Awarded the “Essential Agent of Change Award” by the MDPH’s Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families continues to support the development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, farms, individuals, schools, and non-profit organizations are invited to collaborate with Hilltown Families in their community outreach. With nearly 10,000 opt-in subscribers and 2.6+ million visits to our web site alone, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out about our affordable advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by contacting us at info@hilltownfamilies.org… and scroll down to discover community-based educational opportunities to explore at home this weekend and next week.

SUBSCRIBE to our eNewsletter to stay up-to-date!
Sneak peaks of our newest podcast.

Stay Connected with Hilltown Families!

Partner with Hilltown Families

50% or more off of our regular prices for advertisers, directory listings, and sponsorships.

SALE: 50% OR MORE OFF! Are you offering virtual classes or lessons? Are you facilitating online social, learning, or entertainment opportunities? Is your local business offering new ways for customer engagement, gift certificates, or curb side delivery? Partner with Hilltown Families in your online outreach, delivering your message to over 25,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers. Offering 50% or more off of our regular advertising options, Hilltown Families is committed to our community and supporting one another in times of need. Our sponsors and advertising partners allow us to keep delivering this community-based educational resource to our readers for free (since 2005!). Local and online businesses, virtual and local service providers, non-profit organizations, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to find out about our new and exciting opportunities!

Featured Summer Programs & Camps

Check out our Summer Directory for nearly
60 summer camps & programs in and around Western MA!

Jun 8 – Aug 7

Amherst Montessori School Summer Discovery. Amherst, MA. Amherst Montessori’s Summer Discovery offers playful adventures tailored to children ages 12 months to 12 years. Preschool/kindergarten children will have so much fun jumping through sprinklers, playing outside, and exploring weekly themes, including Geology, Insects, Building, and more. Infants/toddlers ages three and below will love AMS’s nurturing environment with outdoor play, songs & movement, water play, and sensory exploration, all with emphasis on building independence. The amazing Michelle Risch leads three weeks of Lego building and creativity with millions of Legos for Elementary children to build wherever their imagination takes them. Varying schedules with extended hours. Dates: Jun 8-Aug 7; Age Range of Participants: 15mos-12yo. Contact: 413-253-3101. sthompson@amherstmontessori.org. amherstmontessori.org.

Jun 26 – Aug 18

Rockin’ the Summer. Goshen, MA. IMA’s residential music programs give girls access to top-notch facilities & instruments, to veteran professional musicians & teachers, and musical exploration & collaboration. Explore Rock ‘n Roll (Jun 24–28; Aug 19-23) offers girls 9-12 opportunity to explore instruments, to begin writing songs, and to participate in a concert. Rock ‘n Roll Performance (Jul 10-19; Jul 24-Aug 2) offers girls 13-19 an opportunity to speak their truth through the medium of rock ‘n roll, gain confidence in performance abilities, improve musicianship, and develop collaborative leadership skills. Studio Recording & Production (Aug 6-16) offers hands-on studio recording seminar for women 16-22 who are ready to record their work and/or interested in engineering and producing. Dates: Jun 26-Aug 18; Age Range of Participants: Girls/Young Women 9-22yo. Contact: 413-268-3074. info@ima.org. www.ima.org.

Jun 29 – Aug 21

Summer at The Academy at Charlemont in Charlemont, MA. The Academy at Charlemont Summer Programs. Multiple programs for grades 3-12 running from late June to late August. Week of June 29-July 3 – Arts and Crafts for grades 3-6, 9am-3pm. Week of July 6-July 10 – Maker’s Camp 8:30am-11:30am and Ultimate Frisbee 12:30pm-3:30pm, grades 7-12. Week of August 3-7 – Music Camp 9am-12pm. Week of August 17-21 – Arts and Crafts for grades 7-12, 9am-12pm. Financial aid is available. Participants are asked to bring water bottles, snacks and/or lunch.Dates: Jun 29-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 8-18yo. Contact: 413-339-4912. jmitchell@charlemont.org. www.charlemont.org

Jul 6-23

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School Summer Youth Programs. Northampton, MA. Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School is pleased to announce its 2020 Summer Program offerings for students entering grades 6, 7, and 8. Programs include: Entering the World of Cosmetology; Tour de Cuisine: Cultivating the Young Culinarian; Criminal Justice League; Build Your Own Longboard. Weekly programs from July 6-July 23 half-day runs 8:30am- 12:30pm. Full-day programs run 8:30am – 3:30pm. Students can prepare amazing food, practice beauty techniques, build longboards, or learn about law enforcement. For full course descriptions, including which weeks they will run and to register for a Summer Youth Program, please see their website. Dates: Jul 6-23; Age Range of Participants: 11-14yo. Contact: 413-587-1414 x3406. dcarver@smithtec.org. www.smithtec.org/summer.

Jul 6 – Aug 21

Riotous Youth. Lenox, MA. These fun and inspiring 2-week summer theatre programs introduce students ages 7-17 to Shakespeare’s language, his stories, characters, and themes using imaginative and playful methods. Each session ends with a performance piece based on the kids’ experience of the play, which they share with family, friends, and Company members on the final day of the session. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 7-17yo. Contact: 413-637-1199 x172. mmarchione@shakespeare.org. www.shakespeare.org

Jul 6 – Aug 28

Claws, based out of Northampton, MA.Claws camping trips take students 11-17 into wild places. They climb mountains, ford rivers and sea kayak. Students test their edges and boundaries as they learn skills needed to overcome challenges. They move through fascinating terrain and waters, having fun while practicing mindfulness. They gain the ability to control their thoughts and movements, like seal, fish, and birds, bears, and bobcats do. They learn to read the great patterns of biomes, of weather, witnessing grand forces and elements expressing themselves. Claws go into the wild because the wild is where they can grow—where they can grasp life, grip it tight and carry it aloft. This year they’re going to the White Mountains and Casco Bay in Maine. There are trips to the Sierras, too. Dates: Jul 6-Aug 28; Age Range of Participants: 11-17yo. Contact: 413-320-0522. info@biocitizen.org. ma.biocitizen.org.

Jun 29 – Jul 2

“Brave” Dance Camp with Celtic Heels & Devine Dance in Greenfield, MA. Experience the joy of dance at the “Brave” themed dance camp. Celtic Heels & Devine Dance are offering students the opportunity to attend a four-day workshop incorporating Irish Step, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and more. In addition to dance classes, students will create craft projects, learn new rhythms and cadences and improve their balance, posture, and flexibility. With such a variety of styles, there is something for everyone, and a summer workshop is a great way to experience their individually tailored lesson plans as well as the inclusive atmosphere they create with and for their students. Dates: Jun 29-Jul 2; Age Range of Campers: 7-12yo. Contact: 413-475-4726. celticheels@gmail.com. www.CelticHeelsDance.com.

