Today's Hours
10:00am - 5:00pm There’s always more to discover!
2023-24 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
Next Generation Science Standards (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
Next Generation Science Standards (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
Next Generation Science Standards (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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Measure Twice, Cut Once
Grade level(s): 3rd–5th
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
In this lab student knowledge of fractions will be enhanced as they practice measurements in the standard system while also using tools and learning about tool safety. Each student will put their skills into practice when they build a key hanger they can take home. Note: 54 students maximum.
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Earthquake Engineers
Grade level(s): 3rd–5th
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-2
In this hands-on lab, students will construct miniature cities using a variety of ordinary materials and then observe how different building materials withstand the forces of a simulated earthquake. Using what they learned, students will then work in groups to attempt to build the strong structure in a competition amongst other teams.
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Tooth Sleuth
Grade level(s): 3rd–5th
Next Generation Science Standards (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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Wildfire Warriors
Grade level(s): 6th–8th
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4, MS-LS2-4
Designed for inquisitive middle school students, this 45-minute lab includes hands-on activities, group collaboration, and games, that will help students learn about wildfire causes, behaviors, and prevention strategies. Beyond the flames, they’ll explore the ecological and societal impacts, learning how human activity intertwines with natural phenomena.
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Survival of the Fittest
Grade level(s): 6th–8th
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): MS-LS4-4, MS-LS4-6
In conjunction with the Monster Fish exhibition, we ask the question, “why would a monster fish exist?” In this lab, students will run simulations using mathematical modeling to determine why populations of fish change over time. In addition, this lab includes key components of conservation biology and suggestions for how students can maintain biodiversity.
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