A week-long celebration of hands-on science and ecological fun. Free with museum admission!
Today’s Highlights
Center for EcoTechnology, 11 am-3 pm
How much energy does it take to light up an incandescent light bulb? How about an LED bulb? Try the Center for EcoTechology’s hand crank to find out. How can worms help our environment? CET will have a display of how to compost, including indoor composting with red wiggler worms, and an ongoing tutorial demonstration on how to create simple home composting systems with free or very inexpensive materials.
The Lorax, 11 am-2 pm
Meet the creature who speaks for the trees! Get a photo, a hug, or a high-five from one of Dr. Seuss’ most recognizable and beloved characters.
Gallery Activities
Ala-Kazam! Fun, Magic, and Science Show, 11 am and 1 pm
Join our own Professors Knows A. Lot for a show guaranteed to be entertaining for all ages. Learn about the magic of our planet, how we can protect it, and have fun, amazing times learning with us at the Science Museum.
The Watershed on Wheels Express, 11 am-3 pm
The WoW Express is an interactive mobile visitor center for the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Tour this exhibit to learn more about the natural resources within the Connecticut River watershed. Enjoy a twilight stroll through the WoW’s 28-foot exhibit trailer, exploring five habitats with over 42 different species of model plants, animals, and insects hidden in plain view. Inside the Science Museum, you will find five interactive educational kiosks- play the salmon game, compare your hand grip strength to that of an American Eagle’s talons, and learn new facts about the Connecticut River Watershed! Along the way, you will learn ways to protect and enjoy our local natural resources.
Watershed Table, 10 am-12 pm and 2-4 pm
Learn what a watershed is, how land is shaped by rivers, and what you can do to help keep our waters clean by playing in our watershed table.
The Stories of Seeds, 11 am-3 pm
Native Americans planted the, “Three Sisters,” strategically to help support each other. Learn how squash, corn, and beans work together to ensure a strong harvest, and about their importance in Native American culture. Compare ancient seeds to modern ones and learn how crops have changed over hundreds of years.
Live Animal Demo, 11 am-3 pm
Get up close to the animals that call the Springfield Science Museum home. Animals may include painted turtles, box turtles, ball python, milk snake, and bearded dragon, and a bonus insect encounter, Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
Animal Explorations, 11 am-3 pm
Check out animal photos, footprints, xrays, fossils, and other specimens, read some books, and explore all the samples in the drawers of the Investigation Station.
The Lorax Read Along, 11 am-3 pm
Long before saving the earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth’s natural beauty. Grab a book and listen along to a CD of the story with your family.
What Kids Can Do to Help the Planet, 11 am-3 pm
Learn some easy ways that kids can help protect our environment that you can try at home right away! Take a planetary pledge to keep the Earth healthy!
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!
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. This week’s project: A Collaborative Mandala made from Recycled Materials.