4450 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, Connecticut
06604
(203) 372-3521 • 371-1903 Workshops
http://www.discoverymuseum.org/
This museum for today and tomorrow presents the arts and sciences in an exciting, sophisticated way that is sure to thrill families and groups from pre-K through college levels. Call for a brochure as there is far too much to properly include here, but to give you an idea:
The Art Gallery features about eight changing exhibitions per year, with something of interest for everyone. Hands On Art Galleries offer students a docent-guided tour and opportunities to create computer art, draw, and walk into a mound of paint which emits color and music.
Individual children as well as School Groups can enjoy Wonder Workshops (grades pre-K - 8) are 2½ hour curriculum-based programs such as Colonial Times in a New England Village (Pre-K - K): Colonial history and skills; Enter a Country (K - 7): such as Africa, China, Japan, Russia, etc.; and Ancient Civilizations (3 - 8): investigating the various cultures of the first Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese or people of the Americas. More than a dozen such programs are available. Most topics include activities in sculpture, constructions, cooking, costumes, printmaking, puppetry, weaving, woodworking, and other skills.
Art Studio Experiences (grades K - Adult) lasting from 1¼ to 2 hours get students involved in various aspects of art production. Multi-Cultural Programs (grades 5 - college) are ½ day to full day programs that offer an in-depth look at various aspects of different cultures. Several titles available.
Science Lectures (grades K - 8) each demonstrate a topic like Air, Color, Machines, Sound, Electricity, Chemistry, Light, Space, and more. 45 minutes long.
Science learning Labs (grades K - 8) 1¼ hours long, involve students in science by creating lab situations. About ten titles are offered, such as Super Sound (K - 4): students use the principles of sound to solve problems; Weather Watch (2 - 5): develops basic weather and meteorological concepts through the building of instruments; and Electromagnets ( 6 - 8): explores the link between magnetism and electricity.
Challenger Learning Center creates scenarios (that may change from year to year) utilizing a Space Station Simulator and Mission Control Center to involve students and teachers in an exciting innovative program. A sample scenario is M.A.R.S. - Mission Assignment: Relief and Supply. Student crews interact with specially programmed computers, TV cameras, small robots, simulated isolation chambers, and other high-tech components to achieve their mission. Pre- and post visit curriculum kits are included. Cool.
Last but not least is the Henry B. duPont Planetarium. It offers several 45 minute programs for families and groups of all ages.
Discovery also offers special Teacher Workshops, an Outreach Program, and Kits that can be rented by a school for programs in the classroom.
What a place! I've only touched on what's available, but you get the idea. Check it out.
All group programs require 1 adult per 10 students
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12 - 5pm,with Planetarium Shows in afternoon (call for schedule). Additional Planetarium Shows on weekends. Closed Mondays except for School Groups with reservations.
Admission: Adults $8.50, Seniors & Students $7.00. Children $7.00, Children under 5 FREE. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount.
School Groups (10 or more people):
General Admission: $5.50 per person with a Planetarium Show, $4.50 without. At-Museum Educational Programs (includes admission): prices range from around $130.00 for up to 20 students up to $450.00 for up to 25 students (with additional per student fee for larger groups), depending on the type of program. Call for details or visit the Museum's official website (above).
Group Reservations: At least 3 weeks in advance.
Lunch: Groups may eat bagged lunches indoors (by reservation), or picnic on the grounds.
Handicapped: Accessible.
Directions: I-95 (New England Thruway) North, into Connecticut, to exit 27. At end of exit turn left onto Myrtle Ave. Go to South Ave., turn left and drive to Park Ave. Turn right onto Park and proceed about 4 miles to #4450, on right, just past Geduldig St.
Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes north of the George Washington Bridge.
Nearby: Beardsley Zoo , Maritime Center at Norwalk , Lockwood-Matthews Mansion Museum .