Early Childhood Classes

Early Childhood Classes are thoughtfully designed for our youngest learners. These inquiry-based classes will have children building their emergent STEM literacy skills through the developmentally appropriate exploration of sound, weather, forces and our fantastic world.

  • Ages 7 & under
  • Minimum 15 Students

Grades Pre-k – K

Available Classes

NC: K.L.1, CD-14, CD-15 SC: K-LS1-1 NGSS: K-LS1-1

Prepare for an exhilarating adventure and meet some of the Museum’s incredible Animal Ambassadors. These lively Museum residents will spark curiosity and inspire children’s questions and observations as they discover the similarities, differences, and defining characteristics of different animal groups.

Detailed Class Plans

CD-1 NC: K.P.2, CD-1

Uncover the world beneath our feet as young scientists dig into the world of Earth science. Children will use scientific tools to investigate, measure, and describe the properties and uses of Earth materials. Dig deeper to discover what lives in the dirt and other wonders found under the ground.

Detailed Class Plans

NC: CD-15, K.P.1 SC: K-PS2-1 NGSS: K-PS2-1

This high-energy class creates excitement around physics as children work together to experiment with the power of forces, including pushes, pulls, and gravity. Children will explore the captivating effects of forces and how they can control the movement and position of objects as they conduct investigations and attempt unique challenges.

Detailed Class Plans

NC: CD-10, CD-15, K.E.1 SC: K-ESS3-2 NGSS: K-ESS2-1

Children will find their inner meteorologist as they build critical science skills, including measuring, comparing, collecting data, and making predictions. They will explore the ingredients that create weather and use authentic weather tools to learn more about the world around them.

Detailed Class Plans

NC: CD-14, CD-15, K.L.1 SC: K-ESS3-3 NGSS: K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1

Hone your observation skills as you embark on an adventure to the lush rainforest inside Discovery Place Science. Children will encounter plants and animals that call the rainforest home, discover how the rainforest is connected to their lives and brainstorm ways to protect it.

Detailed Class Plans

GRADES 1-2

Available Classes

NC: 2.P.1 SC: 1-PS4-1., NGSS: 1-PS4-1

Listen closely as you discover the science of sound. Students will conduct experiments to test vibrations, manipulate pitch and volume, and measure sound waves.

Detailed Class Plans

NC: 2.E.1, NGSS: ESS2.D

Students will experience the thrill of meteorology by using authentic weather tools. Students will gather crucial data reflecting various weather components and conditions. They will then employ qualitative and quantitative data to analyze, describe and forecast the weather.

Detailed Class Plans

NC: 2.P.2, SC: PS1.A, NGSS: 2-PS1-1

Students will explore and experiment with the fascinating world of matter. Through chemical reactions and observations, they will discover the physical properties that make solids, liquids, and gases unique.

Detailed Class Plans

NC: EEE.CR.2, SC: 2-PS1-2. 2-PS1-3., NGSS: K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-3

The engineering design process will come alive as students become engineers. Interactive stations with unique challenges will focus on different branches of engineering, including civil, mechanical, and electrical. Students will work together to brainstorm, test, and iterate on their solutions.

Detailed Class Plans

NC: 1.L.1, SC: LS2.A, 2-LS4-1., NGSS: 2-LS4-1

What is needed to survive at the poles and how do plants thrive in the desert? Through exploration of specimens and experimentation of adaptations, students will gain an understanding of why plants and animals live in certain habitats.

Detailed Class Plans