The New York State Museum will “Celebrate Public Health” with a series of interactive programs designed to educate, entertain and engage students during school break week December 27-30.
Participants will have the opportunity to sketch, paint, play interactive videos, watch a skit, learn exercises, do arts and crafts projects and much more. Presenters will include Drama Kids International, the University at Albany’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, the Environmental Clearinghouse, the Capital District YMCA, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, WMHT, the New York State Office of Mental Health, Best Buy and Museum staff.
All activities are free and will be held Monday through Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. (unless otherwise indicated). Throughout the week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Museum visitors can drop off food or used coats in receptacles in the Museum lobby to help those in need. The Museum has partnered with Food Pantries for the Capital District to collect canned, boxed and jarred food, as well as paper and toiletry products. Clean, gently used coats and jackets will be donated to the Capital City Rescue Mission.
Also, Monday through Thursday, visitors can join staff from Best Buy in the Huxley Theater to get their recommended amount of physical activity by playing interactive video games on a giant screen.
“Be Aware – Take Care” is the theme of Monday’s program. Drama Kids International will present a short skit at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. in Adirondack Hall to educate young people about the importance of eating right and being active. Drama Kids International is an after-school drama program that works to develop speaking skills and confidence in children, ages 3-13. Also on Monday visitors can build a model of a neural network in Adirondack Hall and make a poster about a public health issue in Bird Hall.
On Tuesday “Cellular Celebration” is the theme. In Bird Hall the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) will use a life-sized human torso and medical equipment to demonstrate current and future applications of nanotechnology in medical practice. Visitors to Adirondack Hall can also design a painting using the magnified images of common germs and make a bracelet and match the beads to the DNA code from the human heart gene.
Wednesday’s programs focus on “Healthy Environment, Healthy Kids.” In Adirondack Hall arts and crafts projects and puzzles will be used to provide tips on eating fish from the Hudson River. Visitors to Bird Hall can view bedbugs and ticks under a microscope and learn how to protect themselves from these tiny parasites. They also will be taught how to identify, avoid and treat poison ivy in Bird Hall.
“Eat Smart, Play Smart, Strong Heart” is the theme inspiring Thursday’s programs. In Adirondack Hall, visitors can try “indoor snowshoeing,” learn exercises to keep them strong and create a self-portrait. They also can do hands-on activities and view clips from Sesame Street about nutrition in the Sesame Street exhibit.
Further information on these events is available at http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/calendar/
Established in 1836, the State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located at the Empire State Plaza on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is free and the Museum is fully accessible. Further
Image: The New York State Museum
information about Museum programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov