APEC's February Events Include Science Fair Event, Astronomy Class

Alley Pond Environmental Center’s February programs include a class on penguins, a science fair-themed event and an astronomy course.

The center, located 228-06 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston, will hold a penguin party from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 15.

During the class, children between the ages of 3 and 4 years will hear stories and view photos and actual penguin feathers. A snack and craft are included. The program costs $21 per child.

Young Discoverers: Acid Rain will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 2. This class, which is aimed at ages 8 to 12 years and costs $24 per child, will teach attendees about acids and bases as well as which instruments are used for testing products for acidity.

APEC’s Vet Tech 101 will run from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 8 and 22. This program, which is aimed at ages 10 to 13 years and costs $23, will teach participants the ins and outs of animal care, including eye examinations and checking teeth, gums and ears.

On Feb. 8, the center will host a science fair-themed event focused on invisible ink. The class, which is aimed at children between the ages of 7 and 8 years, costs $18.

Storytime Safari: Winter Clues will run from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 8 and costs $18. The class, which is for ages 5 and 6 years, will include a story about winter clues in the natural world as well as games, songs, snacks, a craft, nature walk and live animals.

APEC will host another penguin-themed event from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Feb. 9. This class will allow toddlers to socialize and take part in art projects, outdoor play, trail walks and music. The program, which is for children between 18 and 36 months, costs $16.

Tracking Winter Wildlife runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 15. This class, which costs $21 per child and is aimed at ages 8 to 12 years, will involve a walk through the trails of Alley Pond Park.

Attendees will search for scat, tracks and other clues left behind by the center’s animals. Attendees should prepare to get dirty and wear comfortable shoes.

Astronomer Mark Feilich will host an evening of star gazing from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 15.

Attendees will be able to view the moon and learn about the Orion Nebular, Pleiades Star Cluster and Deep Space Phenomenon. An interactive question and answer session on basic astronomy will be followed by an outdoor viewing using a professional telescope.

Although this is an adult program, children above the age of 9 years may be accompanied by an adult. The class costs $16.

For more information on APEC’s classes, call 718-229-4000, ext. 214.