Hands-On Science to “Unearth a Story”

by Debbie Hadley on January 12, 2026

Thanks for your interest in booking a hands-on science program in 2026! WILD Jersey recommends four programs for the “Unearth a Story” summer reading theme:

NEW! Seashell Geodes – We’ll take a look inside some real crystal geodes and talk about how they form. Then kids will make their own Borax crystal geodes from seashells! (ages 8-12)

Find a Fossil – Be a paleontologist for a day as we excavate real fossils from a mock rock. Children get to identify and label a fossil, then take it home to keep. (ages 8-12)

Faux Fossils – Learn how fossils teach us about living things of long ago. Children will examine some real fossils, and then make their own fossil impression to keep. (ages 5-7)

Gemstone Dig – Look for gemstones in a mock rock, then clean and identify them. Children will take home the gemstones they find. (ages 5-12)

Please download my WILD Jersey 2026 Program Fee Schedule for costs.

Tagged as: 2026 library programs, hands-on science programs, summer reading, Unearth a Story

NEW! Mandala Sand Art

June 21, 2025

My new Sand Painting program for kids has been a big hit! I’m now offering a version of the activity for teens or adults – Mandala Sand Art. Mandalas are geometric designs, and coloring a mandala is meant to help focus the mind. We’ll use colored sand to “paint” our mandala designs, a tactile technique […]

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WILD Jersey Programs for 2025!

January 13, 2025

Thank you to all who booked WILD Jersey programs in 2024! I hope to work with you again this year. For current program fees, please download my Wild Jersey Program Fees 2025. This year, I’m offering two new programs for the Color My World summer reading theme: Sand Painting – Kids will choose a design, […]

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WILD Jersey Programs for Summer Reading 2024

January 2, 2024

Thank you for your interest in my hands-on programs for kids! I’ve listed programs appropriate for the 2024 summer reading them, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” including a new program – Animal Track Casting. I do also offer programs for teens, adults, seniors, and audiences with special needs. I’m working on updating my website with […]

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WILD Jersey 2023

January 30, 2023

Thanks to everyone who booked a program in 2022! I’m happy to provide you with my program offerings and fees for 2023. If you’re interested in booking a program or have a question, please email me at the address on the flyer. Please NOTE: I will continue to mask for all programs, and am currently […]

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Oceans of Possibilities – Summer 2022

January 2, 2022

It’s been a loooonnnnnng two years! Thanks to those of you who reached out since the pandemic started. And for those of you visiting my website now, yes, I will be offering in-person programs this summer, including two programs perfect for this summer’s reading theme. Gyotaku Fish Printing is a hands-on art activity, with an […]

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Happy 50th Earth Day in 2020!

January 17, 2020

Thinking of booking a hands-on environmental activity for kids at your library this spring? My April calendar is filling up quickly as we get ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Download the WILD Jersey 2020 fee schedule to get started on finding an activity to meet your budget this program season.

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New Programs for the 2019 Summer Reading Theme

February 8, 2019

Looking for some fun, hands-on science activities to support this summer’s “A Universe of Stories” space theme? I’m offering two new programs to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our mission to the moon! We’ll be launching Bubble Rockets and racing Lunar Rovers as we put Newton’s Law to the test. Download the 2019 program fee […]

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Upcoming WILD Jersey Programs at Area Libraries

April 3, 2017

Does your child love science? I’m bringing all kinds of hands-on fun to area libraries over the next few months. Contact the host library for each event to find out how to register for the program. Thank you to all the NJ librarians who support my programs! May 2017 Seed Balls Fair Haven Library Tuesday, […]

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Build a Better World

January 6, 2017

Librarians, are you looking for children’s programs to fit the 2017 summer reading program? Here are some recommendations to complement the “Build a Better World” theme. Build a Potato-Powered Light (NEW!) We’ll learn how batteries work, and then make a potato battery to power an LED light. Kids will take home a kit and the know […]

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