December Programs
Saturday, December 1
Dinosaur Discoveries
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumTouch a real dinosaur fossil and pretend to be a paleontologist digging for dinosaur bones in our mock excavation site! Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Alternative Energy Experiments
1PM Science Discovery MuseumTry hands-on activities to learn about alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, and nuclear energy. Meet the Lesley University students who developed these activities for their Mastery Learning Project.
Especially for Me! Free Evening for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Come join in all the fun and explore both museums during this special free evening for families with children on the autism spectrum. Enjoy a special performance from Open Door Theater, a local inclusive theater that welcomes everyone in the community to participate. They will perform several songs from the classical musical Annie, which they will be putting on at their Acton theater in January, including a January 19th performance specially adapted to serve the needs of audience members on the autism spectrum.
Visitors may also drop-in for a workshop with Romy Wilhelm, a practicing music therapist from Indian Hill Music. Many studies have shown that music therapy is an effective tool for reaching this population, as it engages and fosters their capacity for flexibility, creativity, variability, and tolerance of change.
Pre-registration required. Visit http://tinyurl.com/EspeciallyforMe2012-8 to register.
Funding provided by CVS, DCU for Kids, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School’s Youth in Philanthropy Club, and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton, Billerica, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Dracut, Framingham, Harvard, Hudson, Lawrence, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Natick, Waltham, Wayland, Westford, and Weston, with in-kind support provided by Not Your Average Joe’s.
Sunday, December 2
Magic Show with Rupayan Neogy
12:00 pm Science Discovery MuseumJoin us as local young magician Rupayan Neogy shares his talents with us! Showcasing a variety of tricks, he will confound and amaze in an interactive performance geared toward family audiences. For more information about Rupayan’s magic, visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rneogymagic. Sponsored by Genzyme with additional support from Sorrento’s.
Tuesday, December 4
First Flight
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumThe first airplane flight took place in December 1903! Celebrate the Wright Brother’s with us through exploring how people and things get from place to place. Draw, paint and create your own mode of transportation. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
FETCH! Under Pressure
Drop-in 1:30pm -4:30pm Science Discovery MuseumSupport a book with a sheet of paper? Give your paper a workout and make it stronger! © 2012 WGBH Educational Foundation.
Wednesday, December 5
PEEP Science Adventures: High Rollers
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumLearn about motion and the different things that can affect it, as we play with ramps and things that role. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments with additional support from Emerson Hospital.
Thursday, December 6
Messy Masterpiece: Paint Like Seurat!
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumExplore some of George Seurat’s masterpieces and then try your hand at creating your own work of art inspired by pointillism using potato-stamps. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments with additional support from Acton Real Estate Company.
Thursday’s Tales
11:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumJoin us for our weekly story time. We’ll bring the books; you bring your imagination! Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Toy Workshop
Drop-in 1:30pm – 4:30pm Science Discovery MuseumVisit the toy workshop and use your artistic talents to create a dazzling kaleidoscope or construct a puppet that dances with the pull of a string. Your imagination is all you need to turn recycled materials into interesting toys and games to keep or give this holiday season. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Friday, December 7
Music and Movement with Miss Carolyn
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumExplore sound through singing and playing. Move, make music, listen, learn, and get a multi-sensory workout! Music improves your child’s memory, cognitive development, learning skills, and ability to express emotion. Plus, it’s fun! Miss Carolyn is a professional musician, serves as a faculty member at Indian Hill Music School, and has been a licensed Kindermusik Educator for 5 years. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
First Friday Nights Free: New Nano Exhibit Opening!
4:30 PM to 8:30 PM - both museums openJoin us for a special First Friday Night Free as we open our new Nano exhibit where you can imagine and discover a world you can’t see!Discover nano gold, make a DNA necklace, change the color of a butterfly’s wings, play “I Spy Nano” and more. Enjoy snacks, nano souvenirs to take home and enter to win a cool Magnetic Field Pattern Window!
Nano is an interactive exhibit that engages families in nanoscale science, engineering and technology. What happens when things get smaller? Explore progressively smaller magnetic materials - magnetite sand, iron powder, and ferrofluid. Build a giant model of a tiny structure called a carbon nanotube and try other hands-on activities to discover that nano is found all around you—in nature, technology, and your own home. The Nano exhibit was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation.
