DSNH

In-Museum Workshops

Our Education Department understands the needs of teachers in our area. Whether for public, private or homeschool educators, programs are designed to provide a high-quality learning experience for students while maintaining the fun, hands-on atmosphere that makes the field trip experience so rewarding. All programs are aligned to Academic Content Standards, and most include preliminary and post-visit activities.

All visiting groups can book either a Self-Guide Tour/Field Trip, or program-based visit that includes private workshops or a planetarium show. All available programs are listed by age and topic below. Be sure to visit our Field Trip page for complete guidelines, pricing, and policies for visiting groups, or to learn more about the Self-Guide option.

Teachers! Download our 2022 | 2023 STEM Guide 

Schedule a Workshop

Review descriptions for workshops below, listed by age/grade, then book your program online or by phone.

 SUBMIT A FIELD TRIP REQUEST FORM to begin booking your field trip and workshop!

 E-mail Education@BoonshoftMuseum.org or contact the Boonshoft Museum Education Department 937–275–7431, ext. 125 to speak directly to our friendly staff.

 Visit our Field Trip page to review current pricing and group visit policies.

Want more options, like group rates or in-classroom experience? Explore other programs and classes.

  

Children’s brains are like sponges—what they learn in their early years carries a lifetime impact. That’s why we offer high quality, engaging early childhood education designed to meet state standards and help your students grow.

Health

Hop, Wiggle & Roll
Get your students moving! This fun program introduces healthy foods and activities with the goal of developing habits for a healthy body.
Standards: ELDS: Approaches Toward Learning, Physical Well-being; Health Education: K-6 health education standards ORC 3313.60
Life Science

Honeybees a Buzzin’
What are insects and why are they so important? Learn about insects through active investigation and discuss their characteristics and life cycle. This program will explore the domain of the marvelous honeybee to illustrate their value in our world.
Standards: ELDS: Approaches Towards Learning; K.LS.1, K.LS.2

Meet the Animals
Get up-close and personal with live animals! Observe, explore, and compare the characteristics and behaviors of these animals and learn more about their natural environments. This educational experience finishes with a trip to the Discovery Zoo.
Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.PS.1,1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.LS.1, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2

Earth and Space Science

One World, One Sky (planetarium)
Join Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from China. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the Moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure can be presented with a brief tour of the current night sky for a total program length of 55 minutes or as a stand-alone program of 30 minutes.
Standards: K.ESS.2, 2.ESS.1

Sun, Moon, Earth & Stars (planetarium)
This program focuses on the Earth, Sun, and Moon, and provide an opportunity to “visit” the current night sky in the Caryl D. Philips Space Theater.
Standards: K.ESS.2

Physical Science

All Hands on Science
Watch your students make dazzling new discoveries in the explosive world of chemistry! Kids will use the scientific method to explore and experiment with the properties of solids, liquids and gases.
Standards: ELDS: Approaches Towards Learning, Physical Well-being; K.PS.1

 

Science Senses
Children’s senses allow them to observe and investigate their world, but what are these specific senses? Students will explore how their five senses can make discoveries and test ideas while engaging in hands-on lab activities in this sense-sational workshop.
Standards: ELDS: Approaches Towards Learning, Physical Well-being; K.PS.1, K.PS.2

Technology & Math

Science Tools & Measurement
Is a hammer the right tool to use to eat spaghetti? Is it a mile to the kitchen from your bedroom? In this workshop, students will learn measurement units and the right tools help us do a job safely and well. Students will engage in hands-on activities using proper scientific tools to complete specific tasks.
Standards: ELDS: Approaches Towards Learning, Physical Well-being; K.PS.1

Kindergarten

 

Kindergarten is a special time of transition—academically, socially, and emotionally. Each program is designed to meet Ohio’s Academic Content Standards and recognize the special developmental needs of Kindergarten children.

