Science First is an area designed especially for our youngest learners (ages 5 and under) and their parents and caregivers. Our goal is to give parents opportunities to explore WITH their preschoolers to ignite the excitement of STEM. The hands-on exhibits in Science First provide young children and adult caregivers opportunities to experience inquiry-based science in a welcoming and safe environment. A collection of connected activities encourages children’s natural curiosity and need for exploration. These activities exercise children’s observational, thinking, and problem-solving abilities, communication and language skills, social and emotional intelligences, motor skills, and self-awareness.
Expectations in Science First
Only children ages 5 and under are allowed. Older siblings will also be permitted, if their behavior remains appropriate. All children MUST be supervised by at least one parent or caregiver. This means parents within arm’s reach, in the space, not observing from the sidelines. Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children follow the guidelines and refrain from inappropriate behaviors such as running, rough play, improper use of exhibits, or other behaviors deemed unsafe to themselves or others. Gallery staff are monitoring the space and will ask anyone not complying with the guidelines to leave. While we understand that older children may be interested in the experiences in this space, we hope that you will understand the need for small children to have a place of their own to explore. We’ve heard the community’s requests to expand the construction zone to allow for older children, and we’re working on solutions for this. Thank you.
Construction Zone
Sponsored by Duemelands Commercial Real Estate
The design options are endless with multiple sets of blocks in various sizes and shapes, foam rods, and connectors. The side walls are composed of blocks that can be taken apart and reconfigured by our gallery guests. The back wall is stationary and features a foam hole and peg system to allow children to build up the wall.
Tiny Climber
Sponsored by Goebel Pediatric Dentistry
Designed to give our youngest guests a bit of a fun and physical challenge.
Scarf Shooter
Designed as a tree in the center of the Science First area, children place a scarf in one of the various accented color tubes then track it as it navigates through the path and is finally launched into the air, floating slowly back down for another round.
Pipe Resonator
Sponsored by Goebel Pediatric Dentistry
Using a paddle to slap the openings of a series of pipes causes the air inside the pipes to vibrate. This vibration produces different sounds or pitches based on the length of each pipe.
Bernoulli Experiments
Sponsored by Goebel Pediatric Dentistry
A ball floats in space over a stream of air. When the air flow is gently disturbed, the ball changes position but then returns to its original position. Children may change the direction of the air flow by moving the air nozzles.
Conveyor Belt
A hand-operated vertical conveyer makes cleaning up and organizing as much fun as building.
