This October we are celebrating so many things: fall, Halloween, and CHOM! I'm excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with some wonderful ladies who are on the Children's Hands On Museum staff to share about the wonderful things they offer your family, not just in October; but all year round. Maryclare Parker will start our CHOMtober series. Here is what she had to say about the Public Programs and Saturday Events.
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"To kick off our October Holiday events we have Fallin’ for You on October 2 nd and we will be doing fall craft kits and Fall STEAM ahead with the Society of Women Engineers from the University of Alabama! On Saturday, October 9 th we have Creepy Crawlies where you will be able to build your own microscope provided by the University of Alabama. After you finish building your microscope, you can look at CHOM’s
collection of insects and make your way through our Spider Web Maze! The third Saturday of October is Mad Scientist, so be sure to come down to CHOM so you can try hands on experiments featuring Kitchen Science with the UA Chemical Engineering Dept! Try your hands at invisible ink and hydroponic sand! On October 23 rd , participate in our Spooky Scavenger Hunt throughout the museum and win spooky prizes!
On Thursday, October 28 th , CHOM presents Trick or Treat in the Museum: A Spooktacular Event! Three levels of carnival games throughout the museum! $15.00 per child with parents free and all activities included in admission. Check out our website for more information! To wrap up our fun filled October we have Color Me Spooky on October 30 th ! Create your own Halloween tessellation, get hands on with skull-ptures and much more!"
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Here is more about Maryclare,
"Hi friends! My name is Maryclare Parker and I work at the Children’s Hands on Museum in Tuscaloosa and I head up our Public Programs, Pre-K fieldtrips and exhibit play at CHOM! I live in Birmingham with my wife, our two dogs and two cats! I began working at CHOM in the Fall of 2017, took a brief hiatus and returned in January 2021 and am so happy to be back!
When I was younger, I always wanted to be a cowboy… honestly still do! Although being a cowboy doesn’t directly relate to my experience at CHOM, I feel that my love for educating kids and implementing a fun, safe, learning environment relates back to my experiences growing up... even the cowboy ones!
CHOM has enhanced my life because I am able to have a positive impact on children’s lives through learning and education which enriches my life on a personal level. My favorite exhibit at CHOM is the Art Studio. Growing up one of my favorite things was a Lite-Brite and CHOM’s very own Pixel Peg takes me right back to my childhood days. Of all the experiences CHOM offers, I would have to say my favorite thing we offer is the CHOM on Wheels Programs for Pre-K. Granted I am a little biased because I do all the Pre-K field-trips, but for me nothing beats a curious and eager five-year-old.
Some advice I would give to students looking to make a difference in our community, would be to reach out to your local organizations especially those that help at risk communities and marginalized groups and ask what they need. Volunteering your time can be priceless as most places are understaffed and need help in that way. Another major thing that helps communities is shopping local because they also give back to the community in big ways."
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To learn more about CHOM and the wonderful events they offer, you can check out their website at https://www.chomonline.org/
Stay updated with events like these and more in Tuscaloosa, Northport, and surrounding areas in Alabama go to our events page by CLICKING HERE.