Health

Hop, Wiggle & Roll
Get your tuadents moving! This fun program introduces healthy foods and activities with the goal of developing habits for a healthy body.
Standards: ELDS: Approaches Toward Learning, Physical Well-being; Health Education: K-6 health education standards ORC 3313.60

Life Science

Honeybees a Buzzin’
What are insects and why are they so important? Learn about insects through active investigation and discuss their characteristics and life cycle. This program will explore the domain of the marvelous honeybee to illustrate their value in our world.
Standards: ELDS: Approaches Towards Learning; K.LS.1, K.LS.2

Workshops

Meet the Animals
Get up-close and personal with live animals! Observe, explore, and compare the characteristics and behaviors of these animals and learn more about their natural environments. This educational experience finishes with a trip to the Discovery Zoo.
Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.LS.1, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2

Earth and Space Science

One World, One Sky (planetarium)
Join Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from China. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the Moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure can be presented with a brief tour of the current night sky for a total program length of 55 minutes or as a stand alone program of 30 minutes.
Standards: K.ESS.2, 2.ESS.1

Storm Center SOS!
Join the Boonshoft team to study weather patterns and to examine the sun and discover its relationship to energy and weather. This program will feature the exhibit, Science On a Sphere®.
Standards: K.ESS.1, 1.ESS.2, 2.ESS.2, 2.ESS.3

Sun, Moon, Earth & Stars (planetarium)
This program focuses on the Earth, Sun, and Moon, and provide an opportunity to “visit” the current night sky in the Caryl D. Philips Space Theater.
Standards: K.ESS.2

Physical Science

All Hands on Science
Watch your students make dazzling new discoveries in the explosive world of chemistry! Kids will use the scientific method to explore and experiment with the properties of solids, liquids and gases.
Standards: ELDS: Approaches Towards Learning, Physical Well-being; K.PS.1

 

Science Senses
Children’s senses allow them to observe and investigate their world, but what are these specific senses? Students will explore how their five senses can make discoveries and test ideas while engaging in hands-on lab activities in this sense-sational workshop.
Standards: ELDS: Approaches Towards Learning, Physical Well-being; K.PS.1, K.PS.2

Technology & Math

Robotics
Robots are taking over the Museum! Join educators at the Boonshoft to get started on your robotics education. Students will learn basic build techniques and try their hand at simple programming tasks.
Standards: 1. PS.1, 1.PS.2, 2. PS.1, 3.PS.3, 4.PS.2, 5.PS.1; Technology: Society and Technology: Topic 1, 3;Design and Technology: Topic 1, 3

Science Tools & Measurement
Is a hammer the right tool to use to eat spaghetti? Is it a mile to the kitchen from your bedroom? In this workshop, students will learn measurement units and the right tools help us do a job safely and well. Students will engage in hands-on activities using proper scientific tools to complete specific tasks..
Standards: ELDS: Approaches Towards Learning, Physical Well-being; K.PS.1

Thinking like a Scientist — New!
Students will learn what a scientist is and understand a basic version of the scientific method during this hands-on program. They will be encouraged to ask lots of questions and then test them while studying incline plans and earthworms.
Standards: ELDS: Cognition & Gen. Knowledge, Approached Toward Learning, K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.PS.1

Grades 1–3

Early experiences last a lifetime!  All early elementary programs are designed to be engaging and build confidence in “doing” science, while meeting Ohio’s Academic Content Standards.

Life Science

Habitats & Homes: Animal Habitats
Discover how Ohio's wildlife survives in distinct environments and habitats. Explore the needs and daily lives of native animals. Students will get hands-on with real animal-built structures and meet live animals.
Standards: 1.ESS.1, 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 3.LS.1, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3

Meet the Animals
Get up-close and personal with live animals! Observe, explore, and compare the characteristics and behaviors of these animals and learn more about their natural environments. This educational experience finishes with a trip to the Discovery Zoo.
Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.LS.1, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2

Pond Study
Observe live animals and plants to explore their adaptations to life in a pond in this workshop unique to The Boonshoft! Discuss life in this aquatic habitat before venturing off to Coovert's Pond. Learn the life cycle and specific needs of several species. Seasonal and weather permitting.
Pond - Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 3.LS.1, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2, ENV.ER.3, ENV.ER.4, ENV.ER.5