Jul 6 – Aug 21

The Children’s Ballet & Movement Co. Theater & Dance Summer Camp/Summer Dance Intensive in Hadley, MA. The Children’s Ballet & Movement Co. offers two separate dance camps this year! Theater and Dance Summer Camp (ages 4-8) provides a variety of dance forms, arts and crafts, play, swimming, set design and more! Summer Dance Intensive (ages 9-15) offers Ballet, Pre-Pointe/Pointe, Acro Dance, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Yoga, and more! Both camps are Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm with Full Day and Half Day options. Whether your child is new to dance or a seasoned dancer, Children’s Ballet & Movement Co. dance camps are sure to please! Dates: Jul 6-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 4-15yo. Contact: 413-478-1944. cassieferr@gmail.com. www.childrensballetmovement.com

Jun 22 – Aug 21

LSSE Summer Sports Programs and Day Camps. Amherst, MA. Spend the summer with Amherst Leisure Services! At the LSSE Sports Programs and Day Camps, children will have the opportunity to participate in arts, crafts, games, nature activities, sports programs, and swimming lessons. Their caring and experienced staff will make this a summer to remember. They offer free breakfast and lunch to Early Adventures and Adventure Playground day campers thanks to the ARPS School Nutrition Department. Visit the LSSE website for more information and to find the perfect sports or day camp for your child. Dates: Jun 22-Aug 21; Age Range of Campers: 5-14yo. Contact: 413-259-3065. lsse@amherstma.gov. LSSE.org.

Jun 22 – Aug 28

Rattlesnake Adventure Camps at Morse Hill Outdoor Center. Shutesbury, MA. This is Morse Hill’s 30th year offering fun outdoor activities that facilitate children’s self-awareness, confidence, trust, communication, problem-solving, & teamwork skills. With a foundation in physical & emotional safety, our programs include on-site low & high ropes courses & team-building initiatives, as well as off-site rock climbing, canoeing, raft building, mountain biking, caving, hiking, & more. The 85-acre property by Lake Wyola in Shutesbury includes bike trails, campsites, cabins, and discovery elements. Transportation is available from Amherst & Northampton. Whether campers choose day, overnight, or expedition camps, they will develop their outdoor skills & knowledge while building relationships with counselors & friends. Dates: Jun 22-Aug 28; Age Range of Campers: 8-18yo. Contact: 413-253-1807. summer@morsehill.com. www.morsehill.com

SUGGESTED RESOURCES &
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
April 11-17, 2020

Saturday, April 11 • Sunday, April 12
Monday, April 13 • Tuesday, April 14 • Wednesday, April 15
Thursday, April 16 • Friday, April 17

Mark your calendars: Local Virtual Opportunities
Suggest a distant learning event!

Subscribe to Our Weekly eNewsletter ♦ Advertising & Partnership Opportunities
Class Directory ♦ Preschool Directory ♦ Birthday Party Venue Directory
Cultural Itineraries ♦ en Español

Resources and opportunities below are shared as a courtesy. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm age appropriateness, registration requirements, and associated costs.

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Online Events: Suggest a distant learning event!

• Saturday, April 11, 6-7pm – MUSIC STUDIES/COMMUNITY SINGALONG: Jim Armenti Community Singalong. Westhampton, MA. (FREE)

COMMUNITY/RADIO SHOW: HFVS Community & Neighbor Episode with Guest DJs, Wendy & DB. ♥ Hilltown Families eNewsletter subscribers are invited to an exclusive sneak peek every Thursday of the upcoming show. Check your eNewsletter to listen any time. Not a subscriber? Click here to subscribe to our free Weekly eNewsletter!

FOOD HISTORY/SCONES: There is no better accompaniment to a good stiff, rust-colored cup of tea than a scone. There is, however, considerable variation in what is meant by a scone throughout the English-speaking world. In the first case, the population of Great Britain is evenly divided between those who pronounce it “scone” rhyming with “gone” and “scone” rhyming with “tone.” The word seems to have first appeared in 1513 and may be derived either from the Dutch schoonbrood, meaning “spoonbread,” or from the Gaelic sgonn, a “shapeless mass” or “large mouthful.” Apparently, the original scone was the size of a medium dinner plate and sliced into triangles, a shape more commonly found in the American iteration, while most scones in Great Britain and elsewhere are almost without exception round. But the difference in shape between the American and British scone is only the tip of the iceberg. While the American scone has a crumbly texture, the British version is much more like what we would call a biscuit, less sweet and with a fluffier texture. British scones are sliced in half and slathered with clotted cream and jam.

FOOD HISTORY/EARLY AMERICAN CUISINE: Following the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolutionary War, the cuisine of North America changed forever. Without access to imported foodstuff from Britain and the West Indies, the early Americans were forced to develop their unique culinary traditions. Of course, much of early American cuisine was still linked to its British and European roots, but variations on traditional dishes were common and indigenous cuisine was also a heavy influence. For the Puritans, who had come to the New World particularly from the region of Anglia in Eastern England, traditional dishes were favored, even though substitutions had to be made. Apple pie, for example, perhaps the most quintessentially American dish, is derived from a typical Anglian preparation. Baked beans and porridge were among the most common early staples among the New England settlers, and the abundant seafood offerings also became integrated. Perhaps the most unique adaptation in early American cuisine was the absence of wheat and the substitution of cornmeal and rye in most baked goods. This development is responsible for the innovation of the “johnnycake,” a flatbread made from cornmeal, which is common throughout North America and the Caribbean to this day. Here in this video, interpretive historians share the history and recipe for a traditional johnnycake, something families can do together as a pathway to learn about American History and Culinary Arts.

FOOD HISTORY/WAFFLES: Historic Deerfield’s Open Hearth Cooks had to cancel their class scheduled for the last weekend of March, Waffles and Wafers where participants would have learned how to make waffles and wafers over an open hearth. Inspired by their previously scheduled class and mornings at home with the kids, learn about the history of waffles and wafer in this video and then head to the kitchen to whip up a batch! Don’t have a waffle maker? Check out America’s Test Kitchen’s video, The Best Electric Waffle Maker for All Your Brunch Needs.

AGRICULTURE/SUSTAINABILITY: Did you know that the first Community Supported Agriculture garden was founded in Great Barrington in 1986? The movement was started by Swiss biodynamic farmer Jan Vander Tuin, who came to the United States in the 1980s and assisted with the creation of the Great Barrington garden. The goal of the CSA movement is to create direct relationships between farmers and consumers. This relationship can help to create fair trade policies and livable wages for farmers. Additionally, CSA farms often employ organic and biodynamic approaches to agriculture, which promote ecologically sustainable farming. Now is a great time to sign up for a CSA near you, supporting local farmers and connecting to where you live through locally grown food. Check out CISA’s list of CSA’s in western Massachusetts, and their great DIY resources, including recipes & cooking tips and food preservation & gardening resources. Visit these farms online and consider becoming a member this year! Being a member of a CSA connects you with the local harvest, and your local neighbors via the folks who grow your food! Plus, CSA’s are loaded with embedded learning opportunities!

