07/30/12 mcw

HAYS, Kan. -- Aug. 5 marks the final day for the public to view GIANTS: African Dinosaurs at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. However, August is also scattered with new interactive learning opportunities for children.

A nature caching event is set to take place Thursday, Aug. 9, from 9:30-11a.m. This event will be much like geocaching, but with natural elements. Nature caching is open to children ages 5-12, and children under 8 must be accompanied by adults. Registration is preferred and the cost is $8 for members, $10 for non-members.

Saturday, Aug. 11, is reserved for Junior Naturalists. From 9:30-11 a.m., participants can learn about all fields of science from experts. The single event is $12 for members, $15 for non-members. Those who wish to partake in the entire series and earn badges each month can do so at $100 for members, $125 for non-members. This event has a maximum capacity of 25 participants, and is for ages 8-15. Registration is preferred.

Monarch Mania will take place on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 9:30-11 a.m. Participants will get to build their own Monarch box, witness their caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly, and record its changes in their journals. Other activities will include identifying the stages of Monarchs, their habitat, and research. The event is open to children 5-12 and children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling. Registration is preferred for the event and the cost is $15 for members, $20 for non-members. A maximum of 25 participants is allowed.

Finally, an exhibit featuring live species from each of the 22 rattlesnakes from the United States is set to arrive in late September.

-- end --