Webs of Life
Explore the basic needs of organisms and their role in the environment. Students learn how animals interact with one another and trace the connections to form food webs. Predator-prey relationships are demonstrated with an owl pellet dissection in this experience.
Standards: K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2

Earth & Space Science

Great Planetary Adventure | Grade 3 Only (planetarium)
Following a brief visit to the night sky, students journey through the Solar System learning basic characteristics of each planet.
Standards: 5.ESS.1, 5.ESS.2, 5.ESS.3

Mineral Detectives
Become a mineral specialist by identifying characteristics like shine and hardness. Students will discover the many uses and purposes of the Earth's geological wonders while getting to touch real mineral specimens.
Standards: K.CC.3, 3.ESS.1, 6.ESS.1, 6.ESS.2, 6.ESS.3, 6.ESS.5

Starry Sky | Grade 3 Only (planetarium)
Tales of constellation and star myths are told to familiarize students with the evening sky. The stars and planets visible in the current night sky are featured along with topics such as the Milky Way meteors.
Standards: 5.ESS.2, 5.ESS.3

Storm Center SOS
Join the Boonshoft team to study weather patterns and to examine the sun and discover its relationship to energy and weather. This program will feature the exhibit, Science On a Sphere®.
Standards: K.ESS.1, 1.ESS.2, 2.ESS.2, 2.ESS.3

Sun, Moon, Earth & Stars (planetarium)
This program focuses on the Earth, Sun, and Moon, and provide an opportunity to "visit" the current night sky in the Caryl D. Philips Space Theater.
Standards: K.ESS.2

Physical Science

Attraction Action
Investigate the mystery of magnetism! From refrigerator magnets to car-lifting electro magnets, these magnificent materials are all around us. Hands-on exploration helps students understand how magnets work and can be used in a variety of different scientific settings.
Standards: 1.PS.2, 2.PS.1, 3.PS.3, 4.PS.2

Energy
What is energy? How does it change? What are the different forms of energy? Students discover the answers to these questions and more through hands-on experiments and exciting large scale demonstrations.
Standards: 1.ESS.1, 3.ESS.2, 3.PS.3, 4.PS.2, 5.PS.2, 6.PS.2, 6.PS.3

Matter
Matter is everywhere and makes up everything. Fun experiments and demonstrations captivate students as they explore the different states of matter and experience transformations right before their eyes.
Standards: K.PS.1, 1.PS.1, 3.PS.1, 3.PS.2, 4.PS.1, 4.PS.2, 6.PS.1, 6.PS.2

Motion
Hands-on experiments will bring the concepts of force and motion to life. Students will use different forces to move objects in a variety of ways. Students will also investigate how forces such as friction and gravity change the motion of objects.
Standards: 1.PS.1, 1.PS.2, 2.PS.1, 3.PS.3, 5.PS.1, 6.PS.3, 6.PS.4

Technology & Math

Bubbleology
Bubble fun goes beyond the bubble wand. Students learn the scientific method as they apply math and chemistry to explore the fantastic science of bubbles.
Standards: 3.PS.2, 6.PS.1, 6.RP.1, 6.G.1, 6.SP.5

Robotics
Robots are taking over the Museum! Join educators at the Boonshoft to get started on your robotics education. Students will learn basic build techniques and try their hand at simple programming tasks.
Standards: 1. PS.1, 1.PS.2, 2. PS.1, 3.PS.3, 4.PS.2, 5.PS.1; Technology: Society and Technology: Topic 1, 3; Design and Technology: Topic 1, 3

2009 Live animals 1

Grades 4–6

Programs for middle school grades encourage students to make connections between academic learning, personal experiences and society. In addition to meeting Ohio Academic Content Standards, these programs encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and taking action beyond the initial learning experience.

