Science and Art Program during April School Break

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SOUTH ERGEMONT, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute and Greenagers will hold a science and art exploration program during the April school break. 
 
The program is geared for children aged 7 to 13 years and runs April 15-18, 2024, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (with early drop-off at 8:30 am), at the April Hill Education and Conservation Center in South Egremont. 
 
Participants will engage in science investigations, art projects, engineering challenges and nature explorations. During February Break, students explored material science by making phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) polymers and learned about sound by making oscilloscopes. Students also took part in an engineering challenge by using sticks, marshmallows and straws to design structures, and were introduced to TinkerCad design software and 3D printers. They learned about sheep, observed wool and other fur samples under the microscope, and created felted wool projects. The program concluded with an outdoor walk, scavenger hunt, and showcase of creations.
 
The April vacation week program will once again be located at April Hill Education and Conservation Center, which serves as the headquarters for Greenagers, as well as a resource for community gatherings and education. The nearly 100-acre property has nature trails, vegetable gardens, orchards, pastures and hayfields, and abuts the Appalachian Trail. 
 
"Flying Cloud Institute is pleased to partner with Greenagers on another exciting adventure! We look forward to engaging young scientists, artists, explorers and engineers with experiences that ignite their creativity," said Maria Rundle, Executive Director.
 
The cost is $220 for the four-day program and financial aid is available. To register, visit flyingcloudinstitute.org or call (413) 645-3058 with questions.
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Elevated Mercury Level Found in Center Pond Fish

BECKET, Mass. — The state Department of Public Health has issued an advisory after a mercury-contaminated fish was found in Center Pond. 
 
According to a letter sent to the local Board of Health from the Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention, elevated levels of mercury were measured in the sample taken from the pond. 
 
The concentration in the fish exceeded DPH's action level of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, or parts per million. 
 
"This indicates that daily consumption of fish from the waterbody may pose a health concern. Therefore, DPH has issued a FCA for Center Pond recommending that sensitive populations should not eat chain pickerel and all other people should limit consumption of chain pickerel to 2 meals/month," the letter states.
 
The letter specifically points to chain pickerel, but the 60-acre pond also has largemouth and smallmouth bass and yellow perch.
 
The "sensitive populations" include children younger than 12, those who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant.
 
The Toxicology Division recommends reducing intake of "large, predatory fish" or fish that feed on the bottoms of waterbodies, such as largemouth bass and carp. More information on safely eating fish can be found here
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