CULINARY ARTS/KITCHEN SCIENCE: One of the best “classrooms” is right in your own home … your kitchen! Planning and preparing meals with your family can support an interest in culinary and pastry arts while exposing kids to a wide variety of embedded learning opportunities. Classic subjects like math, chemistry, and humanities are readily supported in the kitchen, along with general technical skills and valuable life skills. Any pastry chef will tell you about the importance of kitchen math for making great pastries, including an understanding of fractions and measurement units, and the practice of addition, subtractions, and division. Lessons in chemistry are supported when young chefs learn the science behind the use of baking soda and baking powder and what happens on a molecular level to a protein molecule when heated. Nutrition can be outlined by understanding which foods have carbohydrates, proteins, and/or fats. Sharing the story behind your grandmother’s delicious cookie recipe or researching the history of pancakes online supports lessons in the humanities. Knives skills, operating ovens, and handling food help a young chef gain technical expertise in the kitchen. And life skills to carry on into adulthood can be explored, like how to plan, organize, and purchase ingredients. A kitchen is a mini-lab and learning space. It is a place to not only expand and support interests but also to connect with family and to appreciate where your food comes from and how it was prepared. There are plenty of recipes to be found online, in books, or handed down from family members from which you can select. Just follow your child’s tastes and food preferences and let it lead the way towards learning in the kitchen! If a question is asked (i.e., “Why does bread turn brown in the toaster?” “Why do cookies spread?” ““What is a carbohydrate?” “Can we make s’mores indoors?“)

COOKING/SOLAR ENERGY: Solar energy science! Build a solar oven together with your kids as a way of learning about physics! To get started, you will need materials like is an old pizza box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, duct tape, and black construction paper. Using aluminum foil and black paper for reflection and absorption of the sun’s rays, and plastic wrap to trap the resulting heat, solar ovens offer a fantastically low-tech method of cooking (or merely warming) foods. MYO solar oven can spark explorations of reflection, refraction, and absorption of light. Education.com has one set of plans for constructing a solar oven, or you can watch this video for another set of instruction via Sick Science:

FOOD HISTORY/PANCAKES: Did you know that pancakes are over 6,000 years old? Although not in the present form we know today, the predecessors to the modern pancake consisted of ground wheat cooked in the form of a pancake. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans ate a type of pancake sweetened with honey! Later in history, American colonists ate pancakes, also known as Johnny Cakes. Modern-day technology and contemporary recipes have added to our cultural repertoire of recipes. For recipes submitted by families in Western Massachusetts, check out our post, “Seasons at Our Table: Maple Sugar.”

WORLD CULTURE/COOKING: In this video, kids try ten different kinds pancakes from around the world. Check this out with your kids for a great way to explore cultures from around the world through the lens of food! Local the country on a map, look up ingredients unfamiliar to you, and best of all, pick a pancake to try making in your own kitchen! Start your recipe search with epicure.com.

INTERNATIONAL FOODS/COOKING: To say that immigration is an important aspect of American history is an understatement. None of us would be here if it were not for immigration. Moreover, the United States is not unique in this. Human populations have been immigrating around the world since the beginning of history. If you go far back enough, you will find that there are no communities of people anywhere in the world that did not originate somewhere else. What this historical phenomenon demonstrates is that human societies are always hybrids. Groups travel and move, and as they do so, they adopt customs, influence the creation of new cultures, and bring certain cultural elements with them. All cultures, from the most heterogeneous to those that might appear homogeneous, are the result of generations of immigration. Food cultures and traditions are one of the best ways to illustrate this historical fact. Chicken tikka masala is a perfect example: one of the most popular and recognizable Indian dishes in the world was likely invented in Scotland by Pakistani chef, Ali Ahmed Aslam, in the 1970s. He decided to add tomato soup to a plate of chicken curry after a customer complained that it was too dry. In this video, hear the story of one chef and learn how to make his “authentic” Chicken Tikka Masala!

FERMENTED FOODS/KITCHEN SCIENCE: Nobody knows the exact origins of Kombucha. This mysterious fermented beverage is thought to originate in Manchuria, in northern China. It is known to be consumed in far eastern Russia in the 19th century and then it migrated to Germany and Europe. The word ‘kombucha’ tells us little about its origins as well, since the term is a misapplied loanword from Japanese. There is a beverage consumed in Japan called ‘kombucha’ which translates literally to ‘kelp tea’ but this beverage has no relation to the effervescent fermented tea which now bears the name. No matter where it came from or how it got here, Kombucha has been steadily growing in popularity in the United States in the 21st century. The refreshing taste and numerous claimed health benefits have made converts out of many people. And it is shockingly easy to brew at home! In this video, Lisa Lov from Relæ shows how to make Kombucha at home.

FOOD SECURITY/SERVICE-BASED LEARNING: Food insecurity can strike anyone, including working families, elders on limited incomes, and people faced with a sudden illness or layoffs. Organizing a Virtual Food Drive with The Food Bank of Western MA can support folks experiencing food security in the region. Organizing a virtual food drive has many benefits, including cost savings to The Food Bank of Western MA in staff time, no extra driving for participants, and accessibility to families near and far who want to support food drives in our region. There are also a lot of learning opportunities, including communication and organization skills. Find out how to organize a virtual food drive and learn more about food security, the value of volunteering, and the need for well-supported food banks in communities. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. 413-247-9738. 97 N Hatfield Rd. Hatfield, MA.

• LOCAL RESOURCE: Grow Food Kids: At Home!

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Online Events: Suggest a distant learning event!

• Sunday, April 12, 7-8am: RADIO SHOW: Hilltown Family Variety Show streaming on 103.3FM WXOJ.

SCIENCE & EDUCATION/RADIO SHOW: HFVS Science & Education Episode with Danny Weinkauf of They Might Be Giants. Danny Weinkauf guest DJs our science and education episode, demonstrating though song examples and commentary his love of both, and how it has influenced his favorite songs and personal writing style. Click here select from over 13 years of archived shows! It’s better than morning cartoons and commercial radio! ♥ Hilltown Families eNewsletter subscribers are invited to an exclusive sneak peek every Thursday of the upcoming show. Check your eNewsletter to listen any time. Not a subscriber? Click here to subscribe to our free Weekly eNewsletter!

CBEdu RESOURCE/SCIENCE CAFES: Science Cafes are part of a grassroots movement to open science to everyone and to bring free presentations and engaging conversations into casual community settings. Here in Western MA, working scientist shares their research with the public every month via SciTech Cafe in Northampton. At these monthly events, all ages are welcome, allowing self-directed learners to participate in community events such as science cafes can help them to learn how to engage with an intergenerational community of learners while challenging them to learn more about in-depth science topics on their own. Each science cafe is lead by an expert in the field who share their expertise to science cafe participants. The opportunity to learn about a science topic from an expert scientist grants learners access to a pool of knowledge that is both deep and wide. These events are canceled for April & May, but they have offered a link to support home-based learning relevant to current affairs: Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve”. If all goes according to plan, SciTech Cafe monthly Science Cafes will start back up in June. Find out who will be presenting at www.scitechcafe.org. Northampton, MA.

DENTAL HYGIENE/BIOLOGY: Do you struggle some nights with getting your kids to brush their teeth before bed? (Exhausting, right?!) Maybe if they were to better understand what causes cavities, and how can to avoid them, they wouldn’t push back so hard on our constant nagging to brush and floss (and to stay away from so many sweets!)? Mel Rosenberg takes us inside our teeth to find out in this animated TED-Ed video. Share it with your kids and let your morning and evening ritual of oral hygiene be a catalyst for learning!

CITIZEN SCIENCE/LOCAL HABITAT: Families can help with studies of phenology! The National Phenology Network has developed Nature’s Notebook, a citizen science program that aims to get people outdoors and observing nature. Nature’s Notebook has an app and a website where citizen scientists can record observations to help scientists better understand how climate change is affecting plants in New England. The National Phenology Network needs volunteers to take part in many of Nature’s Notebook projects, of which there are several throughout the country. Independent, citizen science like Nature’s Notebook is a great way to connect with nature, learn about phenology, practice gathering data, and learn the basics of experimental design while contributing to a scientific study.