Life Science

Dissection Lab (formerly Amazing Body)
The human body is an incredible and complex machine. Using mathematic modeling and dissection tools, students will compare elements of human anatomy to other mammals and discover how similar we are.
Standards: 5.LS.2, 6.LS.4, B.DI.1, AP.LO.4, AP.LC.2

Genetics (formerly Genetics & Heredity)
Thomas Hunt Morgan won the Nobel Prize for his discoveries that help us better understand heredity. In this program students will develop new crosses to show linkage, discover sex-linked traits and mutations as they experience working as geneticists. Please schedule at least one month in advance to ensure adequate specimens.
Standards: 6.LS.1, 6.LS.2, 6.LS.3, 6.LS.4, 8.LS.1, 8.LS.2, 8.LS.3, B.H.1, B.H.2, B.H.3, B.H.4, B.H.5, B.E.1, B.E.2, B.DI.1, B.C.1, B.C.2

Historic Native Cultures of North America 
Native peoples living in different parts of North America developed many different ways of living. A Museum anthropologist will display material goods of these native peoples to compare the everyday lives of Inuit, people of the Northwest Coast, Southwest Coast, Eastern Coast, Plains, and Eastern Woodlands around the year 1890.
Standards: GR4.SS.Geog.9   Gr5.SS.Geog. 4, 6, 8   Gr6.SS.Geog.5

Meet the Animals
Get up-close and personal with live animals! Observe, explore, and compare the characteristics and behaviors of these animals and learn more about their natural environments. This educational experience finishes with a trip to the Discovery Zoo.
Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.LS.1, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2

Pond/River Study
Students become field biologists and ecologists as they examine macro invertebrates and water samples from the Stillwater River. Discover the chain reaction between pollution and the Stillwater's chemical composition to learn how it affects the river's living organisms. Field study takes place rain or shine; dress for the weather. In case of dangerous weather the program will be rescheduled. (Seasonal)
Pond - Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 3.LS.1, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2, ENV.ER.3, ENV.ER.4, ENV.ER.5
River - Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 3.LS.1, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2, ENV.ER.3, ENV.ER.4, ENV.ER.5, PG.ER.1, PG.ER.2, PG.ER.3

Paleontologist: Finding Fossil Evidence
How do scientists know about things that lived so long ago? This program introduces geologic time and the methods paleontologists use to determine the age of fossils.
Standards: 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.ESS.1, 4.LS.2, 8.ESS.4, 8.LS.1, 8.LS.2

Webs of Life
Explore the basic needs of organisms and their role in the environment. Students learn how animals interact with one another and trace the connections to form food webs. Predator-prey relationships are demonstrated with an owl pellet dissection in this experience.
Standards: K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2

Earth & Space Science

Cosmic Colors | Grades 5-6 Only (planetarium)
Following a brief visit to the night sky, students journey through the Solar System learning basic characteristics of each planet.
Standards: 5.PS.2

Earth's Changing Surface
How does the Earth's surface change? Take a closer look at how weathering, erosion and natural disasters continuously shape our planet. This program will feature the exhibit, Science On a Sphere®.
Standards: 4.LS.2, 6.ESS.3, , 8.ESS.1, 8.ESS.2, 8.ESS.3, 8.ESS.4, PW.EW.3, PS.EW.4, ENV.ES.3, ENV.ES.5, ENV.ER.4, PG.IMS.1, PG.GG.1, P.W.1, P.EM.5

Follow the Drinking Gourd (planetarium)
Explore the history of the Underground Railroad and discover how a seemingly simple folk song held hidden directions that helped escaping slaves use certain stars to guide themselves north to freedom. This program may include how latitude determines which stars are visible.
Standards: 5.ESS.3, 7.ESS.5

Great Planetary Adventure | Grade 4 only (planetarium)
Following a brief visit to the night sky, students journey through the Solar System learning basic characteristics of each planet.
Standards: 5.ESS.1, 5.ESS.2, 5.ESS.3