Both buildings are open with free admission. Explore the museums at night for free on the first Friday of every month! We will gratefully accept donations for the Acton Food Pantry. Sponsored in part by Emerson Hospital with additional support from Alexander, Aronson, Finning and Company, P.C..
Saturday, December 8
Face Painting
10:00 a.m. Children’s Discovery MuseumUse your face or hand as a canvas for a colorful painting. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Exploring Nano: Sand, Plants and Pants
Drop-in 1:00pm – 4:00pm Science Discovery MuseumCelebrate the opening of The Science Discovery Museums’ new Nano mini-exhibition! Join us for hands-on educational programs about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. Learn how nano-particles change the way sand, plants, and even your pants, behave. Find the nano in your everyday life and discover the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale. Nano was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Sunday, December 9
Exploring Nano: Buckyballs
Drop-in 1:00pm – 4:00pm Science Discovery MuseumCelebrate the opening of The Science Discovery Museums’ new Nano mini-exhibition! Join us for hands-on educational programs about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. Explore the world of nano science as you learn about Buckyballs and geodesic domes. Find the nano in your everyday life and discover the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale. Nano was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Tuesday, December 11
Beautiful Numbers
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumAmerican mathematician and Rear Admiral in US Navy, Grace Murray Hopper, was also a pioneer in developing computer technology by inventing the first large-scale automatic calculator. Come and honor this ‘amazing Grace’ while playing with numbers. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Wednesday, December 12
PEEP Science Adventures: Looking Closely
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumTake a closer look at natural materials and household items. Use a magnifying glass to focus closely and notice new details. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments with additional support from Emerson Hospital.
Take Aparts
Drop-in 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm Science Discovery MuseumAre you curious about what’s inside telephones and computers? Discover resistors and capacitors as you uncover the inner workings of everyday objects. Sponsored by Analog Devices, Inc. and Genzyme.
Thursday, December 13
Celebrate Hanukkah!
10:00 AM Children’s Discovery MuseumJoin us for a fun morning of Hanukkah activities that everyone can participate in! Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Thursday’s Tales
11:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumJoin us for our weekly story time. We’ll bring the books; you bring your imagination! Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Friday, December 14
Music and Movement with Miss Carolyn
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumExplore sound through singing and playing. Move, make music, listen, learn, and get a multi-sensory workout! Music improves your child’s memory, cognitive development, learning skills, and ability to express emotion. Plus, it’s fun! Miss Carolyn is a professional musician, serves as a faculty member at Indian Hill Music School, and has been a licensed Kindermusik Educator for 5 years. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Saturday, December 15
FETCH! Under Pressure
Drop-in 1:30pm -4:30pm Science Discovery MuseumSupport a book with a sheet of paper? Give your paper a workout and make it stronger! © 2011 WGBH Educational Foundation. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Tuesday, December 18
Holiday Checklist: Get the Wrapping Paper
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumDon’t run out of wrapping paper during the season of giving! Use stamps, brushes, and fingers to make a one of a kind, personal, and beautiful sheet to wrap a special gift in. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Exploring Nano: Nano Games
Drop-in 11:00am-12pm and 2:30pm-4:30pm Science Discovery MuseumCelebrate the opening of The Science Discovery Museums’ new Nano mini-exhibition! Join us for hands-on educational programs about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. Explore the basics of all things nano while engaging in a round of “I Spy Nano” or playing a fun, interactive memory game. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Wednesday, December 19
Holiday Checklist: Feed the Reindeer
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumIf you are expecting a visit from Santa, don’t forget to have a treat ready for the reindeer! Pack a bag of goodies that can be left out for a quick snack and energy boost for these hard workers! Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Exploring Nano: Forces and Nano
Drop-in 11:00am-12pm and 2:30pm-4:30pm Science Discovery MuseumCelebrate the opening of The Science Discovery Museums’ new Nano mini-exhibition! Join us for hands-on educational programs about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. Explore how different forces – gravity, static electricity – cause materials to act differently when they’re nanometer-sized. Nano was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Thursday, December 20
Holiday Checklist: Cookie Decorating
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumUse frosting and sprinkles to decorate a cookie canvas. We’ll provide all you need to bring home a tasty masterpiece. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Thursday’s Tales
11:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumJoin us for our weekly story time. We’ll bring the books; you bring your imagination! Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Exploring Nano: Flying Cars
Drop-in 11:00am-12pm and 2:30pm-4:30pm Science Discovery MuseumCelebrate the opening of The Science Discovery Museums’ new Nano mini-exhibition! Join us for hands-on educational programs about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. Explore the impacts of nanotechnology while designing your own futuristic flying car. Nano was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Friday, December 21
Holiday Checklist: Ornament Making
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumMake a colorful and unique ornament to bring some cheer to cold and cloudy days! Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Season’s Greetings
Drop-in 1:30pm-4:30pm Science Discovery MuseumExplore the science of papermaking as you design and create your own greeting cards and ornaments to share with friends and family this holiday season. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Saturday, December 22
Winter Wishes
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumDecorate a paper ornament with hopes and wishes for the approaching New Year to add to our Wishing Tree. All wishes will stay on display through the holiday season. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Exploring Nano: Self-Assembly
Drop-in 1:00pm – 4:00pm Science Discovery MuseumCelebrate the opening of The Science Discovery Museums’ new Nano mini-exhibition! Join us for hands-on educational programs about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. Discover how self-assembly occurs in nature and how molecules and cells can turn themselves into useful structures. Nano was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Sunday, December 23
Winter Wishes
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumDecorate a paper ornament with hopes and wishes for the approaching New Year to add to our Wishing Tree. All wishes will stay on display through the holiday season. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Wednesday, December 26
Box Day
Drop-in 10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumIs it a fort, toy, or spaceship? Help us figure out what to do with all of these boxes! Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
FETCH! Stack ‘Em Up
Drop-in 1:00pm – 4:00pm Science Discovery MuseumBuild a tower just out of cups. Remember, the sky's the limit. © 2011 WGBH Educational Foundation. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Thursday, December 27
Build It!
10:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumLEGO building for toddlers! Bring your imagination to build, stack, and sort using our enormous collection of DUPLOS. Construct your own architectural wonder or work together to build a museum-community sculpture. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Thursday’s Tales
11:00am Children’s Discovery MuseumJoin us for our weekly story time. We’ll bring the books; you bring your imagination! Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Exploring Nano: Thin Films
Drop-in 1:00pm – 4:00pm Science Discovery MuseumCelebrate the opening of The Science Discovery Museums’ new Nano mini-exhibition! Join us for hands-on educational programs about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. Discover how thin films can reflect light in special ways. Find the nano in your everyday life and discover the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale. Nano was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Friday, December 28
Exploring Nano: Sand, Plants and Pants
Drop-in 1:00pm – 4:00pm Science Discovery MuseumCelebrate the opening of The Science Discovery Museums’ new Nano mini-exhibition! Join us for hands-on educational programs about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. Learn how nano-particles change the way sand, plants, and even your pants, behave. Find the nano in your everyday life and discover the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale. Nano was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Saturday, December 29
Face Painting Fun!
10:00 AM Children’s Discovery MuseumUse your face or hand as a canvas for a colorful holiday-themed painting. What design will you choose? Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments.
Exploring Nano: The Smallest Science
Drop-in 1:00pm – 4:00pm Science Discovery MuseumCelebrate the opening of The Science Discovery Museums’ new Nano mini-exhibition! Join us for hands-on educational programs about nanoscale science, engineering and technology. What do butterflies and gold have to do with nano science? Find out as you explore the nano in your everyday life and discover the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale. Nano was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation. Sponsored by Genzyme.
Sunday, December 30
FETCH! Stack ‘Em Up
Drop-in 1:00pm – 4:00pm Science Discovery MuseumBuild a tower just out of cups. Remember, the sky's the limit. © 2011 WGBH Educational Foundation.
Monday, December 31
Bessie’s New Year’s Eve PJ Dance Party!
10:00 AM Children’s DiscoveryShake, rattle, and roll into the New Year with Bessie, dinosaur mascot of The Discovery Museums, as we create party hats and dance the morning away! We’ll count down to 12 (noon) and have a cup of sparkling juice. Sponsored by MEFA’s U.Fund and Fidelity Investments with additional support from Graham & Graham, P.C..
Ring in the New Year!
Drop-in 12:00 pm-3:00pm Science Discovery MuseumMake some noise this New Year’s Eve! Construct your own noise makers and create your own party hats to use as you celebrate the coming of a new year. Add your hopes for 2013 to our “Wishing Tree.” Happy New Year! Sponsored by Genzyme.
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