Science is a way of observing the world and making predictions. When it comes to STEAM programming, science can typically be classified as a means of thinking and making predictions. According to the Boston Children’s Museum, students are “doing science” when they are “observing and experimenting, making predictions, sharing discoveries, asking questions, and wondering how
Greetings from Chris, your friendly Education and Program Manager at the Children’s Museum! In a series of six posts, we will explore what STEAM learning looks like at the Museum and how we try to encourage it. This is the overview of the whole idea, and each subsequent post will focus on one of the
Has your child ever watered plants in the gardens or talked to animals in the Farmyard? Perhaps they have visited the Ag and Nature Lab to care for cows in the dairy barn, release a monarch, or build like a beaver? Experiences like these help cultivate empathy, an important skill that requires children to imagine
If you’ve played at the Museum, you’ve experienced how special the awe-inspiring environment is. The giggles and shouts of “Oh, cool! Look at this!” soon lead to curiosity; where do all the exhibits come from? Nearing completion of the Energy: Powered by Play exhibit installation The EV gets a new paint job! Early sketches of
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) has become a favorite destination for families from across our region. From the very beginning, the founding Board and community stakeholders envisioned a beautiful gathering place that would be welcoming and accessible for all. This group made a commitment that holds true through today: to ensure all children
At the very time when children need a release from their unfortunate circumstances, our Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota needs to keep its distance. During this extraordinary time, kids are experiencing stress from all sides. The Covid-19 pandemic alone resulted in children being pulled from their classrooms virtually overnight and forced to stay inside. They
Good morning from #CMSMatHome! Today, we’ll conduct a STEAM learning experiment in our yard or neighborhood park. You’ll need some string, rope, or yarn, scissors, notebook and pencils, ruler, and magnifying glass. Find an interesting spot in your yard or park to set up your experiment at. Engineering and Math Measure out one foot
It’s time for Toddler Wednesday with #CMSMatHome! Have you ever made art with bubbles? Let’s try that today. You’ll need a few small cups or bowls, straws, dish soap, food coloring or other colors, and some paper. Pour a little bit of water in the cups, add the coloring, and a few drops of
The Museum has always identified safety as a core value, leading in the design of its building, exhibits, and play experiences. Our staff keep a close eye on the exhibits as they conduct routine maintenance checks, while our safety committee reviews visitor accidents on a regular basis. These practices lead to continuous improvements. Since the
Good morning from #CMSMatHome! Let’s do sand art together! For this hands-on activity, you’ll need some cardboard, glue, sand, scoops or spoons, and a pencil. Cut your cardboard, then trace your design with the pencil and cover the lines with glue. While the glue is still wet, sprinkle sand all over it, then gently
Good morning from #CMSMatHome! June is National Dairy Month, and we’ll start our celebration by making our own butter! Get some heavy whipping cream, a small container with a tight-fitting lid, and prepare some bread (and salt, if you like!). Pour the cream into your container up to about 1/3 full, then secure the
Good morning from #CMSMatHome! Are you familiar with aqueducts? We can build one at home today! Gather recycled plastic bottles, jugs, cups and other containers, and get a scissors or box cutters. Plan where you are going to move water, and with what. Cut the recycled plastic items with the help from an adult