SOLAR FLARES/CITIZEN SCIENCE: Families can learn about the sun, the star of our galaxy, by participating in a citizen science project to spot solar flares. Solar Storm Watch helps scientists to track solar storms on their path to Earth by asking citizen scientists to watch for and tag flares, identifying them for the scientists involved.

ASTRONOMY/SUNDIAL: A community-based educational resource available to everyone is the sun! To keep time using the sun, we sometimes check the sky to see its position – but this method isn’t very accurate. Shadows, on the other hand, can give a more precise reading of the time, but only if the right tools are used! Families can create their own sundials using simple materials found around the house, allowing shadows to become their new clock. Beginning at noon on a sunny day, this project requires monitoring on the hour, every hour during the daylight portion of a 24-hour-period. The results are a nature-based time-telling device that can spark explorations of geometry, the structure of time, and ancient history. Making your own sundial can also support the scientific understandings of the earth’s relationship with the sun, and when done with young children, the development and practice of language skills.

AERONAUTICS/NASA: Space is a fascinating place, and a big part of its appeal is the fact that it’s just out of reach for most human beings. NASA offers a kid-friendly website filled with information about the many different missions, projects, and technologies that the organization is responsible for – allowing aspiring astronauts to learn about human research and explore the vastness of outer space. Student games on NASA websites entertain as well as educate. They support national education standards in STEM for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Read more in our post, Web-Based Space Explorations Blast Off Through NASA Kids’ Club.

ASTRONOMY/CITIZEN SCIENCE: Galaxy Zoo, a web-based citizen science opportunity, asks participants to support researchers in learning about how galaxies form. Citizen scientists participating in Galaxy Zoo are shown pictures of galaxies and asked to classify them based on their shape. In essence, some of these pictures are of galaxies yet to be seen by any other human being, meaning participants might get to be the first to ever them! Galaxy Zoo is used by educators worldwide in a variety of ways to introduce young people and students to the amazing world of astronomy.

ASTRONOMY/ONLINE VIDEO SERIES: A black hole is a phenomenon of spacetime that possesses such a powerful gravitational pull that nothing, not even light particles, can escape from it. Physicists argue that sufficiently dense black holes could even distort and warp the fabric of spacetime itself. It has also been suggested that black holes may have a role in shaping the structure of galaxies, drawing stars and planets into orbit around themselves. Since nothing can escape the pull of a black hole, they are incredibly difficult to study, and these mysterious entities have captured our imaginations. If you are interested in astronomy, check out this Crash Course Astronomy video series:

CITIZEN SCIENCE/METEOROLOGY: CoCoRaHS (pronounced KO-ko-rozz) is a grassroots volunteer network of backyard weather observers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail, and snow) in their local communities. By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive web site, the aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education, and research applications. The only requirements to join are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can affect and impact our lives. Their webpage provides the ability for observers to see observations mapped out in “real time”, as well as providing a wealth of information for our data users. They have a variety of lesson plans and activities to teach children about the science of studying the weather. Supported learning includes the process of scientific inquiry, data collection, mathematical skills, science and technology, Earth and Space science, and global climate change. Participating as a citizen science not only supports learning while helping scientists collect data, it also connects people to place by slowing down and noticing the patterns and processes of nature in their local communities. Find out more at www.cocorahs.org. — Get excited by the data you gather and report as a citizen scientist by seeing how it is used, as this video of Global Precipitation Measurement’s first global map of rainfall and snowfall shows in this one example:

READING & LISTENING/ASTRONOMY: Stargazers can learn more about outer space from the pages of these great books:

• Find the Constellations by H.A. Rey (of Curious George fame)
• Glow in the Dark Constellations by C.E. Thompson
• Planets, Moons, and Stars: Take-Along Guide by Laura Evert
• The Planets by Gail Gibbons
• The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons

And what should you listen to while observing the beautiful moon? The astronomy episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, of course!

KITCHEN SCIENCE/FERMENTATION: Turn your kitchen into a fermentation station! Kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, and sourdough can be made at any time of year and are a great way to support experiential learning about chemistry and cellular biology through the lens of food! Zymology (the science of fermentation) supports these learning concepts, but it’s also a rewarding way to spend time in the kitchen as a family. Read more in our post, “Learn About Local Food & Chemistry through Fermentation.

MATH/NATURE-BASED LEARNING: As you gaze at the base of a pine cone, did you know that you’re regarding an incredible example of mathematical reasoning? Nature’s patterns, as it happens, are deeply rooted in the Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio. It’s the ultimate in a marriage between the aesthetic beauty of nature, and its mathematical base that makes it make sense. To discover what a learning opportunity this is for the family to share, read our post, “Nature’s Patterns Reveals Mathematical Reasoning.” When outside, look for these patterns in different native species, including sunflowers, pinecones, dragonfly wings, and the eye of a common housefly.

BUSINESS/CURRENT AFFAIRS: Small Business Classes with the Small Business Administration. These free online classes are aimed towards business owners; however, students of business administration can tune in to learn about small business management through conversations around COVID-19 recovery and economic strategies.

 

___

Plan your summer birthday now!

Monday, April 13, 2020

Online Events: Suggest a distant learning event!

• Monday, April 13, 8-10pm – FILM STUDIES: VIRTUAL: Far Out Film Discussion via Zoom: Blind Husbands. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

DANCE STUDIES/JACOB’S PILLOW: Did you know one of the best community-based resources to support an interest in dance studies exists in the Hilltowns of Western MA? Dive into Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive, an ever-growing collection of dance videos filmed at Jacob’s Pillow from the 1930s to today, plus new illustrated essays. Playlists include Women’s History, Black Voices, Cultural Diversity, Distinctive Costumes, Indigenous Dance of the Americas, Men Dancers, and several others. Jacob’s Pillow is a National Historic Landmark, National Medal of Arts recipient, and home to America’s longest-running dance festival, located in Becket, MA.

DANCE STUDIES/WORLD FOLK DANCES: While it is certain that Irish dance traditions date back thousands of years, there is very little recorded information about those traditions until the 17th-century, because most ancient cultural practices around the world were not written down. What we do know is that when the Normans invaded Ireland, they brought with them the courtly ’round dances’ common in Europe during the Medieval period. In the 1600s, we begin to see references to Irish folk dances, known as ‘rinkafadda,’ which were often performed in fields and involved lines or rows of men and women facing each other. By the 1760s, hornpipes and fiddles were added to Irish dancing traditions and the custom of traveling dance masters began and would last until well into the 19th century.- Want to see examples of not only Irish dance but also other traditional folk dances from around the world? Check this out these folk dances from around the world.

SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY/MUSIC STUDIES: In this video below, Maestro Kevin Rhodes, Music Director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, introduces the SSO Homegrown Series. In the weeks to come, SSO will offer engaging videos from SSO musicians, youth orchestra musicians, members of the SSO staff, and more. There will be music and talk of instruments, composers, and pieces — something different each week.

