WORK HARD.
Play Hard.
Development and learning start long before a child can walk or talk. More brain development happens in the first five years than at any other time in our lives.
As children grow, we must use every opportunity as a teaching and learning moment, allowing them to explore and discover the world around them. At the Science Center, we recognize the importance of early childhood and strive to create educational content focused on our little scientists in the Discovery Room.
When the Science Center reopened in June of 2020 after the Covid-19 shutdown, safety guidelines and CDC regulations limited the use of the Discovery Room, impacting our early learner program. As a popular destination for our families, we wanted to ensure we could still serve our youngest guests and provide them with impactful science and education programs while creating a safe and quality program. Born from this was Discover Science with Me.
This program is designed to inspire wonder and curiosity for young children (ages 3-6) and give adult caregivers the confidence to support their child’s learning. Each session, guided and facilitated by a museum educator, features experiments and playful hands-on STEAM experiences for children that are focused on developing motor skills, enhancing language acquisition, encouraging exploration and discovery and helping children deepen their understanding of the world. This allows for a more streamlined and structured class than normal Discovery Room activities. Sessions last 45 minutes and each is centered on a science-related theme.
To keep our young ones safe but still provide a fun and joyful environment, guests will sit with their own social bubbles at individual tables that are properly distanced apart. Each group is provided materials to engage in a variety of learning activities connected to the session’s theme. Activities may include reading together to learn more about a topic, observing living organisms or scientific objects, performing experiments and creating art. The themes rotate frequently so that guests can experience something different more often.
Since this program started last November, hundreds of families have enjoyed learning, exploring and playing together during Discover Science with Me. One of our most popular sessions has been “Tinker Time,” where participants learn about the engineering design process and use a variety of loose parts and recycled materials to design, create, or build anything they can imagine.
This program is scheduled to continue in the Discovery Room throughout the remainder of 2021 in order to ensure that our early childhood space is a place where little learners and their grown-ups can come and play together safely.
Members receive discount tickets
To learn about safety protocols and procedures, please visit Discover Science With Me.
- Member Discount: $20 per table (reg. $25 per table)—Up to 5 people per table
- Call 314.289.4424 to make your reservations today.
EARLY CHILDHOOD FREE MEMBER EVENT!
MEMBER MISSION:
WORLDWIDE DAY OF PLAY
September 20 | 10am, 12pm & 2pm | Discovery Room
Who knew learning and playing could go hand in hand? On Monday, September 20th we will celebrate the national Worldwide Day of Play that encourages children to step away from electronic devices and to just be kids and PLAY. To support this important concept, we are having a members-only event for
our youngest players.
Members are invited to choose one of three scheduled Discover Science With Me sessions focused on the art of play. Participants will have the opportunity to play with and explore (and decorate!) a variety of spinning tops during the session. All guests will receive a treat upon exit.
Free reservations will open August 30. Spots are limited.
Watch PLAYed, a short film that discusses the importance of play in early childhood development from experts from around the world.