Museum's programs for kids explore science

Kindergarten and first-grade students display their model rockets, which they made at the Discovery Museum's "Kosmic Kids" one-week program. Weekly programs, for kindergarten through ninth grade students, will be offered through Aug. 9. less Kindergarten and first-grade students display their model rockets, which they made at the Discovery Museum's "Kosmic Kids" one-week program. Weekly programs, for kindergarten through ninth grade students, will ... more Photo: Contributed Photo Photo: Contributed Photo Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Museum's programs for kids explore science 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

BRIDGEPORT -- Learning should not be put on hold at the end of each school year.

That's the philosophy at the Discovery Museum and Planetarium, where week-long summer programs for those entering kindergarten through ninth grade can keep the wheels of learning turning, said Lynn Olins, the museum's education director.

"Our goal is to generate excitement about the sciences, to have fun ... and slip in a little learning," said Olins, laughing.

The five-day programs will begin again on Monday and run through Aug. 9, ranging in cost from about $185 to $310 per session. Discounts are available to museum members.

Olins said classes are grouped by ages: Braniacs, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, for children entering kindergarten or first grade; Adventurers, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for children entering grades two through four; Voyagers, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for children entering grades four through eight; and Explorers, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for students entering grades five though nine. Extended-day programs, which run until 5 p.m., are available for each group for an additional $60 fee per session.

Olins, a former teacher in the Fairfield public schools, said class themes change weekly so students may attend as many as they wish without repeating a program.

This week, for example, students in the Voyager program will be an "Ocean Explorer." Each "will build and test an underwater robot, climb into a real submarine ... and take part in an expedition to Long Island Sound."

During the following week, July 22-26, Voyagers will explore "Spa Science," in which the science behind common beauty products will be explored. Participants will create their own, taking home a basket of handmade products at week's end.

Sure to be a sell-out is "Discovery CSI," July 29 through Aug. 2, described as the "perfect program for those who like to solve puzzles and have an attention for detail." Students will take fingerprints, extract DNA and learn how forensic science solves mysteries -- while "solving a museum crime" on their own.

More Information A lot to learn

Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport. Weeklong interactive nature and science programs through Aug. 9. Registration required. 203-372-3521 extension 121. www. www.discoverymuseum.org

Among the other programs offered are those on bugs, space science, things that fly (bubbles, birds and airplanes), ancient cultures, dinosaurs, pirates and film animation techniques.

There's even a "Don't Try This At Home" session (Explorers, Aug. 5-9), Olins said. Although designed to attract "mad scientists and evil super geniuses," the program is safe and fun, she said.

In addition to field trips to Long Island Sound, some programs include visits to an area airport and to the Pez Visitor Center in Orange.

There are still openings in several programs, Olins said. Parents are required to register their children in advance. Some scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance; an application is available on the museum's website.

"We're working very hard to keep the wonder of science alive. It's so great to see that `ah-ha' moment that many of these children experience. For me, it's like being a grandparent: I love getting the students all fired up about science and then sending them home to their parents," Olins said, laughing.

Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport. Weeklong interactive programs through Aug. 9. 203-372-3521 extension 121. www. www.discoverymuseum.org

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