Help Connect Kids With Science!

My friend, Monty Harper, is working on a new CD for kids ages 8-12 called "Songs From the Science Frontier." The songs are unique because they focus on research that real scientists are doing right now. Specific topics include phototaxic bacteria, stress hormones, wheat genomics, bacterial biofilms, bat taxonomy, x-ray crystallography, and luminescence dating! The deeper messages are that science is a process done by real people; science is important, cool, fun, and relevant; and science belongs to everyone!

I'm really excited about Monty's project. It's a great example arts integration: using music to engage students in an exciting and memorable way. 

Monty is using Kickstarter.com to raise the funding he needs to make his CD a reality. Please check out his three-minute pitch video, and consider supporting his project! Your pledge can get you copies of the CD and other rewards.

Here's the URL:http://tinyurl.com/2d4nsyl


Check it out!

More from California

On my way to Monterey, I had lunch with my brother Erik alongside this marina in Moss Landing.

This papa seal gave us a lazy wave from the dock.

He complained when the female wanted some space, but then settled down.

A small otter swam past a nearby dock.

Later that afternoon: view of Monterey Bay from Cannery Row, along with a remnant from John Steinbeck's day.

I performed at a book mobile site for the  Monterey Public Library system. The book mobile is great: it brings a rotating collection of books every two weeks. Patrons may also request specific books, and return items as well.  The book mobile even has a computer complete wifi for visitors to use.

With smaller groups, I put my basket of instruments out for folks to share. Here adults and children are singing and playing along.  Two girls in the middle are trading in instruments for another selection to try.

Sadly, no pictures from the Pajama Party at Pacific Grove Library. After the show, I went to a local viewpoint to look for the pod of blue whales that had been seen all that week. Unfortunately, they were gone for the day, but I did enjoy a lovely sunset.

Next afternoon, we had a good crowd at the Sunnyvale Library. Here is more American Sign Language for "Slimy Mud."

Outdoor Concert in Santa Clara, CA

It was a beautiful evening for this concert sponsored by the Santa Clara Library.

Volunteers supplied a lively percussion back-up.

There was dancing in the park........ 

American Sign Language for the song "Slimy Mud":
"(Oops, splat) ... I don't like that!"













After the concert, audience members have a chance to learn how to play percussion instruments, including frogs from Thailand ...

 

a bamboo drum from Guatemala... 

a goat toe nail rattle(!) and washboard.

A young girl sings and signs a song for Greta.

Farewell photo - Greta and volunteers.

 

Thank you to Erin and all the staff and volunteers at Santa Clara Library for a wonderful evening!

Teddy Bear Picnic in Corvallis, Ore. Sponsored by Corvallis Library

Here are some pictures from the recent Teddy Bear Picnic in Corvallis, Ore. The sunshine - after much rain - was wonderful. So were the crowds - with teddy bears, bunnies, pandas, dolls, and a very realistic snake. I brought two of my own teddy bears; they enjoyed performing with me.

 

 

 

 

 

T-E-D-D-Y and Teddy is his name-o!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miss Portland, Abbe Groh, has literacy as her platform, "Starting Making A Reader Today." Go, Abbe!