The Collins Learning Center at Crossroads will be closed on December 24th and 25th, enabling our staff to spend time with their families. Families will be our focus for the rest of the holiday week. We invite learners of all generations to bond during our science-related activities, all of which relate to water and the remarkable ways hydrogen and oxygen form bonds.
While it is not entirely inconceivable that life could exist in another liquid, it is really hard to imagine life as we know it without liquid water. Fortunately, on Earth, water can and does exist in all three states of matter: liquid, solid, and gas. But in each of these forms, water molecules simply do not behave like other substances.
On Friday, December 27, at 2:00 p.m., the family program will be" “Because Ice Float." As that title reveals, one (of many) peculiar characteristics of water is that it is lighter as a solid than a liquid. Activities will include a short video on hydrogen bonds and demonstrations on states of matter. (Yes, there will be a dry ice demo!) Then, participants will experiment with floating ice in the lab and, if the weather cooperates, in Big Creek. The group will discuss why floating ice makes aquatic life possible in this climate.
Starting at 2:00 p.m.December 28, Science Saturday will explore" “The Science of Snowflakes” so families can learn why snowflakes almost always are hexagonal. And, of course, it’s due to the way the hydrogen atoms bond. These bonds mean that every snowflake at least starts having six sides. As snowflakes grow, the crystals, often extraordinarily intricate, will always be unique and have six points. That is unless (and this usually happens) the snowflakes clump together or get broken during their turbulent fall to the ground. Videos and (edible) demonstrations will help families understand the wonder of snow.
Our Monday program will feature Subnivean Creature and focus on the wildlife beneath the snow at Crossroads in the winter.
And speaking of snow, once we have enough snow to create a good base, Crossroads will begin grooming selected trails and lending skis, boots, poles, snowshoes, and kicksleds to Door County residents and visitors, free of charge.
And oh, even though the Learning Center will be closed on New’s Eve, it is our tradition to hike to The Cove Estuary (which may or may not have ice floating on it) to see the final sunset of the year (which may or may not be visible depending on the density of water molecules forming bonds in the sky." "Wiper rules app"y" (if you need to use your wipers to drive safely, the hike is canceled.) And we will be back in time for participants to go on to other celebrations.
Water is peculiar and precious. May your New Year be filled with joy and clean water—preferably arriving during the desirable season in a desirable state of matter… with adequate amounts needed to grow crops and support nature, but not so extreme or sudden that it causes flooding.
Watch the ticker at the top of the Crossroads websites to learn if weather conditions are adequate for scheduled events, Ski-For-Free, and trail use.
December 24,25: The Collins Learning Center is closed. Trails are open.
Friday, December 27
2:00 Family Program " "Why Ice Floats"
Learners of all generations will learn about water in its three states of matter. Through videos, demonstrations (yes, we will have dry ice), and observation, participants will know why it is essential to aquatic wildlife, lake levels, and the climate in which ice floats. Free and open to all ages. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041, Michigan
Saturday, December 29
2:00 Science Saturday" "The Science of Snowflakes."
Learners of all generations are welcome to learn about the hexagonal-shaped water crystals we call snowflakes. Videos and edible demonstrations (please call ahead if participants have dietary issues) will be shared, and the wonder of snowflakes will be discussed. The event is free and open to all ages. Meet at the Collins Learning Center.
Monday, December 30
2:00 Family Program: Subnivean Creatures
Learn about the creatures that remain active under the snow through videos, demonstrations, and a short hike. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041, Michigan. Registration is not required. Open to the public and free to the public.
Tuesday, December 31
3:45 Sunset on the Old Year
The sun will set for the final time in 2024 at 4:18 p.m., and at 4:18 p.m.turalist for this hike to The Cove Estuary to see the final sunrise. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. The wiper rule applies: "If you need to use your wipers to drive safely, the hike is canceled." Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this event is open to the public and free.
