Science-by-Van

Science-By-Van brings the unique experience of the Science Museum of Virginia to localities throughout the commonwealth. This traveling general science program presents informal educational experiences that are fun for all ages. Science-by-Van includes an all-school assembly, interactive exhibits and hands-on classroom workshops.

All-School Assembly

Simply Shocking!

(Grades K–6) Experience 100,000 volts of static electricity from the Van de Graaff generator. Science Museum educators make your hair stand on end in this dramatic demonstration that includes a discussion about lightning and the forces between charges.
Virginia Science SOLs: K.1a, K.3a, K.8a, 1.1c, 1.1f, 2.1a, 2.2a, 3.1a, 3.1j, 3.3b, 4.1b, 4.3, 4.6b, 5.1, 5.4a, 6.4a

Hands-on Exhibits

Curiosity-provoking hands-on exhibits include, but are not limited to:

Match the Bones

A skeleton has gone to pieces, and students must help put it back together. Arch Bridge Teamwork is necessary as students build a bridge strong enough to walk across.

Arch Bridge

Teamwork is necessary as students build a bridge strong enough to walk across.

Hand Battery

Students actually become part of a battery that conducts and produces electrical energy.

Bernoulli Blower

Can a ping-pong ball fly in the air? Yes, it’s the Bernoulli principle at work.

Classroom Workshops

Busy Bees (Grades K–2)

Compare your community to bee's while learning about each bee's role in the hive. How do bees communicate? Investigate the many different ways honeybees help humans.
Virginia Science SOLs: K.1, K.2, K.4, K.6, K.8, 1.1, 1.5, 1.7, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, 3.10

Magnet Magic (Grades K–2)

Explore the characteristics of magnets and investigate some of their everyday uses. Create your own compass to take home!
Virginia Science SOLs: K.1, K.3, 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.3a

Forest Ecosystems (Grades 1–3)

Become part of a forest ecosystem and find out how it works. Watch out for those hungry foxes! Investigate how the sun nourishes the plants that ultimately provide food for all living things.
Virginia Science SOLs: 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1h, 2.5, 2.8, 3.4–3.6, 3.10, 3.11

Mighty Machines (Grades 2–4)

Check out what these clever levers and powerful pulleys can do! Try each of the five simple machines and see how they make work easier for you.
Virginia Science SOLs: 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2

Available beginning January 2009!

Earth, Sun and Moon (Grades 3–6)

Discover the reasons for the seasons , what causes tides and why we have night and day. Learn why the moon remains in orbit around the Earth and how it seems to change shape throughout the month.
Virginia Science SOLs: 3.1, 3.8, 4.1, 4.7, 5.1, 6.1, 6.8

Mirrors, Light and Lenses (Grades 4–5)

Discover how light behaves as it passes through lenses and reflects off surfaces. Explore visible and invisible light and how it affects you every day. Learn about how white light contains a rainbow while creating your own Newton Disc.
Virginia Science SOLs: 5.1, 5.3

Sound Science (Grades 4–5)

Explore the world of music and the science behind the sounds. Construct a “musical” instrument and learn about resonance, vibration, frequency and pitch.
Virginia Science SOLs: 5.1, 5.2

Available beginning January 2009!

Virginia Watersheds (Grades 4–6)

Take a look at Virginia’s watershed systems and find out how you make an impact on them and what you can do to save these valuable resources.
Virginia Science SOLs: 3.10, 4.1, 4.8, 5.1, 6.1, 6.5, 6.7, 6.9

Charged Up! (Grades 4–6)

Investigate simple, series and parallel circuits. Examine conductors and insulators during this electrifying workshop.
Virginia Science SOLs: 4.1, 4.3, 5.1, 6.1, 6.2

Alternative Energy (Grades 4–6)

How does a photovoltaic panel convert light energy to electrical energy? Find out in this workshop that explores and highlights different renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy. Use your knowledge of circuits and solar energy to make a motor run.
Virginia Science SOLs: 4.1, 4.3, 4.8, 5.1, 6.1–6.3

What’s the Matter? (Grades 4–6)

Explore states of matter, chemical symbols, atoms, molecules and conservation of matter. Put on your safety goggles and take part in an exciting chemical reaction!
Virginia Science SOLs: 4.1, 5.1, 5.4, 6.1, 6.4b

For more information about Science-by-Van call 804-864-1423, or email sbv@smv.org.