The Prowler
It won't be spring for another month and a half, but that hasn't stopped this intrepid cat from prowling around outside when the weather's not too cold or wet. Likewise, the nonprofit Youth Science Institute has a full calendar of after-school science classes at its nature center inside Vasona Lake County Park. The classes are so much fun, the Prowler hears, that kids don't even realize they're learning something!
Coming up Feb. 11-14 is Body Armor, followed by Fun With Fossils Feb. 19-22 and The Sound of Nature Feb. 25-28. The first series covers the uses of feathers, fur and scales and lets kids see and touch how various animals protect themselves. The second series is self-explanatory, although the Prowler should add that it includes a fossil-making project. Finally, the classes on nature's noise answer questions like "How does a cricket chirp" or "Why does a frog croak?" Dates vary by age group. Cost is $16 per child. For reservations or information about other classes, call 408.356.4945, ext. 10.
Children who enjoy science and nature should also check out Hummingbird Happenings, a short workshop being held Feb. 22 at the Wild Bird Center of Los Gatos, at 792 Blossom Hill Road in the King's Court Shopping Center. Ages 3 to 5 meet from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; children 6 and up meet from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Budding birders will play a guessing game, do a hummingbird hover challenge, learn how the tiny birds build their tiny nests and paint a hummer to take home. Cost is $7 per child. To reserve a spot, call 408.358.WILD.
Incidentally, this reminds the Prowler of a corny joke, that asks "Why do hummingbirds hum?" The answer: "Because they forgot the words!"
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
