Balls, Ramps and Rolling Things
SOL: K.1a, d, e, K.3, K.4a, b, d, 1.1b, c, 1.2, 2.1c, 2.2

Students will explore the world of force and motion, and investigate gravity, magnets and friction. They will use their senses to identify heavy and light objects. Students will predict how gravity will make objects move, then conduct experiments with ramps to check their prediction. They will also experiment with magnets and learn how they can move objects.

Scheduling Tip! Goes well with the IMAX film Thrill Ride: The Science of Fun.

Shapes and Lines
Science SOL - K.4 a, b, d; K.8 a, b • Art SOL: K.3

Using visual cues, supplemented by oral discussion, students will identify the shapes and lines that are used to depict objects in art. They will learn a song to reinforce finding shapes within a picture. Students will recognize and reproduce lines in works of art. They will identify and match shapes in a picture.

Space Cadets
SOL: K.1, K.4, K.6, 1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 2.5

Students will observe models of the sun, Earth and moon, and then identify the color, shape and relative size of the objects. Using an astronaut puppet, students will identify what living things need to survive (food, water, air and shelter), and how to provide those needs in space. They will learn that animals, including people, cannot survive in space unless their needs are met, and that they depend on the surroundings to meet their needs.

Scheduling Tip! Goes well with the IMAX film Space Station 3D and the demonstration Space Freeze I.

Wee Weather
SOL: 1.7, 2.6

Students will collect weather data (temperature, wind and precipitation) provided by simulated weather instruments. They will identify these readings with the actual pattern of weather or climate represented and will choose appropriate clothing for the various weather conditions indicated. Students will learn about the water cycle, and will identify the different types of clouds.

Scheduling Tip! Goes well with the IMAX film Stormchasers. Ask about our Wacky Weather Wednesdays with 13 News!

Spud Senses
(available for Grades K-1 only)
SOL: K.1, K.2a, b, 1.1, 1.5a, b, c

Using a life size, cuddly spud, students will have a great time using their senses! As a face is created out of our friendly "potato," observations will allow students to classify shapes, develop picture graphs, and identify different smells. Simple tools, such as a magnifying glass, help enhance the sensory experience.

Scheduling Tip! Goes well with the new traveling exhibit
Animal Grossology (beginning January 30, 2010).

Space Freeze I: A Cryogenics Demo
SOL: 1.1a, g, 2.1, 2.3

Observing liquid nitrogen, students will learn that matter changes state from gas to liquid as temperature decreases, and from liquid to gas as heat is added. Students will predict and observe the results as air-filled balloons are experimentally submerged in a container of liquid nitrogen. They will observe how liquid nitrogen causes a physical change in water.

Scheduling Tip! Goes well with the IMAX film Space Station 3D, the program Space Cadets and the new Space Quest gallery.

Structures
SOL: Science 2.1 • Social Studies 2.1, 2.3

Students will identify two dimension (plane) figures, and differentiate between two and three dimension figures. Using pictures and models, students will identify three dimensional figures used in the architecture of ancient civilizations including pyramids (Egypt), columns and arches. They will also identify the use of these basic structures in modern construction. Conducting an experiment, students will first predict the ability of structures to support increased weights, and then observe the result of the experiment.

Scheduling Tip! Goes well with the IMAX film Mysteries of Egypt.

Jr. Mad Scientist
SOL: K.1, 1.1, 2.1

The students will observe simple experiments using the scientific method, with emphasis on observation and prediction. The students will identify the states of matter and classify objects within each state, as well as identify and classify two and three-dimensional shapes in order to construct a graph. Using a bell jar, the students will make observations and predictions on the effect of a vacuum on common objects. A balance scale will be used to test the accuracy of weight predictions made only by visual observation.

Robots
SOL: K.1a,c, K.4e, 1.2, 2.1a

What are robots? Can robots do everything that people do? Watch one of your classmates become a robot! Help program our Roamer Bot. Experiment with various types of robots to perform different movements and tasks.