CORONAVIRIUS Update:
The Discovery Center is open to the public starting June 27. Ticket reservations are not required but all guests must wear a face mask. To learn more, click the button below.
Dial In to Discovery Center
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, contact the Education Department at 417-862-9910 ext. 726.
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.
- Astronomy ($165) 45-60 minutes
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. (Gr. 2-5) - Bugs and Insects ($165) 45 minutes
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 pre lab, program materials, and post lab. (Gr. Pre K-1) - Chemistry ($195) 45-60 minutes
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 pre lab, program materials, and post lab. (Gr. 4-8) - Ecology ($180) 45-60 minutes
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 pre lab, program materials, and post lab. (Gr. 2-8) - Geology ($165) 45-60 minutes
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 pre lab, program materials, and post lab. (Gr. 3-6) - Cell Biology and DNA ($195) 45-60 minutes
Cell Biology and DNA lays 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 pre lab, program materials, and post lab. (Gr. 7-12) - Magnets ($165) 45-60 minutes
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 pre lab, program materials, and post lab. (Gr. 2-4) - Human Body ($165) 45 minutes
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 pre lab, program materials, and post lab. (Gr Pre K-2) - Simple Machines ($165) 45-60 minutes
Learn about levers, wheels and axels, gears, and screws and investigate the quantitative advantages of inclined planes and pulleys! Kit includes a pre lab, program materials, and post lab. (Gr. 3-6)
