Distance Learning
Would you like a standards based, grade level appropriate science lesson taught by a science specialist? We’ve got the perfect program just for you! We’ll even send you all of the supplies you need for the program!
Registration Information
Programs must be scheduled at least four weeks in advance. Please e-mail your registration information to education@discoverycenter.org. Once submitted, please allow 1 week for processing. For assistance, email Riana Clark at rclark@discoverycenter.org
Program Guide
Discovery Center of Springfield currently offers a variety of Distance Learning programs via distance learning, developed to support the Missouri Learning Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards. Discovery Center’s distance learning programs enable your class to have a hands-on lesson taught by a science specialist. A kit of supplies needed for the program are shipped ahead of time and include curriculum, pre and post labs, and links to follow-up websites. Distance Learning Fees are listed per program. Includes program, materials, and return shipping.
Distance Learning Classes
Flowers & Frogs Dissection* 3rd – 5th grade
Compare the structure of plants and vertebrate animals. Learn how internal and external structures often indicate function for survival and reproduction through two hands on dissections.
Pigeons & Pellets* 4th – 8th grade
Dissect an owl pellet to identify common owl prey and investigate external characteristics of birds of prey. Understand how the shape of birds’ beak informs what they eat and dissect a pigeon.
Dissection Series* 5th-12th grade
Get up close and personal with the body’s inner workings as they conduct a dissection. They will explore the inner workings of complex organ systems and compare them to their own.
Weather 3rd-8th grade ($195)
Investigate the Troposphere, the lowest part of our atmosphere, where weather occurs. Learn about the relationship between climate and weather and how meteorologists track and forecast weather.
Inventors Workshop 3rd- 8th grade ($195)
Inventing: what a process! Learn some of the steps inventors use to plan, develop, and create something new! Inquiry strategies are at the heart of this program
The Science of Opioids 5th-12th grade ($220)
Gain a deeper understanding of opioids and addiction by learning what receptors they reduce and how they impact the brain. Create a kinesthetic model of how our brain sends and receives messages, investigate how medications impact our circulatory system and learn how doctors determine the correct dosage.
Astronomy 2nd-5th grade ($195)
Compare and contrast characteristics of the planets in our solar system. Explore the role gravity plays on Earth and in space. Discover what an exoplanet is and how scientists make new discoveries in space. Learn about moon phases and what causes the seasons on Earth.
Bugs and Insects Pre-K-1st grade ($195)
What do we call them? Learn the difference between bugs and insects. The Very Hungry Caterpillar will be read in a whole new way. New science words will be introduced when talking about the changes “bugs” go through. Kit includes a prelab, program materials, and post lab.
Chemistry* 4th– 8th grade
Create a polymer and identify physical and chemical reactions. Design an experiment and test the causes of endothermic and exothermic chemical changes in “Chemistry in a Baggie”. Goggles and gloves are needed for experiments. These items are available to rent for an extra fee. Kit includes a prelab, program materials, and post lab. (Gr. 4-8)
Ecology 1* 2nd-5th grade
Find the connections in a food web! Dissect an owl pellet to investigate its eating habits. Identify adaptations of predators and prey and explore concepts in population control. Each Ecology kit provides 6 owl pellets for a class of 30 students. Additional owl pellets are $2.50 each. Kit includes a prelab, program materials, and post lab. (Gr. 2-8)
Ecology 2* 5th-8th grade
Could you have organisms living on your face? Continue exploring the world of ecology by discussing symbiotic relationships between different organisms, adaptations of different animals and interact with our Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches that live at the Discovery Center. Students will use microscopes to explore slides of different organisms and build their own slides to investigate symbiotic relationships further.
Geology 3rd-6th grade ($200 )
How do rocks form? This interactive program will allow the students to classify rocks, talk about the rock cycle, and learn how rocks change over time. Learn the difference between rocks and minerals. Students will even make a rock they can eat! Kit includes a prelab, program materials, and post lab.
Cell Biology and DNA* 7th – 12th grade
Cell Biology and DNA creates a foundation for the two main functions of DNA: replication and protein synthesis. Biotechnology, DNA fingerprinting, and investigation of your own dominant and recessive phenotypes are included in this program. Hands-on activities include DNA extraction, DNA model building and reading codons for DNA protein synthesis. Kit includes a prelab, program materials, and post lab.
Magnets 2nd- 4th grade ($200 )
Learn the parts of an atom and explore the movement of electrons, electricity, magnetism, and the exciting world of electromagnetism! Explore the forces of attraction and repulsion and create your own compass. Kit includes a prelab, program materials, and post lab.
Human Body Pre K – 2nd grade ($200)
Our body parts are so amazing! In this interactive program, we’ll touch on bones, brains, muscles and more as young learners explore human anatomy and healthy habits. Kit includes a prelab, program materials, and post lab.
Simple Machines 3rd – 6th grade ($220)
Learn about levers, wheels and axles, gears, and screws and investigate the quantitative advantages of inclined planes and pulleys! Kit includes a prelab, program materials, and post lab.
*Has additional program supply fee. Please email Riana Clark at rclark@discoverycenter.org for current program pricing.