The Springfield Museums present an exciting, intergalactic, family fun activity day—May the Fourth Be with You—Saturday, May 4, from 10 am to 5 pm.
The Museums are heading to a galaxy far, far away and we plan to sneak some learning into the picture!
“STEM learning—science, technology, engineering, and math—is incredibly important for our children to master,” said Family Engagement Coordinator Jenny Powers. “STEM is our future.”
Powers added: “Creativity is such an integral part of inventing and innovating, so we like to add an A for Art into STEM to also feature STEAM learning.” In addition to lots of hands-on science, Powers has arranged for David White, a Western Massachusetts-based artist, to be on hand to talk about the art he creates for video games and books.
What better way to slip a little learning into an active day filled with art, science, and technology than to don a costume and wield a pretend light saber. “Edutainment—education + entertainment—helps us all increase our knowledge and have fun!” Powers said.
Lots of edutainment is available May 4th at the Springfield Museums, Free with museum admission!
MAY 4TH HIGHLIGHTS
Meet Illustrator David White, 11 am-2 pm
David White is a Western Massachusetts-based artist who specializes in designing giant robots, or mecha, for video games and books. White has contributed concept art to over fifteen games including Transformers: War for Cybertron, Mechwarrior 4: Black Knight, and Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries. When not drawing robots, White illustrates children’s books for Scholastic and comics for LEGO Magazine.
The Music of Star Wars, noon-2 pm
Listen to your favorite themes from the Star Wars series played by local talented youth on piano in Blake Court.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
Character Appearances, 11 am-2 pm
Will you join the Dark Side? Or will you use the Force for good? Meet members of the Galactic Empire or the Rebel Alliance and choose a side.
Family Science Adventures, 11 am-2 pm
Explore the Science Museum and find the Roving Scientist. You never know what kind of demonstrations and hands-on activities they have in store for you!
Sabers and Swords, 11 am-3 pm
Compare and contrast a traditional European sword, a Japanese katana, and a light saber. How are they alike and how are they different? Make your own mini light saber, too.
Intergalactic Laboratory, 11 am-3 pm
Check out Star Wars toys, Lite Brights, photo booth, and fun hands-on space activities!
Art Discovery Center, noon-4 pm
Trace Chinese characters, try on costumes, play gallery games, peek under lift-up panels on the Wall of Symbols to discover the meaning behind Asian motifs, put on a puppet show, and make an art project.