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Use the sun and shoot for the moon at Hampden Public Library

Date: 7/7/2009

HAMPDEN What is reflection? Does sunlight actually bounce around? Is a dark surface hotter than a light one? What does this have to do with s'mores?

On July 8, children are invited to explore the largest star in our solar system, the Sun. Participants will discover how a pizza box, construction paper and foil can become an oven that reaches up to 275 degrees. Seeing is believing, so we will put it to the test. Can these ovens really melt chocolate and marshmallows to make tasty s'mores?

As the treats bake, children can enjoy solar inspired crafts that include making their very own sundials.

This is a free event for children ages five and older. It will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Hampden Town House auditorium. This event is sponsored in part by Pop's Pizza in Hampden. In the event of cloudy or rainy weather the program will take place as scheduled.



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Essentially, rockets move through propulsion, but how do they manage to overcome gravity? What exactly is propulsion and how can we manipulate air to make something travel?

Children entering grades five and up in the fall are invited to explore the power of air at Hampden Library's "Shoot For the Moon Balloon Race," a workshop taking place July 9 at 2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Participants will construct their own simple balloon rockets and then test their designs in a series of races. Children will learn about air pressure, force and gravity as they discover how different designs affect speed and trajectory. The workshop will emphasize the essential skills of observation, investigation and prediction. The program leader is Christina Fairman, Youth Services Librarian at Hampden Public Library.

The library is located at 625 Main St. in the Hampden Town House. The program will take place on the Town House lawn facing North Road. In the event of rain, it will take place in the auditorium.

These events are part of the 2009 Massachusetts Statewide Summer Reading Program "Starship Adventure @ Your Library," which is sponsored in part by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, Massachusetts Regional Library Systems and Hampden Free Public Library. For information, call the library at 566-3047 or visit www.hampden-library.org.