Discovery Center Museum is adding two new categories of classes to its fall offerings. In addition to classes for homeschool students, Discovery Center is opening those classes to children who will be doing virtual learning through their schools, yet have a schedule that allows them to enjoy some supplemental learning through either an in-person or online class. The museum’s education staff have also developed “Intensives” – classes digging deep into subjects as students meet in person once a week for six weeks.
All classes are for children ages 7 and older. Families can choose a date and time that works best for their schedule, as well as choose between in-person or virtual classes (virtual classes on Fridays only). Cost is $11 for Discovery Center members and $13 for the public. Fees are per child per class. Advance registration required. Payment must accompany registration. Registration closes 3:00 pm on Monday the week before class. Register online at www.discoverycentermuseum.org, or call (815) 963-6769.
COVID-19 Protocols: In accordance with state and local health guidelines, all students and staff will be required to wear face coverings (over nose and mouth). Exceptions can be made for people with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from safely covering their nose and mouth. Temperatures of all participants will be checked prior to entry into classroom.
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
It’s Rocket Science
Design a variety of rockets to blast off. Experiment with varying fuel amounts, wing shapes, and sizes. What design works best for you?
Session 1: Tuesday, Sept. 22; 10-11:30 am
Session 2: Wednesday, Sept. 23; 1:30-3:00 pm
Session 3: Thursday, Sept. 24; 10-11:30 am
Session 4: Friday, Sept. 25; 1:30-3:00 pm – virtual class
Insect Insides
Explore the insides of a landlubber grasshopper and see the similarities and differences between the body of an insect and the body of a human. Look at the similarities and differences between our skeletons, our eyes, our blood, and how we breathe! Learn the importance of insects within the ecosystem, especially large predators like grasshoppers!
Session 1: Tuesday, Oct. 6; 10-11:30 am
Session 2: Wednesday, Oct. 7; 1:30-3:00 pm
Session 3: Thursday, Oct. 8; 10-11:30 am
Session 4: Friday, Oct. 9; 1:30-3:00 pm – virtual class
Chemical Conundrums
Learn about chemical reactions in this exciting course! See how heat can be released by a chemical reaction, create new compounds, run your own tests! Witness liquids, solids, and gases change form right before your eyes! Utilize acids and bases to make a whole rainbow of colors. Work with proper safety equipment in a chemistry lab and learn to do experiments like a true scientist!
Session 1: Tuesday, Oct. 20; 10-11:30 am
Session 2: Wednesday, Oct. 21; 1:30-3:00 pm
Session 3: Thursday, Oct. 22; 10-11:30 am
Session 4: Friday, Oct. 23; 1:30-3:00 pm – virtual class
Take it Apart
Ever wonder what’s inside a computer, telephone or printer? Learn about the gears, pulleys and other simple machines that help make technology work. Then grab a screwdriver and join us as we investigate the inner workings of technology!
Session 1: Tuesday, Nov. 3; 10-11:30 am
Session 2: Wednesday, Nov. 4; 1:30-3:00 pm
Session 3: Thursday, Nov. 5; 10-11:30 am
Session 4: Friday, Nov. 6; 1:30-3:00 pm – virtual class
Game Lab
What makes a game fun? What makes a game winnable? How do you build strategies to win a game? We’ll learn how tabletop games are structured, and then build our own!
Session 1: Tuesday, Nov. 17; 10-11:30 am
Session 2: Wednesday, Nov. 18; 1:30-3:00 pm
Session 3: Thursday, Nov. 19; 10-11:30 am
Session 4: Friday, Nov. 20; 1:30-3:00 pm – virtual class
Elements of Energy
Discover the energy sources and uncover the connection between spinning things and electricity! Have a static-induced hair-raising experience, wire a light-up circuit you can take home or send to a friend, explore lightning, and turn crazy stuff into batteries!
Session 1: Tuesday, Dec. 1; 10-11:30 am
Session 2: Wednesday, Dec. 2; 1:30-3:00 pm
Session 3: Thursday, Dec. 3; 10-11:30 am
Session 4: Friday, Dec. 4; 1:30-3:00 pm – virtual class
NEW INTENSIVE CLASSES
Session Times: Mondays 1:30-3:00 pm
Cost: $70 Members / $85 Public
Registration deadline for Intensives is the Monday prior to the first week of class.
Coding 101
Learn basic coding skills using both screen-free and visual coding, like Blockly. Create and test your own code while programming Ozobots and Cubelets. Explore how coding and making intersect with a 3D printer in this hands-on coding course.
Class Dates: Sept. 21; Sept. 28; Oct. 5; Oct. 12; Oct. 19; Oct. 26
Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Take a deep dive into the systems of the human body and the processes that make it function. Dissect organs to learn how they work and how they contribute to our physiological processes.
Class Dates: Nov. 2; Nov. 9; Nov. 16; Nov. 23; Nov. 30, Dec. 7
About Discovery Center Museum
Discovery Center Museum is a children’s science museum providing hands-on math, science and art experiences for all ages with over 250 hand-on exhibits, planetarium, special area for children ages 6 and younger, and an outdoor science park. Discovery Center Museum is the nation’s 5th Best Museum for Families according to USA TODAY/10Best.com, and one of 12 museums included in Forbes.com’s article, The 12 Best Children’s Museums in the U.S. In 2020 Discovery Center earned the Trip Advisor “Traveler’s Choice” distinction. The Museum is located inside Riverfront Museum Park, 711 North Main Street, Rockford, Ill. General admission to the Museum is: $9 adults, $9 children (ages 2 to 17); free to Museum members and children age 1 and younger. Temporary public hours of operation are: 10 am to 12 pm and 1-3:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday by advance online reservation only. For additional information, call (815) 963-6769 or log onto our website at www.discoverycentermuseum.org.