MUSIC STUDIES/SOUND: Listen to the modern “Pioneers of Sound!” with Elska as she takes us on a sonic journey into the world of early electronic music, synthesizers, micro-beats, bells and more. Broadcasting from her Arctic island home, Elska teaches us about the origins of the most innovative sounds in pop music, how they were made, and then she plays us fascinating examples from pop music, art music, classical and some music that defies classification all together.

ART STUDIES/SMITH COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART: Support art studies at home with Smith College Museum of Art from Home. They’re offering up content from the museum’s blog, YouTube channel, as well as content found on their social media sites that were requested by museum followers. Families are invited to visit the museum’s social media often, engaging and sharing ideas with their online platforms. Discover SCMA’s collection with their Discovery Cards, which give a closer look at SCMA’s permanent collection objects. The SCMA YouTube channel features content from the museum’s many artist lectures and talks.

ART STUDIES/IMPRESSIONISM: Paris in the second half of the 19th century was undeniably the center of the art world. Artists from around the world traveled to Paris to experience the dynamic and creative energy in the academies, museums, and salons. Among other reasons, the Impressionists were notable for a large number of women artists who joined the movement. The three so-called ‘grande dames’ of Impressionism were Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, and Marie Bracquemond. After Morisot married Edouard Manet’s brother, she and the artist became very close friends. Manet was a great influence on Morisot’s work and she often posed for him, perhaps most famously in his striking 1872 piece “Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets.” Despite the enormous impact of Morisot and the other women of Impressionism, however, their work continues to be overlooked.

ART STUDIES/SYMBOLISM: Gustav Klimt is one of the most significant figures of the Symbolist movement and created some of the most recognizable paintings of the fin de siecle in Central Europe, especially his impressive golden 1907 piece “The Kiss.” Something of an eccentric, Klimt wore nothing but long, flowing robes when he worked, and his studio was filled with cats. In an ill-advised experiment, Klimt covered his sketchbook with cat urine, believing that it would act as a fixative. It did not, and the stinking sketchbook was literally and figuratively “consigned to the dustbin of history.” Want to learn more about Gustav Klimt? Here is a brief introduction to Gustav Klimt’s life and some of his paintings:

ART HISTORY/SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING: Sam-I-Am, Yertle the Turtle, Marvin K. Mooney, the Cat in the Hat, and other silly Dr. Seuss characters have been well-loved by young readers for decades. Best known for his invented words, imaginary animals, and ridiculous yet thought-provoking plots, Dr. Seuss is one of the most well-known children’s authors of all time. A native of western Massachusetts, Dr. Seuss drew upon his surroundings to create images for his stories. The industrial landscape of his hometown of Springfield is reflected in the zany, unaffected-by-gravity architecture found in many illustrations, and the town of Whoville is rumored to be based upon the city of Easthampton and towering Mt. Tom. In Springfield, the Springfield Museum is home to the The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, and in Northampton, R. Michelson Galleries is home to a collection of original artwork and even the “secret art” of Dr. Seuss, along with unorthodox taxidermy and illustration art. Learn more about the lesser know artwork of the artist, Theodor Seuss Geisel, in this video, The Secret Darker Art of Dr. Seuss.

MUSEUM ADVENTURES/ONLINE: The Springfield Museums might be closed, but their staff is working on several ways to stay engaged with local families. The Museums added a new page, Explore the Springfield Museums, to their website expressly for engagement even if families can’t visit in person. Activities include offerings from the staff at the Museums’ interactive centers: The Cat’s Corner, The Smithsonian Spark!Lab, and The Art Discovery Center. Videos include science, art, and family activities. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.

ART STUDIES/VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOURS: While western Massachusetts’ museums offer a wide array of art pieces, online resources can be used to add depth and breadth to studies of art and art history. Using Google Cultural Institute, families can explore the museum collections of institutions in far-away places (like Romania or Spain!) and dig deep into the archives of organizations all over the globe. By connecting museums and other institutions worldwide, Google Cultural Institute allows users to virtually tour and learn about the pieces included in thousands of curated collections. Read more in our post, Google Cultural Institute: A Portal to the Cultural Treasures of the World.”

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM/VIRTUAL LEARNING: The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA has daily videos to support learning via their collections and natural resources.

Schools are accepting applications for 2020/2021 school year!

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Online Events: Suggest a distant learning event!

• Tuesday, April 14, 5-5:45pm – THEATER STUDIES: Community Works Free Online Theatre Workshop. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
• Tuesday, April 14, 6-7pm – GARDENING: Resiliency Skills Online Gatherings: Starting a Garden Safely in Urban and Suburban Soils. Barre, MA.

PSA from thebagshare.org.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/SEWING: Put your skills and interests in sewing and values of kindness to work! DIY Masks of Western Mass is a public Facebook group of volunteers who have decided to help the effort in making Masks for medical personnel, service workers, and other organizations and people who may need them. Swap stories, find support, organize drop-offs via this online group! Also, be sure to connect with the Bag Share Project for future community sewing events to make reusable bags for independent grocery stores, food co-ops, and local libraries.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/HOSPITAL: To ensure patient safety, Cooley Dickinson Hospital is currently following Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidance in accepting non-medical grade PPE (such as homemade masks). In this video are instructions on how to make face masks, which can be dropped off at Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s North Entrance, Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. 30 Locust St. (Route 9) Northampton, MA.

GENDER STUDIES/QUILTING: Families can connect new sewing skills to the study of gender roles in society by using our literary guide for the book Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt, which features both men’s and women’s quilting groups. Traditionally a skill left up to women, sewing is, of course, a skill that anyone can learn and succeed at, and in considering its typical “women only” designation, children can begin to think critically about gender roles in society.

KINDNESS/HOMELESSNESS: Thanks to Birthday Wishes, a nonprofit organization serving much of New England and New York, children living in homeless shelters can celebrate their birthdays with games, cake, and gifts – and there are lots of ways in which families can help to support the organization’s efforts! Birthday Wishes’ mission is made evident through their name: they make homeless children’s birthday wishes come true. This is done in a few different ways, depending on a family’s living situation. Birthday Wishes organizes and holds parties for children – either individually or in groups – at homeless shelters in numerous communities. However, some children reside in safe shelters where non-residents aren’t able to visit. For these children, Birthday Wishes provides a Birthday Box packed with everything a family needs to have a small gathering to celebrate – cake mix and frosting (as well as a baking dish), party hats, favors, decorations, and – of course – presents!

SERVICE-BASED LEARNING/VETERANS ASSOCIATION: Families can engage in community service projects by becoming involved with the Veterans Association of Central Western Massachusetts’ volunteer program or by donating items to veterans who live on the VA campus.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS/IDD SERVICE ORGANIZATION: Best Buddies, an organization that works to provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with inclusive opportunities, offers e-Buddies, an email penpal program for teens and tweens. E-Buddies supports social inclusion by matching people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with their peers who do not have IDD. Volunteering with this email penpal program allows older students to practice computer technology, communication, and social skills through the development of meaningful relationships with people with IDD. Read more in our post, “Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Pen Pal Program for T(w)eens.”

