In The Dark Exhibit at the North Carolina Arboretum

We had another great trip to the NC Arboretum and saw the In The Dark exhibit.  We learned about animal adaptations to low light and complete dark environments.  This exhibit was very hands on for the kids.  They enjoyed learning more about nocturnal animals and discovering how these animals have adapted to the world of darkness.

Nocturnal animals have a big impact on our environment.  The above display shows different nocturnal animals in our local area.

Each person was able to enter a total darkness room and asked to complete a task.  Outside the room we could watch the person on a monitor using the night vision camera.

Learning where mammals go at night to hide from nocturnal predators.  Also, how owls and bats can discover these 'hidden' prey in the darkness of night.

Discovering how birds migrate during night time hours.

Learning how animals adapted to dark environments.

Discovering creatures of the deep and how they survive the harsh living conditions.

Learning about how visually impaired people navigate the world around them.

Discovering how voles and moles feel vibrations underground.

Gullah Stories

Although I am not originally from South Carolina or the Sea Islands, my husband and children were born in this lovely state.  I have embraced it as my own over the last twenty some odd years and love the rich history of the area.  We love visiting the Low Country and Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia.  So, we are familiar with the Gullah Geechee and the history of these remarkable people.  My nephew grew up watching Gullah Gullah Island and my kids had seen a few episodes, but didn't really remember it.  I wanted to let them experience the culture once again and a perfect way was to see Gullah Stories at the Peace Center in Greenville.

Ron and Natalie Daise are amazing storytellers and were the hosts of Gullah Gullah Island.  They each have amazing backgrounds and you can see the love they share telling the stories, music, and language of their ancestors.  It was a remarkable program and we came out of the theater with smiles on our faces.  No matter your age, if you have a chance to see these two in action, it is a must!

 

 

Duke Power Energy Explorium

Our home school group traveled to Huntersville, North Carolina to the Duke Power Energy Explorium.  The Explorium is a by appointment only to tour whether you have a group or only a family.  So, don't be intimidated to book a tour for your family!

The host had a scavenger hunt for the kids to fill out as we made our way through the exhibits.  It makes the kids have to read and take in all the information.

We learned quite a bit of information about the nuclear power plant and how nuclear energy works.  It was interesting and very well done.

After we toured the exhibits, we watched a film about the formation of the Lake Norman area and Duke Energy's role in creating the lakes along the Catawba river.  We all enjoyed this film and explained to the kids that all this took place around the time we (mothers) were little kids.  They found that fascinating.

Once we finished with the inside of the Explorium, we walked the nature trail around the pennisula of the lake.  This is a great little trail with some signage to tell about parts of the area.

Overall, we had a nice trip and learned more about how our areas obtain their power.