Mineral Detectives
Become a mineral specialist by identifying characteristics like shine and hardness. Students will discover the many uses and purposes of the Earth's geological wonders while getting to touch real mineral specimens.
Standards: K.CC.3, 3.ESS.1, 6.ESS.1, 6.ESS.2, 6.ESS.3, 6.ESS.5

Secret Lives of Stars | Grades 5-6 Only (planetarium)
Every star has a unique tale told over millions of years, and as scientists peer deeply into the night they learn of those stars' untold secrets. Examples are given of specific stars and how they have and will change over time in the life cycle of stars. This show is followed by a brief tour of the current night's sky.
Standards: HS.PS.U.3

Starry Sky (planetarium)
Tales of constellation and star myths are told to familiarize students with the evening sky. The stars and planets visible in the current night sky are featured along with topics such as the Milky Way meteors.
Standards: 5.ESS.2, 5.ESS.3

The Solar System: A Tour of the Planets (planetarium)
Students gain an appreciation of the Earth by learning about the beautiful, but hostile environments of other planets in our Solar System. The Sun, each of the eight planets, and Pluto are visited following a brief tour of the current night sky.
Standards: 5.ESS.1, 5.ESS.2, 5.ESS.3, 7.ESS.5

Physical Science

Energy
Get your students energized about physical science with this interactive ninety minute workshop. Content includes kinetic and potential energy, light and sound energy, and energy transformation. Cooperative learning strategies compared with exciting demonstrations makes this experience one you don't want to miss.
Standards: 1.ESS.1, 3.ESS.2, 3.PS.3, 4.PS.2, 5.PS.2, 6.PS.2, 6.PS.3

Matter
Matter is everywhere and makes up everything. Fun experiments and demonstrations captivate students as they explore the different states of matter and experience transformations right before their eyes.
Standards: K.PS.1, 1.PS.1, 3.PS.1, 3.PS.2, 4.PS.1, 4.PS.2, 6.PS.1, 6.PS.2

Motion
Hands-on experiments will bring the concepts of force and motion to life. Students will use different forces to move objects in a variety of ways. Students will also investigate how forces such as friction and gravity change the motion of objects.
Standards: 1.PS.1, 1.PS.2, 2.PS.1, 3.PS.3, 5.PS.1, 6.PS.3, 6.PS.4

Technology & Math

Bubbleology
Bubble fun goes beyond the bubble wand. Students learn the scientific method as they apply geometry and chemistry to explore the fantastic science of bubbles.

STEM_Kindergarten4

Grades 7-12

High school programs are designed to build knowledge, encourage critical thinking and problem solving, and to prepare students for their roles as decision makers in society. And of course, all programs are aligned to Ohio’s Academic Content Standards.

Life Science

Dissection Lab (formerly Amazing Body)
The human body is an incredible and complex machine. Using mathematic modeling and dissection tools, students will compare elements of the human anatomy to other mammals and discover how similar we are.
Standards: 5.LS.2, 6.LS.4, B.DI.1, AP.LO.4, AP.LC.2

Genetics (formerly Genetics & Heredity)
Thomas Hunt Morgan won the Nobel Prize for his discoveries that help us better understand heredity. In this program your students will develop new crosses to show linkage, discover sex-linked traits and mutations as they experience working as geneticists. Please schedule at least one month in advance to ensure adequate specimens.
Standards: 6.LS.1, 6.LS.2, 6.LS.3, 6.LS.4, 8.LS.1, 8.LS.2, 8.LS.3, B.H.1, B.H.2, B.H.3, B.H.4, B.H.5, B.E.1, B.E.2, B.DI.1, B.C.1, B.C.2

Historic Native Cultures of North America 
Native peoples living in different parts of North America developed many different ways of living. A Museum anthropologist will display material goods of these native peoples to compare the everyday lives of Inuit, people of the Northwest Coast, Southwest Coast, Eastern Coast, Plains, and Eastern Woodlands around the year 1890.
Standards: GR4.SS.Geog.9   Gr5.SS.Geog. 4, 6, 8   Gr6.SS.Geog.5

