Springfield-Greene County Library District Hosts HTE Exhibit

July 10, 2013

The Springfield-Greene County Library District hosted the Here, There, and Everywhere (HTE) exhibit during the month of June 2013 at our Library Center. The panels were set up in the concourse, and main entrance of the library, and were viewed by more than 47,000 visitors.

To promote the exhibit, the Library Center hosted multiple activities and a series of programs that would appeal to all different age groups.

The first program in the series was "Ted Keller presents Weather around the World." Ted Keller, a popular local meteorologist, explained how weather patterns in the Ozarks affect weather around the world and how world weather patterns effect the Ozarks.

During the "Seeing Stars: Here, There, and Everywhere" program, children from grades K-5 explored the solar system and the night sky inside the StarLab. While waiting for their mission to begin, the children took part in a variety of crafts, experiments, and activities. This program was in conjunction with our district's Summer Reading Program and was attended by 290 parents and children.

"Environment: Earth" program taught teens and tweens how to make mini terrariums and moss graffiti.

"Here, There, and Everywhere: Earth and Sky" program was held at the Missouri Institute of Natural Science in Springfield. This offsite program allowed families an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that included a hands-on archaeological dig and hands-on experiments with sun and shadows. Participants also viewed artifacts from the Riverbluff Cave. After dark, families explored the night sky through telescopes provided by members of the Springfield Astronomical Society.

"Astronomy and Art with Sharon Jeffus," author of Teaching Astronomy through Art, taught children about exploring the universe as she helped them create their own outer space art projects.

"Our Sun and Shadows" program was hosted by Matt Kantola, a certified park and recreation professional from Grand Gulf State Park. Library patrons were able to look at the sun through a telescopes equipped with solar filters while Matt talked about that amazing ball of energy—the sun!

"Science Nerd Night: Experimental Fun for the Whole Family" was a huge success thanks to our partners 3M, Springfield Public Works, and Missouri State University's College of Natural and Applied Science. Everyone enjoyed learning about the laws of physics that connect us to the world and the universe. Hands-on experiments and activities included those provided through the HTE exhibit, the physics of flight, kinetic energy, how adhesives and polymers work in our everyday lives, a working stoplight and much more.

-- Gay Wilson, MA
Planning and Development Librarian