DIAMOND, Mo. - George Washington Carver National Monument announced the 2011 Summer Junior Ranger program for girls and boys 10 to 12 years old. Reservations are required for this free program. Call to reserve a place for your child. Summer Junior Rangers spend three Saturdays, July 16, 23 and 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. exploring the grounds of George Washington Carver National Monument and learning about George Washington Carver’s life.

Several fun activities are planned for each week.

Junior Rangers will conduct a series of science experiments in the lab, using peanuts and sweet potatoes, followed by a reenactment of Carver’s 1921 appearance before the U.S.

Congress, discovering how he became the nationally known “Peanut Man.”

Archeological investigations played a role in the establishment of the monument. Junior Rangers will get a behind-the-scenes look at artifacts, and then use tools at a practice dig site. To determine water quality, Junior Rangers will wade in the Carver Branchto collect specimens. A trip to the science lab to use microscopes will help identify specimens.

To burn or not to burn, that is the question! Junior Rangers will conduct field research and collect data to study tallgrass prairie ecology. Kids will walk to selected prairie units, toss hula hoops and count the number of species in the ring, then compare results from another unit.

Focusing on recycling and alternative energy, Junior Rangers will travel to Neosho to visit a recycling center, then the Crowder College solar and wind energy programs. A picnic and a visit to the site of Carver’s first school will complete the road trip.

George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver, scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The monument is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri on Missouri Highway V, then south on Carver Road. For more information, call the park at 417-325-4151 between 9 a.m.

and 4:30 p.m.

School, Pages 9 on 06/01/2011