Science Museum of Virginia

Exclusively for scientists age 4–grade 2!

Available October 14–December 12 2008, and February 17–May 15 2009
Monday–Friday at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:30 pm

Climb aboard the Wonderplace Lab train car for a journey into science exploration and discovery.

Wonderplace Lab features a 45-minute hands-on lab bursting with science activities, crafts and creative make-and-take projects. You’ll receive a post-visit packet containing more activites and reading suggestions, plus a take-home page with fun stuff families can try at home.

Request this program when making your reservation.

Enjoy free admission to museum galleries and a planetarium show with your Wonderplace Lab visit!

Check out these exciting themes

Theme Description	Virginia SOLs
How Things Worked in Ancient China Oct. 14–Dec. 12, 2008 Explore the distant and ancient culture of China as we rediscover their inventions and contributions to today’s society. How did the land, climate, plants and animals of ancient China influence the Chinese people and their discoveries? Investigate the science behind compasses and kites, working with silk, and creating the Great Wall through hands-on investigation. Patterns and Puzzles in Nature Feb. 17–May 15, 2009 Why do zebras have stripes and leopards have spots? Are the seeds in a sunflower arranged in a particular sequence? Can groundhogs really predict the weather? Nature offers us many patterns to admire and many fascinating puzzles to unravel. Explore the wonderful and sometimes weird world of plants and animals through hands-on exploration.	Science – K.1, K.2, K.4, 1.1, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2; Social Studies – 1.6, 2.1, 2.4 Science – K.1, K.6, K.8, 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 2.1, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8; Social Studies – 1.6, 2.7

Theme Description

Virginia SOLs

How Things Worked in Ancient China
Oct. 14–Dec. 12, 2008
Explore the distant and ancient culture of China as we rediscover their inventions and contributions to today’s society. How did the land, climate, plants and animals of ancient China influence the Chinese people and their discoveries? Investigate the science behind compasses and kites, working with silk, and creating the Great Wall through hands-on investigation.

Patterns and Puzzles in Nature
Feb. 17–May 15, 2009
Why do zebras have stripes and leopards have spots? Are the seeds in a sunflower arranged in a particular sequence? Can groundhogs really predict the weather? Nature offers us many patterns to admire and many fascinating puzzles to unravel. Explore the wonderful and sometimes weird world of plants and animals through hands-on exploration.

Science – K.1, K.2, K.4, 1.1, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2; Social Studies – 1.6, 2.1, 2.4

Science – K.1, K.6, K.8, 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 2.1, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8; Social Studies – 1.6, 2.7

Registration & Fees

Wonderplace Lab is $10 per child. Includes free admission to the museum galleries and a planetarium show; you may add a giant screen movie for an additional fee. One adult is admitted free with every 10 children. Additional adults are $10.

Registration is required. To register your group please call (804) 864-1400 or 800-659-1727, option 2 at least two weeks before your visit.

For an additional fee, Wonderplace Lab groups may arrange for prepackaged science goodie-bags filled with age-appropriate items relating to the theme of the visit. To order, call (804) 864-1449 at least two weeks before your visit.

Participants' reactions to Wonderplace

"My children were excited and engaged in learning throughout the program."

"It is a wonderful place for children to explore."

"Very well organized and the instructor was great with the kids!"