where they live for most of their lives, and traveling back into the ocean to spawn. Use the art of origami to recreate an American eel that is in the “glassy” part of its life cycle. #OrigamiNaturalist #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Be an Origami Naturalist: Gray Squirrel — July 21, 2020
Although many of us think of gray squirrels as indomitable pests, their population was once decimated by hunting, loss of food sources (like the chestnut blight in the early twentieth century), and pollution. Use the art of origami to recreate this Hudson Valley local. #OrigamiNaturalist #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Be an Origami Naturalist: Mourning Dove — July 7, 2020
Did you know there are about as many mourning doves in North America as there are citizens of the United States—more than 330 million? Use the art of origami to recreate this Hudson Valley local. #OrigamiNaturalist #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Be an Origami Naturalist: Green Frog — June 24, 2020
The green frog is a common, long-legged, highly aquatic frog that is found in ponds, marshes, lake fringes, and sometimes along stream sides. Use the art of origami to recreate this Hudson Valley native. #OrigamiNaturalist #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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The Space Shape Scavenger Hunt — June 12, 2020
Contrary to what you may expect, not all celestial objects are simple spheres or disks. In this activity, learn about a group of asteroids, comets, and stars, and search for objects in and around your home that most resemble them. #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Parker Solar Probe Paper Model — June 1, 2020
Build a model of the Parker Solar Probe, now orbiting and studying the Sun, and learn about the mind-boggling engineering behind the spacecraft. #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Backyard Composting is Easy! — May 18, 2020
Watch Elisa Zazzera as she demonstrates the techniques you’ll need to start composting at home. Zazzera is a Westchester County Master Composter and Recycler, member of the US Composting Council, and Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct board member who has been actively involved in local and county-wide solid waste initiatives for close to 15 years. Zazzera has helped dozens of families start and improve their backyard compost systems, as well as helped to institute the Food Scrap Recycling Program in Hastings-on-Hudson.
Kitchen Universe — May 11, 2020
Bring astronomy into the kitchen! Here are some observations you can make and projects to try next time you are cooking a meal or making a snack. Designed for all ages (with adult supervision). #KitchenUniverse #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Create Your Own Planet — April 29, 2020
Designed for ages 5–11. Duration: 30 minutes. This activity is part of the Daily Planet Teaching Resource. #DailyPlanet #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Exploring Gravity — April 29, 2020
Designed for ages 5–11. Duration: 20–30 minutes. This activity is part of the Daily Planet Teaching Resource. #DailyPlanet #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Reading & Making Myths — April 27, 2020
Designed for ages 7–12. Duration: 20–30 minutes. This activity is part of the Sky Legends Teaching Resource. #SkyLegends #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Design Your Own Constellation — April 27, 2020
Designed for ages 7–12. Duration: 20–30 minutes. This activity is part of the Sky Legends Teaching Resource. #SkyLegends #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Micro-Explorations — April 27, 2020
You don’t need a microscope at home to explore the world of the very small. A magnifying glass, a pair of reading glasses, binoculars (yes, binoculars!), or even a drop of water can help you discover the micro-realm. Spring brings us lots of living things to examine for this activity. What can you find? Designed for ages 5–13. Duration: 30–45 minutes. #MicroExplorations #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Springtime Along the Hudson River with Bob Walters — April 22, 2020
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, take a virtual stroll with Bob Walters, former Director of Groundwork Hudson Valley’s Science Barge in Yonkers, along the banks of the Hudson River in springtime. In this video, Bob discusses the history and traditions of the indigenous Lenape people; folk singer and activist Pete Seeger’s many contributions to environmental awareness; ways that people can contribute and clean up the environment; and what to plant to help our pollinators, the bees and Monarch butterflies, survive and thrive.
Data Detectives — April 20, 2020
Analyze a collection of any household object, and become a naturalist in your own home! Designed for ages 4–11. Duration: 20 minutes. This activity is part of the Naturalist’s Journey Teaching Resource. #NaturalistsJourney #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Guess My Object! — April 20, 2020
A naturalist collects observations and then shares that information with people who may be unfamiliar with the place they have explored. After observing an object of your choice, challenge someone to guess what it is using 20 yes-or-no questions. Designed for ages 4–11. Duration: 20 minutes. This activity is part of the Naturalist’s Journey Teaching Resource. #NaturalistsJourney #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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Create a Naturalist’s Journal — April 20, 2020
Naturalists record their work using journals that they carry around with them as they explore different habitats. Make your own naturalist’s journal and keep it as a record of your experience as you explore your home! Designed for ages 4–11. Duration: 20 minutes. This activity is part of the Naturalist’s Journey Teaching Resource. #NaturalistsJourney #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum.
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The Best Nest — April 15, 2020
What materials do birds and squirrels use to build their homes? Challenge yourself and build a bird or squirrel nest by following our illustrated step-by-step instructions. Don’t forget to share a photo of your masterpiece with us! Designed for ages 8+. Duration: 45+ minutes. #TheBestNest #MuseumFromHome #HudsonRiverMuseum
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