THEATER/LANGUAGE ARTS: Shakespeare’s lasting popularity over hundreds of years may stem from his command of the English language, and the universal themes explored in his plays and poetry. Shakespeare used a great deal of creativity with words. He combined short, familiar words into compound words, and sometimes changed verbs into nouns and vice versa. This is how he invented hundreds of words still used every day. Shakespeare’s plays allow us to explore relatable ideas by reading, performing, and witnessing performances of his words. Plays are meant to be performed, and Shakespeare’s plays undergo countless renditions, iterations, and adaptations on the stage and film. At home, families can celebrate Shakespeare’s lasting impact by screening the 2011 film Gnomeo and Juliet. (Rated G), the 2010 adaptation of The Tempest (Rated PG-13), and the 2012 film Much Ado About Nothing (Rated PG-13).

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH/LANGUAGE ARTS: April is National Poetry Month! Let this national observation month be a catalyst for learning. Families can start with fun projects at home, like Blackout Poetry and Book Spine Poetry. Explore the work of famous poets, including William Shakespeare, Robert Frost, and Safia Elhillo. For recommended titles, check out our posts, Six Novels Written in Verse and Books for Young Bards, and check out our archived column, One Clover & A Bee: Poems for Families to Learn & Love.

POETRY/SENSE OF PLACE: Western Massachusetts has been home to many poets and writers who were inspired by this region’s remarkable landscapes and natural settings. Since April is National Poetry Month, the spring season is a great time to explore some of the homes and writing places of local poets from the past Read more in our post, Poetry & Place in the Hilltowns.

LITERATURE/JANE AUSTEN: Jane Austen once wrote in a letter: “I cannot anyhow continue to find people agreeable; I respect Mrs. Chamberlayne for doing her hair well, but cannot feel a more tender sentiment. Miss Langley is like any other short girl, with a broad nose and wide mouth, fashionable dress, and exposed bosom. Adm. Stanhope is a gentleman-like man, but then his legs are too short and his tail too long.” Austen’s biting wit and relaxed, well-tempered prose have made her one of the most beloved novelists in the English language. Her six novels paint a vivid portrait of middle-class life in 19th century Britain and examine the role of women in society. Wanting her writing to support the development of her readers, her novels were often rooted in the philosophy of personal development.

LITERATURE/ONLINE MAPPING: Make great use of Google maps function by building Google Lit Trips, which gives a whole new dimension to great literature by merely putting literary characters on the map. This free enhanced visual aid enhances literacy and mapping skills and gives readers a sense of place. Many great literary stories are rooted in “journey,” and Google Lit Trips grasps this opportunity, giving readers another layer of learning. Read more in our post, “Google Lit Trips Puts Literary Characters Back on the Map.”

Plan ahead for Fall 2020!

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Online Events: Suggest a distant learning event!

• Wednesday, April 15, 12-1pm – ECOLOGY/POLLINATOR GARDENS: Webinar: Pollinator Ecology. (FREE)

ORNITHOLOGY/PEREGRINE FALCONS: Support an interest in ornithology while connecting to where you live through the season … breading season! Several web cameras around Massachusetts are available to the public to witness the Peregrine Falcon breeding season up close and throughout the spring! Get an inside look at the nests of the fastest birds on Earth through the live nest cameras. These cameras are pointed directly at or are within nest boxes and allow an up-close live look at nesting pairs and their chicks. Chicks hatch in early May and leave the nest in mid-June (at about seven weeks of age). View Falcon Cameras. to see the native species live, and check out this video to learn more abut the Peregrine Falcon,

MASS AUDUBON/NATURE STUDIES: Mass Audubon has a newly-launched Explore Nature at Home section on their website. Find videos from their team of amazing naturalists and educators like “Bird of the Day” and “Nature in Your Neighborhood” from cities and towns across Massachusetts. Activities to download for the entire family include nature bingo, coloring sheets, and a scavenger hunt. There are also ways to engage in citizen science by recording wildlife observations and actions you can take to protect the planet.

ORNITHOLOGY/LANGUAGE ARTS: The bird populations in Western Massachusetts have inspired many poets and writers to pick up their pens and compose verses dedicated to our feathered friends, celebrating nature and the land. Cummington native William Cullen Bryant, and Amherst native Emily Dickinson, both wrote poems about the bobolink. This intriguing species migrates back to New England in the late Spring (mid-late May) where it prefers large grasslands, such as hay fields, where they can build their nests on the ground. They are impressive birds, with a curious and clownish fluttering that is a joy to see in the late spring and early summer. Due to their preference to nest in hay fields often utilized by farmers, The Bobolink Project seeks to work with farmers to delay haying fields in order to protect grassland birds such as bobolinks. Learn about bobolinks through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website and their educational videos on different bird species. After learning about their habitat, migration patterns, behavior and nesting preferences, read Bryant’s poem Robert of Lincoln and Emily Dickinson’s poem. The Way to know the Bobolink for examples of how language art can describe the nature and habitat of the bobolink in beautiful and complex ways.

ICHTHYOLOGY/CITIZEN SCIENCE: Do you want to become a volunteer community scientist? Individual volunteers are needed for River Herring Monitoring now through June 30, 2020. No experience necessary. These important fish are starting to migrate up local rivers, and the Connecticut River Conservancy could use the help of individuals/families in learning more about river herring population in the tributaries of the Connecticut River. River Herring are an essential part of the food chain and fish monitoring is an excellent opportunity to spend time outside and discovering your local rivers, while practicing social distancing! How does it work? Individual volunteers are assigned a location, and once a week, they go out to survey for river herring. Virtual training is provided. In Massachusetts, help is needed at the following locations: Three Mile Brook (Agawam, MA); Porter Lake Stream (Longmeadow, MA); and Pond Brook (Springfield, MA). Contact volunteer@ctriver.org to sign up!

MARINE BIOLOGY/WEBCAMS: The Monterey Bay Aquarium has ten live webcams from which to choose! See breathtaking sea nettles drift and pulse, busy tropical fishes, a swaying kelp canopies with swirling sardines and leopard sharks, and even sea otters frolic and swim! Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Web Cams. Watching marine life live might support an interest or possibly spark a new one!

LIGHT POLLUTION/CITIZEN SCIENCE: The night sky is a community-based educational resource available to everyone by simply stepping outside your home. Become a citizen scientist by gathering data on your observations of the celestial bodies above and participating in the project, Loss of the Night. Created by German researchers, Loss of the Night is designed to collect information about the amount of sky glow (also known as light pollution) present in populated areas all over the globe. An additional goal of the project is to help users learn more about the stars that they see above them and the seasonal changes that take place in the sky. Read more about this citizen science opportunity in our post, Citizen Scientists Wanted to Map the Stars. Participation with support learning about the impacts of light pollution has on our native species while supporting interests in astronomy and the scientific process.

NATIVE SPECIES/ZOOLOGY: Though the relationships between the two are generally predator-prey, studying how birds and insects depend on each other can offer insight into the inner workings of the local landscape. By learning to identify insects and birds, families can explore the who-eats-who of their surroundings! Read more in our post, Studies of Birds and Insects Illuminate Interconnectedness in Nature.

NATIVE SPECIES/ORNITHOLOGY: Springtime is filled with sightings of all kinds of exciting natural wonders. The season’s outdoor appeal makes it a perfect time of year not only for enjoying our natural surroundings, but for learning about conservation and species preservation, too! Springtime is the season for bird sightings as Western Massachusetts becomes filled with a variety of migrating bird species in the early spring months. Read more in our March/Spring Season issue of Learning Ahead. Download your free copy here.

