Kids' Programs: Preschool Wednesdays and Budding Scientists
Young children have their very own space -- and educational programming -- at the EcoTarium! Join us every week for storytime, and every month for hands-on science. These preschool and toddler programs are very popular and space is limited. So, while they are free with admission, tickets are issued at the Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that these program are designed for families. We also offer field trip programming for preschools from September-March.
Preschool and Toddler Wednesdays
Every Wednesday
Each week, enjoy a storytime, meet a live animal and get creative with a supervised craft activity -- all geared especially for little ones aged 3 and under.
The story and animal circle is held at 10:30 and 11 a.m.
Drop-in craft time continues from 10:30 a.m. through 11:30 p.m.
Free with museum admission.
After the program, be sure to explore the museum and visit our Discovery Room.
Preschool and Toddler Wednesday programs are not held during the February, April and December school vacation weeks (Worcester Public School schedule).
Budding Scientists - Program for Kids Ages 4-6
First Thursday of every month
Session one: 10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Session two: 11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Free with museum admission.
Curious little explorers conduct simple, safe, science and nature experiments in the EcoTarium's Budding Scientists program. Held on the first Thursday of every month, you and your child will learn basic scientific principles while having fun with hands-on activities. There are two identical sessions each month. Please pick up a ticket for your session at the Information Desk when you arrive at the museum. Limited to first 10 adult-child pairs per session.
Budding Scientists is designed for families and their children aged 4-6. You bring the curiosity, we'll provide the smocks: This is active and interactive science, so children may get messy.
Upcoming Budding Scientist Programs
March 7: Chemical and Physical Changes
Experiment with safe substances and learn how to tell if a chemical or physical change is taking place.
April 4: Solutions, Mixtures and Suspensions
Using some safe substances, discover what dissolves in water and what doesn't -- then find out why and how.
May 2: Pond Life
Budding Scientists will find out what creatures, great and small, live in the ponds at the EcoTarium.
June 6: Bubbles
Playing with our outdoor exhibit, Bubbles, we'll have fun investigating the science of bubbles.
July 4: By the Sea Shore
Meet live tide pool animals that you might find on the Massachusetts seashore. We'll examine sand and other items found on the beach and figure out what came from living things and what did not.
August 1: Freshwater Fish of Massachusetts
Play a "Go Fish" game using magnets to catch, measure and identify native fishes. Along the way, we'll learn about conservation, endangered species, and discover if a caught fish is a "keeper."
September 5: Insects in New England
This month we will capture and learn about insects and insect "friends." Be prepared to go outside, rain or shine!
October 3: Clouds
Learn all about clouds: what they are made of and how they get up in the sky. Then help make a real cloud in the classroom!
November 7: Harvest Sink or Float
Explore buoyancy by experimenting with various objects to discover why some things float and others sink. We will take advantage of the fall harvest season, using some of nature's bounty to make our discoveries.
December 5: Young Engineers: What Makes a Shape Strong?
This month, we will look at what makes a building or bridge strong. We'll explore basic engineering by testing different materials and shapes to discover which is able to support the most weight.
