Reading with Mary Opperman, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

"Nuclear Physics for Babies," by Chris Ferrie and Cara Florance

Reading with Ray Jayawardhana, Harold Tanner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

"Child of the Universe," by Ray Jayawardhana and illustrated by Raul Colon

• More details about the book

Molly & Teddy Interview Lorin Warnick, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine

Enjoy a hilarious chat between Dean Warnick and his grandchildren.

Bears, Brains, and Chicken Nuggets: Cornell History and Trivia

Did you know a Cornellian invented chicken nuggets? Or that Cornell has a collection of brains on campus? Who is Touchdown the Bear? Learn about interesting, amazing, and weird bits of Cornell history and trivia, from the Clocktower pumpkin prank to the pair of old socks that Cornell sent into outer space!

Naturalist Outreach Videos

Unlock the secrets of nature with these short videos that illuminate powerful concepts about nature and biological diversity.  We hope these videos help inspire the next generation of scientists and passion for the environment. See http://blogs.cornell.edu/naturalistoutreach/ and NYS 4H Stem pages for more guides and worksheets on these topics.  A co-production of Dr. Linda Rayor, NYS-4H, and the Ithaca College Park Media Lab.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Finding ways to engage your child during school closures and while you work from home can be challenging. The Lab of Ornithology’s K-12 Education team is here to help! Use our weekly hands-on activities and quests to explore nature and science.  A combination of indoor and outdoor activities will ease cabin fever. While being in nature has been shown to decrease stress and boost creativity, use your best judgment and follow local recommendations for being outside. Join our special mailing list to receive these activities in your inbox every Friday and check out our Facebook Group, Science and Nature Ideas for Cooped Up Kids, to find more ideas.

Contributed by Chelsea Benson from the Lab of Ornithology.

What's that bird?

Download Merlin, a free app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that makes it easy to identify birds in our area and aroud the world. 

National Junior Master Gardeners 

The Junior Master Gardener program is an international youth gardening program of the university cooperative Extension network. JMG engages elementary aged children in novel, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind.

• Sessions start April 2nd and will continue every Tuesday & Thursday 2:00pm (EST) and last approx. 20 minutes
• Garden activities will be led by National JMG staff
• Your kids can earn a Junior Master Gardener “Golden Ray Series” Certification in Plant Growth & Development
• And, it’s FREE to JOIN US, HAVE FUN, LEARN and EARN certification!

Contributed by Lisa Whittlesey from Cornell Cooperative Connection.

Cornell Big Red Activity Book

The Cornell University Department of Athletics and Physical Education has put together an Activity Book for children that is free to download. Featuring a maze, coloring, word search and a sport match page, it's free fun for your kiddos (or kiddos at heart).

Yoga with KIDZ

Join Keri Johnson from Cornell Wellness for some fun and easy yoga to help you feel good!

Learn To Juggle!

Frank Towner from the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins county is teaching juggling. Here is the first of his Facebook videos: https://www.facebook.com/YIthaca/videos/211772306737218/.

The Johnson Museum of Art

The Johnson Museum of Art is offering several Zoom classes for children age 5 and up. To learn more about this and other offerings or to register for a class visit http://museum.cornell.edu/learn-at-home.

Meet sea monsters, seven-headed snakes, and shape-shifting dragons. Keep paper and pencil handy—this 30-minute session, appropriate for ages 5 and up, includes a dragon-making activity!

Send A Smile!

Help keep isolated residents psychologically and emotionally engaged with their community. Connect with residents through video/phone calls, video clips, or sending letters/artwork (through email or mail). Email SendASmileTompkins@gmail.com or fill out this form to learn more.

Paleontological Research Institution (aka Museum of the Earth and Cayuga Nature Center)

There is a rapidly growing number of resources for children, parents, and teachers on the Paleontological Research Institution’s (aka Museum of the Earth and Cayuga Nature Center) website.

Follow the link on their home page to the Learn at Home offerings which include great resources for earth, life, and climate science education. This includes their amazing Digital Encyclopedia of Ancient Life; 3D fossil images that you can examine closely and rotate fully; teacher friendly guides to earth and climate sciences; nature guides; and YouTube videos. Many of the books in the teacher friendly guide series are available as free downloads, and books for all ages are available from their Publications department.

City Gardeners Tree Walks/Tours

Ithaca is fortunate to have an exceptional Urban Forest. Ithaca knows trees are a vital piece of city infrastructure just like storm sewers, roads and street lights, which we couldn't live without. We invite you to explore our diverse street tree populations and get to know the trees in your very own neighborhood. There are tours for Fall Creek, Southside, Stewart Park,  DPW, and Cemetery.