ECOSYSTEMS/DIY: For experiential learning lessons in biology, ecology, and ecosystems, make your very one tabletop biosphere! People of all ages can make tabletop biospheres, and it is a creative, scientific, and educational process. Planning a tabletop biosphere allows for the exploration of local resources, including pet stores and local bodies of water. Assembling a tabletop biosphere and observing on over months and possibly years, sparks curiosity and supports learning about ecology and living ecosystems. Read more in our post, “Tabletop Biosphere: Lessons in Biology.”

HERPETOLOGY/CITIZEN SCIENTIST: Not long from now, local ponds, wetlands, and vernal pools will be teeming with life. These aquatic habitats are home to a variety of fascinating species – including many types of frogs! As the landscape awakens, families can prepare for the appearance of local amphibian species by learning to identify common species, exploring the life cycle of amphibians, and engaging in citizen science opportunities. Read more in our post, Listen for Frogs, Become a Citizen Scientist“.

____

Start planning now!

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Online Events: Suggest a distant learning event!

• Thursday, April 16, 10am – SPECIAL NEEDS/SUPPORT: Special Needs Family Alliance. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
• Thursday, April 16, 8pm – MUSIC STUDIES/PIANO SONATA: Live-stream only: Schubertiade VIII: Piano Sonatas 3 with Jiayan Sun, piano. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

NATURE-BASED LEARNING/GREAT BARRINGTON LAND CONSERVANCY: Connecting with nature and sharing discoveries is a great way to stay connected to where you live (while supporting nature-based learning!) during challenging times. The Great Barrington Land Conservancy (GBLC) invites folks to participate as a family or individual in a nature-focused activity they designed for home. During April 2020, GBLC will hold a Tree Seed Photo Challenge. Each week they will post a photo of a seed and ask you to identify it. This challenge leads up to Arbor Day (always the last Friday in April in Massachusetts), where participants will be entered to win prizes. This is a great community invite to step outside, engage with nature, and to learn a little bit more about GBLC and the mission of Arbor Day.

NATURE CENTER/HITCHCOCK CENTER: Keep connected with nature and the seasons while staying safe at home! The Hitchcock Center in Amherst, MA, has virtual nature-inspired offerings, including their favorite off-the-beaten-path hikes, teaching resources, animal anecdotes, seasonal discoveries, bird watching, and nature-based bingo! Find out more online: www.hitchcockcenter.org.

ENTOMOLOGY/BUTTERFLIES: Why Is Blue So Rare In Nature? “Among living things, the color blue is oddly rare. Blue rocks, blue sky, blue water, sure. But blue animals? They are few and far between. And the ones that do make blue? They make it in some very strange and special ways compared to other colors. In this video, we’ll look at some very cool butterflies to help us learn how living things make blue, and why this beautiful hue is so rare in nature.” – It’s Okay To Be Smart

ECOLOGY/VERNAL POOLS: Vernal pools, also known as ephemeral pools, are temporary pools of water that occur in the spring, hence the name ‘vernal.’ They are caused by winter snow melt or seasonal rain. Despite being dry for most of the year, these pools are a vital part of the ecological landscape. Because they are temporary, fish do not live in them, which allows for reptile, amphibian, and insect species to thrive. Many species of amphibians travel to the vernal pools for mating. They lay their eggs in the pools and then when they hatch, the creatures travel out of the pools. Due to this, vernal pools can be one of the busiest ecosystems in nature. New England is home to many vernal pools and are especially active at this time of year. They’re a great example of “nature’s classroom!”

FORESTS/ECOLOGY: The taiga, also known as the boreal forest, is the largest biome, or animal and plant habitat, on the planet. This forest encircles the northern portions of the globe and accounts for around 30 percent of the world’s forests. In North America, the southernmost portion of the forest includes parts of northern New England, where it is known as the north woods. Scientific research has confirmed what traditional communities have always known: the forest is a sentient superorganism made up of individuals that are capable of communicating with each other. Tragically, despite this and the fact that all life on earth requires forests due to their ability to capture carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, billions of trees are cut down every year, and only 5% of the world’s old-growth forests remain. Screen the film The Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees and learn about the science of what makes the sacred northern forests so vital to our survival as a species and the impact a single person can have in the restoration of our forests.

DENDROLOGY/ECOLOGY: For more online tree learning links, check out this list Regreen Springfield posted to their website for using to introduce trees and the natural world via the web.

ECOLOGY/RECOMMENDED READING: The Ripple: Synchronization of the Watershed Flora & Fauna

Start planning for Fall 2020!

Friday, April 17, 2020

Online Events: Suggest a distant learning event!

• Friday, April 17, 11am – SOCIAL STUDIES/CURRENT AFFAIRS: The Stranger and the City: An Online Seminar on HOME. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
• Friday, April 17, 7:30-9:30 – MUSIC STUDIES/FOLK MUSIC: “Songs we need to hear during a Pandemic” (Online Swap). Greenfield, MA.

FASHION HISTORY/HISTORIC NORTHAMPTON: History at Home with Historic Northampton. The museum’s new virtual learning and engagement resources support an interest in local history through their collections and activities. Online learning featured on their website includes fashion history, as shown in this video featuring the history and purpose of a “cardinal cloak.”

VENTFORT HALL/AMERICAN HISTORY: Take a virtual tour of Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum in Lenox, MA! Ventfort Hall is an imposing Jacobean Revival-style mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, the sister of J. P. Morgan. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Ventfort Hall is the home of The Museum of the Gilded Age. The Gilded Age as a time of rapid economic growth in the United States, occurring in the late 19th century. Ventfort Hall was one of the approximately seventy-five so-called “Cottages” built in Lenox in the last century when the village became a popular Gilded Age resort. Through exhibits and events, The Museum of the Gilded Age interprets the great changes that occurred in American life, industry, and society during the Nineteenth Century, a fascinating period of American history. For more information, take a virtual tour in this video and visit them online at http://www.gildedage.org.

AVIATION HISTORY/VIRTUAL MUSEUM: The New England Air Museum in Windsor, CT, has made it easy for folks to stay engaged with the museum online while supporting studies in STEM, aerodynamics, and history through the lens of aviation!

SOCIAL MOVEMENTS/LUDDITES: Sewing has been a vital part of human life for more than ten thousand years. The earliest forms of sewing involved using animal sinews and bones. The world’s first sewing machine was invented in 1790 by Englishman Thomas Saint and the technology quickly shifted the production of textiles from the home to massive mills throughout England. Working conditions in these mills were exceedingly harsh and artisans whose skills had been passed down for generations suddenly found themselves being replaced by unskilled laborers. The general sentiment among textile workers was that automation and industrialism were bound to make them increasingly irrelevant. This situation came to a head in the early 19th century, while Great Britain was embroiled in the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. Groups of weavers and other textile workers began burning down mills and destroying machines. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Ned Ludd, who allegedly destroyed two stocking frames in 1779, the workers began calling themselves ‘Luddites.’ The response by the British government was severe. At one time during the Luddite Uprising, which lasted until 1817, there were more British troops fighting the Luddites than fighting Napoleon. All over the country, the Luddites attacked industrialism by all possible means. Mill owners were assassinated, merchants who traded in industrially produced textiles were attacked, and countless machines were destroyed. After the British government declared the destruction of a machine to be a capital crime and increasing numbers of Luddites and their sympathizers were hanged or killed by the army, the movement lost momentum. The legacy of Luddites, however, has had an enormous impact on the history of the labor rights movement. Renowned historian Eric Hobsbawm, for example, identified machine breaking as an early form of “collective bargaining by riot.”

