Today's Hours
10:00am - 5:00pm There’s always more to discover!
2022-23 Discovery Labs
In addition to ample time to explore the museum, field trips and group visits can include your choice of a Discovery Lab from the list below. Click “Make Your Reservation” to choose your activity and begin the adventure!
They Shouted Push
Grade level(s): Pre-K and Kindergarten
Nevada Academic Content Standards in Science (NGSS): K-PS2-2
Common Core: SL.3.1
In this Discovery Lab students learn about pushes and pulls through the construction of a fun pom-pom launcher. They then explore how different strength pushes and pulls affect the way their pom pom moves.
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Skyscraper Challenge
Grade level(s): Kindergarten—2nd
Nevada Academic Content Standards in Science (NGSS): 2-PS1-2. K-2-ETS1-2.
In this hands-on Discovery Lab, students work to design, create, test and redesign free-standing, weight-bearing towers using KEVA® wooden blocks. Students will experiment with different geometric shapes used in structural designs and determine how design choices affect the height and strength of structures.
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Skyscraper Challenge is presented in partnership with Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Classrooms Unleashed Program. Additional standards-aligned, in-class lessons led by SNJ educators are available.
Zipline Rescue
Grade level(s): Kindergarten—2nd
Nevada Academic Content Standards in Science (NGSS): 2-PS2-1. K-2-ETS1-1-3.
In this collaborative, hands-on Discovery Lab, students work to design, build, test and redesign a zipline that will move an injured or stranded person safely and quickly out of danger. Students will explore varying environmental constraints that affect the zipline, including the presence of a person, adverse weather, and the need to make multiple trips.
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Tooth Sleuth
Grade level(s): 3rd
Nevada Academic Content Standards in Science (NGSS): 3-LS3-1
In this Discovery Lab, students will examine a variety of jaw bones and teeth to collect evidence to support a statement about the variation that exists within a species. They will then put their knowledge to the test with a tooth matching game.
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Circuit STEAM
Grade level(s): 4th–5th
Nevada Academic Content Standards in Science (NGSS): 4-PS3-2, 4-PS3-4
Common Core: SL.4.1
In this STEAM-inspired Discovery Lab, students use scientific design to test and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another and then apply the concept to create small light-up wire sculptures to take home.
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Survival of the Fittest
Grade level(s): 6th–8th
Nevada Academic Content Standards in Science (NGSS): MS-LS4-4, MS-LS4-6
In this Discovery Lab, students will work together through a few simulations using mathematical modeling to figure out why populations of animals change over time.
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Urban Heat Islands
Grade level(s): 6th–8th
Nevada Academic Content Standards in Science (NGSS): MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4, MS-ESS3-5
In this hands-on Discovery Lab students will explore the “heat island effect” as one of the contributing factors to global climate change. Students will work collaboratively to design cityscapes and evaluate their ability to minimize human impact on the environment.
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