Early Learning Programs

Create Circuits!

Young makers will discover electricity and circuits by exploring electronic blocks. Participants will build a robot and add circuits to make it light up and move. They will add switches and explore other ways to control their circuits.

Design an Animal

It is the year 3,000 and it is now possible for humans to genetically engineer or create planets, and animals to live on that planet. You are one of the scientists working on the animals and it is your job to create an animal that will be perfectly suited to its environment on this new planet.

An Animal’s Armor

Working in groups and using the scientific methods of creating and testing a hypothesis, experimentation to draw conclusions, and then refine the hypothesis, students will build their own exoskeletons that stand up to the group challenge. Students will discover there is more to an insect’s exoskeleton than providing protection. Plus, we will have a few of our Nature Works insect and animal ambassadors on hand for up-close observation!

Kinder Testing

Safe laboratory tools such as graduated cylinders, beakers, test tubes, pipettes, tongs, and Petri dishes are used in multi-sensory learning activities. Scientific vocabulary is modeled and encouraged as children participate in beginning scientific studies. Science process skills of wondering, thinking, predicting, hypothesis making, testing, observing, and sharing aloud are emphasized

Make Music!

Young makers will learn about the physics of sound by exploring how and what they hear with different scientific tools. Students will make their own instruments and test them out while playing in our science symphony.

Reptile or Amphibian?

They may look similar but there are many differences between reptiles and amphibians. Which ones are slimy? Which ones are scaly? Which can have 4, 2 or no legs? Which lay eggs? Students will learn through observation of live Nature Works ambassadors, and a few hands-on experiments, which animal falls into what category. They will discover that both have some of the same adaptations, but the differences are many and important to the survival of each.

Science Meets Literacy

This program connects an early learning book with a science concept. Activities include multiple stations for hands-on experiences and learning. Topics include: Astonishing Air, Beginning Botanist, Blocks Measure Up, Busy Buzzing Bees, Discovering Shells, Feathered Friends, Magnificent Magnets, Rainy Weather, and Water Play.