Rhythm Kids Around the World: Live from Kenya

Visit with the Elephants at the Mpala Living Laboratory
Wednesday, March 3, 12:30 PM ET

This semester, our Rhythm Kids are drumming and jamming along to rhythms inspired by elephants. On Wednesday, March 3, at 12:30 PM ET, we’re going on a virtual field trip to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat . . . at the world-renowned Mpala Research Centre in Nanyuki, Kenya. While showing us around, Mpala Executive Director Dr. Dino Martins will share elephant facts kids will love, talk about the role families everywhere can play in conservation, and swap musical stories with Rhythm Kids creator Tom Foote. Bring your elephant questions and something to drum on . . . ’cause you know we’ll be making music, too! Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. Geared for ages 3+ (and grownups!).

Visit Mpala Live!

See Animals in their Natural Habitats: https://www.mpalalive.org/

At Mpala Live, you can watch the interactions between animals living on the Mpala Research Centre in Eastern Kenya. There are several views to choose from, each showing a different habitat! The site also includes a field guide and other resources for learners.

Join the Mpala Live Mailing List to stay updated on their work and how you can support it.

About Dr. Dino Martins

Dr. Dino J. Martins, a Kenyan entomologist and evolutionary biologist, is currently the Executive Director of the Mpala Research Centre and a Research Scholar and Lecturer in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. At Mpala, Dr. Martins leads the institution’s mission of science, education, and conservation, serves as Chief Scientist, teaches and mentors students, and oversees the Insect-Plant Interactions Lab. Dr. Martins’ current scientific research is focused on the evolution and ecology of interactions between species: insects and plants, vectors and hosts and parasites. His work has been featured in the Smithsonian magazine, the Guardian, TED, the BBC, as well as in National Geographic.

About Mpala Research Centre

Mpala Research Centre was established in November 1994 at the core of the Ewaso ecosystem, a large, geographically diverse region of central Kenya, defined by the Ewaso Ng’iro River and its tributaries. The region is characterized by arid and semi-arid savannahs and woodlands, having an estimated 550 bird species and 100 mammal species, including large populations of elephants and rare species, such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and African wild dog. The region is unique in that little of it is formally protected, yet wildlife abundance rivals the renowned Maasai Mara and Serengeti ecosystems. The Mpala property is located on the Laikipia Plateau and has grown to be over 48,000 acres. It is a hub for experimental and manipulative research by visiting scientists and students. Mpala provides a “living laboratory” without the restrictions of a national park, allowing scientists to manipulate the environment and conduct landscape-level, controlled experiments to explore basic science, address real-world problems, and ensure that sustainable livelihoods and economic advancement are synonymous with wildlife conservation. Learn more at www.mpala.org.

About Rhythm Kids

Rhythm Kids is an exciting and comprehensive music, movement, and drumming program that helps children complete the pathway of early childhood music development from birth to age 8. Rhythm Kids is segmented into two classes, one for children ages 4–5, and the other for children in Kindergarten, first, and second grades. Rhythm Kids was created by Tom Foote and developed with Kenneth K. Guilmartin.

Learn more about Rhythm Kids or find an online class