Grow, eat, preserve
Learn how to save fresh produce through freezing, dehydrating and fermenting techniques. On May 7 6:30 p.m. join the second class in the “Grow It, Eat It, Preserve It” series offered though University of MD Extension.
Register online to attend the free class at https://go.umd.edu/preservingfood. Technique demonstrations and recipes will be included.
If you missed Session 1 of “Canning at Home,” it will be offered again on May 14, at 6:30 p.m. Registration available at https://go.umd.edu/homecanning

Figure it out!
Sports fans! Spend some time reliving baseball history with the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture’s digital jigsaw puzzles and the center’s online exhibit. Link to the puzzle at jigsawplanet.com and exhibit at libapps.salisbury.edu.

CBMM’s Rising Tide
As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels has begun offering virtual sessions of its free Rising Tide After-School Program.
At 3:30 p.m. every Thursday, students in grades six to nine are invited to log on and work with CBMM educators to learn a variety of at-home lessons, covering everything from how to create origami to understanding buoyancy and displacement. Most sessions also include a virtual field trip, inviting students to experience other places and cultures without ever having to leave their living rooms.
“Since 2015, Rising Tide has provided a welcoming, relaxed environment for students in grades six through nine to learn hands-on skills through after school and summer programming,” Director of Education Jill Ferris said. “With students at home and CBMM closed, it was important for our instructors to bring Rising Tide to a virtual platform to provide the mentoring, support, and engagement that are so foundational to the program.”
Upcoming lessons will include activities like building cardboard boats, participating in a green energy scavenger hunt, and learning about boatbuilding tools from a mystery guest. To register your student, or for additional information, email risingtide@cbmm.org. New students are welcome to join these virtual classes whether they’ve previously participated in Rising Tide or not.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is currently closed to the public on a 24-hour basis. CBMM’s staff continues to work remotely and is monitoring COVID-19 and the Governor’s Office very closely to provide ongoing communication as the situation unfolds to determine when CBMM will reopen. For more information and the quickest access to updates, visit cbmm.org.

Origami improves school skills
Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, has applications in the modern-day classroom for teaching geometry, thinking skills, fractions, problem solving, and fun science.
What do pizza boxes, paper bags, and fancy napkins have in common? Well, you might have guessed it — origami.
The ancient art of paper folding, is making a comeback. While some of the oldest pieces of origami have been found in ancient China and its deepest roots are in ancient Japan, origami can make an impact in today’s education too. This art form engages students and sneakily enhances their skills, including improved spatial perception and logical and sequential thinking.
Children love origami as evidenced by how they are enamored with their first paper airplane, paper hat, or paper boat. And while we might not always think about it, origami surrounds us -- from envelopes, paper fans, and shirt folds to brochures and fancy towels. Origami envelops us (forgive the pun). Origami has been found to improve not only 3D perception and logical thinking (PDF), but also focus and concentration.

Researchers have found that students who use origami in math perform better. In some ways, it is an untapped resource for supplementing math instruction and can be used for geometric construction, determining geometric and algebraic formulas, and increasing manual dexterity along the way.
In addition to math, origami is a great way to merge science, technology, engineering, art, and math all together: STEAM.
Activities with diagrams suitable for children and adults can be found at edutopia.org.