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Hello Michele -

If you're looking for basic structure and ideas, there are a number of good resources for helping you put together your own programming, based on your demographic's needs.  Some of my favorites are:

1. There are a number of great ideas from the Science Club for Girls organization ( http://scienceclubforgirls.org/ ) which may have one of the best "structures" for an after school program.  I could put you in touch with several educators from that org that I've worked with over the years – I'm sure they would be happy to help.

2. Getting kids involved in citizen science can be a great way to not only introduce the process of science, but also get them involved in their own neighborhood/local environment.  One of the best repositories of citizen science projects is SciStarter.com<http://SciStarter.com>; I like them as they do have a huge selection, you can search with specific terms, and the programs are often rated.  The Cornell Lab of Ornithology also has some great resources in this category:  http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Page.aspx?pid=1478

3. 4-H has a Science Toolkit program, here at Cornell (http://nys4h.cce.cornell.edu/about%20us/Pages/SETToolkit.aspx) , and I quote, "a collection of science activities - perfect for youth grades 3-6, and beyond for some. The activities have been developed for afterschool, in-school, clubs and youth groups, camps and others wishing to explore science. Lessons are written to be "grab and go" for any leader or teacher. Most can be taught with items found around the home and will take 45-90 minutes to complete."

There are a ton of other resources – I'm sure others will pipe in with their favorites.  Good Luck!

Carlyn S. Buckler, Ph.D.
Senior Education Associate
Paleontological Research Institution
and its Museum of the Earth
1259 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Ph: (607) 273-6623 ext. 25
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
www.MuseumoftheEarth.org<http://www.museumoftheearth.org/>




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