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Free PreK STEM Programs at Discovery Space this Fall

By From Staff Reports 4 min read

STATE COLLEGE -- Discovery Space is excited to announce a new set of programs for young children this fall -- many of them free!

Before the pandemic, Discovery Space hosted multiple classes during the week for children under the age of six. Not only did children get to meet one another and explore the exhibit gallery after the program, but parents and caregivers who came with those children formed friendships. The programs are back, with a few new ones in the mix!

"Kids and adults are eager to reconnect, make new friends, and have fun experiences together. Why not learn a little something while you do it," said Madison Flaherty, assistant director of Discovery Space.

"By designing the programs for children and caregivers to learn together, we are extending their onsite experience. We hear stories from parents that their children will bring up something from the program days or even weeks after. What might seem like a brief 30 minute activity at Discovery Space has the power to leave a lasting impact on a child when they share that experience with a family member or friend," said Michele Crowl, executive director of Discovery Space.

The three following programs are FREE with membership or paid admission.

Every Wednesday from 10:30-11 a.m. Discovery Space hosts Science Adventures in Art, a program best for children ages 3-5 with a caregiver.

Whether you call it STEM or STEAM, the arts intertwine with science and engineering in the natural and human-made worlds!

Every Thursday from 10:30-11 a.m. visit for Science Adventures, a program best for children ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Explore science through a story and hands-on STEM activities.

Every Friday from 10-11 a.m. join Wiggle & Shake, a program best for children ages 1-5 with a caregiver. Enjoy a variety of interactive STEM games designed for young children. Bring your family and a friend and drop-in anytime during the hour.

These programs are designed for children to do with their adult. As a result, younger children are welcome in all of these programs.

In addition to new early childhood programs, there are new reasons to visit on Saturdays too!

The new STEM Craft Club runs every Saturday from 10-10:30 a.m. It is designed for children ages 3-7 years old. Members can purchase a season pass for $25 or drop in for $5/session. Crafts are designed for adults to do with their children. Indulge your creativity and then stay after the program to explore our hands-on exhibits. The science center opens at 10am and there is no time limit on your visit.

For older children, check out The Rivet on Saturday mornings.

Youth Workshop Hours are for children ages 8-14 years every Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. During these hours, kids unleash their creativity with the guidance of our skilled staff and instructors in The Rivet. These hours are meant to replicate the ways that adults use The Rivet.

Kids can choose which projects they would like to work on during the 2 hours. Choose from pottery, 3D printing, woodworking and more! Register in advance at TheRivet.org for $25. Drop-in registration cost is $30. This is a drop-off program for kids. Adults do not need to stay on-site.

About

Discovery Space

Discovery Space is a growing science center and makerspace based in State College. Our science center offers interactive STEM exhibits and hands-on programs in a fun learning environment. Our makerspace, The Rivet, helps our community build the skills to make or fix just about anything. Continually seeking to spark curiosity and creativity, we serve everyone from toddlers to seniors. Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

For more information, please visit DiscoverySpace.org and TheRivet.org.

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