THE TRUSTEES/LOCAL HERITAGE: The Trustees of Reservations has launched a new Trustees at Home page on their website. Get a virtual dose of nature. Connect with art, culture, and history. Learn how to cultivate your garden. Keep the kids busy. Visit one of their working farms. And more!

HISTORY OF COLOR/NATURAL DYES: Did you know that Tyrian purple, one of the most valuable and ancient natural dyes, is actually created by grinding up the shells of tens of thousands of sea snails? The color produced by this dye is a vibrant reddish purple that actually becomes brighter over time! This dye was being used by the Phoenicians in the Eastern Mediterranean as early as 1570 BCE and was a major status symbol for members of the Roman and Byzantine nobility. As a matter of fact, at certain periods, the only people allowed to wear clothing dyed with purple were members of the imperial family itself! Natural dyes can create a wide variety of bright and colorful hues. Learn about natural plant dyes in the exhibit guide for The Art and Science of Dyeing (And check it out in person at The Botanic Garden of Smith College through June 30, 2020 once they reopen.)

RENAISSANCE HISTORY/SWORD FIGHTING: Are your children or teens interested in history? Theater? Sword fighting? Learning about history can be extra engaging with an intersecting interest, especially one which can be active and participatory. Several community-based resources can support learning about history through an interest in sword-fighting and theater, along with online opportunities to guide the way. The Pioneer Valley Fencing Academy in Easthampton and Riverside Fencing Club are two local educational services that offer classes and engaging Facebook posts that encourage online learning. And Shakespeare & Company in Lenox is known for providing backstage guided tours where visitors can try out swords used as props in productions. This interest can further be explored online with a read of Shakespeare Theater Company’s tip of the hat to such props, the unsung heroes of theater. But interest in history and sword fighting can connect to not only theater but also films and literature. The classic family film, The Princess Bride, based on the 1973 novel of the same name by William Goldman, contains a famous sword fighting scene with accurate references to historical sword fighting techniques. Screening this film, or The Mark of Zorro, can be a fun way to see sword fighting in action at home while catching references to historically significant fencers such as Rocco Bonetti, Agrippa, and Capo Ferro. You can screen the film as an introduction to the history of sword fighting, and kids who love the film can also consider reading the book upon which it is based, or vice versa.

ART HISTORY/VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOUR: Norman Rockwell Museum’s online museum resource, Illustration History, allows families to explore the history of the art of illustration. Filled with important and interesting images, biographical information about artists, and information explaining the cultural context of illustrations, Illustration History provides an in-depth look at the role of illustration and the transformations that the art has undergone as culture has evolved. Read more in our post, Illustration History: Online Educational Resource & Archive for the Art of Illustration.”

SOCIAL STUDIES/CARTOGRAPHY: While old maps are interesting on their own, they provide an excellent entry point for studies of local history. The state department of education includes local history in their frameworks for third-grade social studies. Still, local history is a topic that can be learned about at varying depths by students of all ages. Read more in our post, “Maps of Massachusetts: Supporting Social Studies & Local History.”

WOMEN’S HISTORY/PAST & PRESENT RESIDENTS: Western Massachusetts is home to so many women changemakers who have dedicated their lives to enacting social change through the arts, critical inquiry, and learning. Still today, there are many women poets, writers, activists, artists, teachers, educators, and scientists that reside in Western Massachusetts who continue to work towards positive social change that fosters female empowerment and diversity. These efforts add to women’s voices in our globalized society and economy! March is Women’s History Month, a national observation that honors and pays tributes to those women who dedicated their lives to social justice, the environment, education, and positive change for society. Their fortitude and perseverance as pioneers are honored during the month of March. Read more in our post, “Local Women & Local History:Understanding New England Women’s Lives from the Past.”

CULTURAL HISTORY/TOILET PAPER: Let’s learn through the lens of toilet paper! Oddly tied to current affairs, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has left many grocery store shelves empty of toilet paper! Why? Fear of a dirty behind? Who knows. But what we do know is the history behind (pun intended!) toilet paper. History Guy shares a look at world history and culture in his video, A Brief History of Toilet Paper.

CREATIVE FREE-PLAY: We have a couple of columns that have great ideas for generating both facilitated and self-directed play. Check out these archived columns, What to Play? Play Ideas for Family & Community and Let Them Grow: Fresh Ways to Engage Toddlers in Creative Free Play.

_____

Mark Your Calendars.
Local Online Opportunities.
Virtual. Online. Zoom.

SUGGEST AN ONLINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY!

Tuesday, April 19, 12am – Saturday, April 25, 11:30pm – CHEMISTRY: Digital Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) 2020. Global. (FREE)

Monday, April 20, 8-10pm – FILM STUDIES: VIRTUAL: Far Out Film Discussion via Zoom: The Hypocrites. Northampton, MA (FREE)

Tuesday, April 21, 7-8pm – EAST ASIAN STUDIES: Samurai: Fact and Fiction, with Dr. Ethan Segal, Michigan State University. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

April 22-24: ECOLOGY/CONSERVATION: Earth Day Live.

Wednesday, April 22, 12-1pm – GARDENING/POLLINATOR GARDENS: Webinar: Save the Pollinators! Save the Planet! (FREE)

Thursday, April 23, 7:30-9:30pm – MUSIC STUDIES/SONG SWAP: “The Ecological Crisis is Here” (Online Swap). Greenfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, April 25, 9:30-11am – TODDLER/PARENT: Baby Sign Language Workshop. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

Monday, April 27, 7-8:30pm – LITERATURE/BOOK DISCUSSION: VIRTUAL: Great Books Discussion: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

Monday, April 27, 8-10pm – FILM STUDIES: VIRTUAL: Far Out Film Discussion via Zoom: Dr. Mabuse the Gambler. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, April 28, 3:30-4:15pm – YA BOOK CLUB: VIRTUAL ONLY: Kids’ Book Club: King of the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, April 29, 7-8pm – EAST ASIAN STUDIES/PHILOSOPHY: Confucianism, with Dr. Jeffrey Richey, Berea College. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, May 9, 10am-3pm – MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS/EXERCISE: Virtual Walk MS. Florence, MA. (FUNDRAISER)

Wednesday, May 6, 6pm – SPECIAL NEEDS/SUPPORT: Special Needs Family Alliance. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, May 13, 7-8pm – EAST ASIAN STUDIES/RELIGION: Religion in China: Daoism, with Dr. Jeffrey Richey, Berea College. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, June 3, 7-8pm – EAST ASIAN STUDIES/RELIGION: Religion in China: Buddhism, with Dr. Jeffrey Richey, Berea College. Amherst, MA. (FREE).

Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Chester, Gill, Goshen, Hadley, Heath, Hinsdale-Peru, Holyoke, Montgomery, Mt. Washington, New Salem, Northern Berkshire, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Springfield, Washington, Westhampton, and Windsor Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.