When schools close their doors for April vacation week, the entire world opens up. Sometimes, though, the details of mate gathering, nest building and egg laying slip by us without an expert to show us what's going on. For guidance that's fun and informative, stop by the George B. Dorr Museum at College of the Atlantic, where a full week of vacation activities has been planned. Sessions include activities for students in grades K through 12. Additionally, each day features a craft to make.

Monday, April 21
10-10:30 a.m.: Nature Walk: Grades K-2: Explore the woods around COA during a fun, half-hour walk on a path beside the ocean. Look for evidence of animals living around the area and for clues of spring.

3-4:30 p.m.: Spring Ecology Workshop: Grades 9-12: Interested in learning what it takes to design materials for a museum? Join College of the Atlantic students as they work on turning facts into clear, but artistic forms. This is an out-of-the-box way of looking at animals and information specifically designed to be in a museum.

All day: MakeYour Own Butterfly: Using coffee filters, markers and pipe cleaners you'll come home with your own beautiful butterflies.

Tuesday, April 22
10-11 a.m.: Scavenger Hunt: Grades K-2: Just what is that animal? Can you tell a sea gull from an osprey based on a foot? Join museum staff in a search for animals based on a series of pictures.

1-2 p.m.: Scavenger Hunt: Grades 3-5: Did you know . . .? Search around the museum as we try to find animals based solely on specific facts you've been given. Test your knowledge and let your brain expand!

All day: Make Your Own Picture Frame in Honor of Spring.

Wednesday, April 23
10-11 a.m.: Storytime: Ages 3-5: Join us for an hour of books, songs, crafts and fun.

1-2 p.m.: Natural History Pictionary: Grades 3-5: Draw animals-and try to guess what other visitors are drawing! This version of Pictionary revolves around animals in the Dorr Museum. While having fun being artistic, you'll also learn fascinating facts about different critters. No artistic talent needed, only an enthusiasm for fun and animals.

2-2:45 p.m.: Nature Walk: Grades 6-8: Explore the woods during a short oceanside walk. Look for evidence of animals living around the area and for clues of spring.
 
All day: Create Your Own Caterpillar: using old egg cartons and paint.

Thursday, April 24
11 a.m.-noon: "Who Done It?" Mystery Game: Grades 3-5: Join museum detectives as they try to solve a series of crimes around the natural history museum. The clues are within the museum and outside-but how to piece them together to unmask the true culprit? Will it be Dodgy Deer? Black-Banded Raccoon? Or maybe the most notorious of all, Beaver Bandit. 

2-2:45 p.m.: Nature Walk: Grades 3-5: Explore the woods around COA during a fun, short walk on a path overlooking the ocean. Look for evidence of animals living around the area and for clues of spring.

All day: Make Your Own Natural Bird Feeders: What do you get when you mix a pinecone, peanut butter and birdseed? A natural birdfeeder you can easily make yourself.

Friday, April 25
10 a.m.: Nature Walk: Grades 6-8: Explore the woods around COA during a fun, short walk on a path overlooking the ocean. Look for evidence of animals living around the area and for clues of spring.

3 p.m.: Scavenger Hunt: Grades 6-8: Riddle me this... How good are you at figuring out riddles? Search the museum for animals based on a series of riddles and see how much you know.

All day: Make Your Own Flowers: A Simple and colorful working of tissue paper can result in wonderful flowers! Join the museum as we make tissue paper flowers that will last long after real flowers have come and gone.

All sessions are free with museum admission and begin at the George B. Dorr Museum on the College of the Atlantic campus. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3.50 adults, $2.50 seniors, $1.50 teens, $1 children, free for museum members and children under 3 years old. Pre-registration is required, but it is possible to register on the day of the session. Wear comfortable shoes for outdoor activities (which may be cancelled due to weather). Call 288-5015 ext. 240 or 288-5395.