Meet the Animals
Get up-close and personal with live animals! Observe, explore, and compare the characteristics and behaviors of these animals and learn more about their natural environments. This educational experience finishes with a trip to the Discovery Zoo.
Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.LS.1, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2

Paleontologist: Finding Fossil Evidence
How do scientists know about things that lived so long ago? This program introduces geologic time and the methods paleontologists use to determine the age of fossils.
Standards: 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.ESS.1, 4.LS.2, 8.ESS.4, 8.LS.1, 8.LS.2

Pond/River Study
Students become field biologists and ecologist as they examine macro invertebrates and water samples from the Stillwater River. Discover the chain reaction between pollution and the Stillwater's chemical composition to learn how it affects the river's living organisms. Field study takes place rain or shine; dress for the weather. In case of dangerous weather the program will be rescheduled. (Seasonal)
Pond - Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 3.LS.1, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2, ENV.ER.3, ENV.ER.4, ENV.ER.5
River - Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 2.LS.1, 3.LS.1, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2, ENV.ER.3, ENV.ER.4, ENV.ER.5, PG.ER.1, PG.ER.2, PG.ER.3

Earth and Space Science

Advanced Astronomy (planetarium)
Advanced astronomy students will witness the motions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. Topics include retrograde motion, eclipses, the ecliptic, and the use of right ascension and declination.
Standards: HS.PS.U.1, HS.PS.U.2, HS.PS.U.3

Cosmic Colors | Grades 7-8 Only (planetarium)
Following a brief visit to the night sky, students journey through the Solar System learning basic characteristics of each planet.
Standards: 5.PS.2

Earth's Changing Surface
How does the Earth's surface change? Take a closer look at how weathering, erosion and natural disasters continuously shape the Earth's surface. This program will feature the exhibit, Science On a Sphere®.
Standards: 4.LS.2, 6.ESS.3, , 8.ESS.1, 8.ESS.2, 8.ESS.3, 8.ESS.4, PW.EW.3, PS.EW.4, ENV.ES.3, ENV.ES.5, ENV.ER.4, PG.IMS.1, PG.GG.1, P.W.1, P.EM.5

Follow the Drinking Gourd (planetarium)
Explore the history of the Underground Railroad and discover how a seemingly simple folk song held hidden directions that helped escaping slaves use certain stars to guide themselves north to freedom. This program may include how latitude determines which stars are visible.
Standards: 5.ESS.3, 7.ESS.5

Secret Lives of Stars (planetarium)
Every star has a unique take told over millions of years, so as scientists peer deeply into the night they learn of those stars' untold secrets. Examples are given of specific stars and how they have and will change over time in the life cycle of stars. This show is followed by a brief tour of the current night sky.
Standards: HS.PS.U.3

The Solar System: A Tour of the Planets (planetarium)
Students gain an appreciation of the Earth by learning about the beautiful, but hostile environments of other planets in our Solar System. The Sun, each of the eight planets, and Pluto are visited following a brief tour of the current night sky.
Standards: 5.ESS.1, 5.ESS.2, 5.ESS.3, 7.ESS.5

Two Small Pieces of Glass (grades 7-8 only)
Two students interact with an astronomer at the local star property and along the way learn how telescopes work, the history of telescopes and some of the major discoveries made by using these instruments. This show is followed by a brief tour of the current night sky.
Standards: 5.PS.2

Water Quality
View the Earth from a new perspective as we uncover important global issues. Students will participate in hands-on activities that allow them to make connections between the Earth and human health. Your students will develop an understanding of how their actions affect us all and how we can improve environmental conditions.
Standards: 7.ESS.3, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2, ENV.ER.2, ENV.ER.3, ENV.ER.4, PG.ER.1, PG.ER.2, PG.ER.3, ENV.GP.2, ENV.GP.3, ENV.GP.5, ENV.GP.6

Be sure to visit

Looking for online resources to learn about the sciences? Be sure to visit ThinkTV's STEM World!