Through a generous grant from T-Mobile, Science City has expanded it’s programming for Senior communities by creating a collection of Senior focused Discovery Areas-interactive classes designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, connection, and lifelong learning. The Discovery Areas explore a wide range of topics, including technology and its evolution, science, astronomy, engineering, art, movement, nature and hands-on making.

From building and programming robotic hands and exploring the changing world of technology, to casting Gelli prints, investigating the colorful cosmos, interacting with live animals, extracting fossils, and exploring movement through improvisation, each class provides seniors with an engaging, hands-on experience led by a Science City Educator. Together, these programs create opportunities for older adults to learn something new, explore their interests, connect with others and experience Science and Discovery in an accessible and memorable way!

Highlights

Location

Throughout Science City

Age Range

Adults

Topics Covered

Casting
Spectroscopy
Printing

Activity Type

Hands-On

Programs Schedule

Programs are scheduled Tuesday - Friday. Programs are a 90-minute experience.

Discovery Areas are not available during summer hours, Memorial Day - Labor Day.

Additional Fee?

Cost will be $6 per person

What’s Included

Senior Programs

Metal Casting and Weathering Techniques

Your group will learn the history of metal casting, jewelry making, and examples of how common household objects have been crafted for centuries. Get your hands dirty using molten pewter to make custom coins with a group of other eager makers and Science City Educators. We will also be weathering and oxidizing these coins using some cool chemical reactions. *Max number of participants: 20
Capturing the Colorful Cosmos

Senior guests will participate in an interactive program where they will learn about the science and physics of astronomy. They will attend a special presentation of our season star tour with a focus on stellar mechanics, after which they will build their own spectroscopes and learn how to identify different elements by observing their emission spectra.
The Art of Gelli Printing

This workshop is about Gelli Printing, or the process of using a ‘Gelli plate’ to create decorative surfaces. Many forms of printmaking require heavy and expensive machinery that is not accessible to many people. Gelli plates are easy and affordable, making it fantastic for hobbyists and artisans alike! In this workshop we will go over a brief history of Gelli prints as well as dive headfirst into experimental printmaking!
Life on Earth Tour-“Times, they are a changing”

Get a comprehensive view of life on Earth as you interact with some of Science City’s most popular exhibits. Start in SOS to get a view of modern Earth, go to Nature Works and experience a live animal interaction. End your tour in the Dino Lab with a hands-on fossil extraction. *Max number of participants: 15
Move to Improve: Memory & Mobility through Improvisation

Take center stage and discover the Science of Movement through the Art of Improvisation! Move to Improve invites active seniors to laugh, create, and move through engaging improv games and theatrical challenges designed to strengthen the mind-body connection. Along the way, participants will explore how creativity, memory, balance, and body awareness work together to support confident movement in everyday life. *Max number of participants: 20
Robotic Hand: Building and Programming

Participants will learn the basics of building and programming while using LEGOs to make a robotic arm to grab, lift, and place objects. Then participants will make modifications to complete a series of challenges. *Max number of participants: 16
Intro to Smartphones

What even is a “smartphone” anyways? During this session, participants will be able to discuss a variety of smartphone related topics, such as understanding basic usage, changing settings, connecting to Wi-Fi, and downloading or deleting applications.
Navigating Smartphone Settings

This intermediate-level session is all about understanding settings on smartphones/tablets. What kinds of “settings” can be changed, and how can users change them? During this session, participants will identify and locate their settings app, practice changing settings of their choice, identify which apps send notifications; ask specific questions about settings on their device.
Intro to Scams

Have you or someone you know ever been the victim of a scam? Are you aware of the different types of scams that exist which you want to avoid? During this session, participants will engage in a discussion about the most common types of scams, how to identify them, how to report them to the proper authorities, and steps to take to protect yourself and others from scammers.
Understanding Your Digital Footprint

What is a digital footprint – and why should you be aware of it? During this session, participants will learn what a digital footprint is, recognize what contributes to a digital footprint, and learn how to track their digital footprint online.
Intro to AI

The latest buzzword, artificial intelligence, seems like it’s taking over the world. But what exactly can it do, how is it utilized, and how can we recognize AI content? During this session, participants will learn how to define AI (artificial intelligence), recognize examples of AI-generated content, and brainstorm pros and cons of AI usage.

For Groups

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