Lynn Meadows Discovery Center (LMDC) provides children with the opportunity to learn and discover through play, and our STEM focused exhibits offer the necessary hands on experience needed to develop profound understanding. This guide showcases some of LMDC s STEM related exhibits and lists the science standards that relate to those exhibits. This is not a comprehensive guide; STEM lessons can be supported through many exhibits at LMDC. Indoor Exhibits Inside, 15,000 square feet of hands on exhibits offer exciting play time, rain or shine. Super Colossal Climbing Structure This exhibit simulates the sea with murals and suspended aquatic life. It also stimulates physical fitness, coordination and problem solving with multiple uneven surfaces and entry/exit opportunities. MS SCI 2.3.a. Describe and categorize the characteristics of plants and animals. (DOK 2) Animals (vertebrates or invertebrates, cold blooded or warm blooded MS Physical Education 2.2 Demonstrate understanding of movement principles, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the learning, development and performance of physical activities. (Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Fitness)
Art Knows Anything Goes Each week a new lesson and art project is presented. Lessons may cover 3D and 2D construction, color theory, mixtures, and art elements which often overlap scientific principles. MS SCI K.1.b Compare, sort, and group objects according to size, shape, color, and texture. MS SCI 3.1.b Describe familiar objects and events using the senses to collect qualitative (e.g., color, size, shape) information. MS SCI 4.1.b Use the senses and simple tools to gather qualitative information about objects or events (size, shape, color, texture, sound, position, change). WLMDC TV Children become directors of their own TV show. This area has recently been renovated to have a green screen with more current technology. It includes a Game Show, Talk Show and Weather Station. MS SCI K.4.c Collect and display local weather data. MS SCI 1.4.c Observe, identify, record, and graph daily weather conditions. MS SCI 2.4.c Collect, organize, and graph weather data obtained by using simple weather instruments (wind vane, rain gauge, thermometer) and explain the components of the water cycle. MS SCI 4.4.c Investigate, record, analyze and predict weather by observing, measuring with simple weather instruments (thermometer, anemometer, wind vane, rain gauge, barometer and hygrometer), recording weather data (temperature, precipitation, sky conditions, and weather events), and using past patterns to predict future patterns. MS SCI 5.4.c.1 Weather changes from day to day and over the seasons MS SCI 5.4.c.2 Tools by which weather is observed, recorded, and predicted MS SCI 7.4.h Predict weather events by analyzing clouds, weather maps, satellites, and various data.
Pet Vet The pet vet has exam tables, stethoscopes, x rays, scale, lab coats, grooming station, and kennels. MS SCI K.3.a Group animals and plants by their physical features (e.g., size, appearance, color). MS SCI 1.3.a Classify animals and plants by observable features (e.g., size, appearance, color, motion, habitat). MS SCI 1.3.d Chart and compare the growth and changes of animals from birth to adulthood. MS SCI 1.3.e Identify the basic needs of plants and animals and recognize that plants and animals both need to take in water, animals need food, and plants need light. MS SCI 2.3.a Describe and categorize the characteristics of plants and animals. MS SCI 2.3.a.2 Animals (vertebrates or invertebrates, cold blooded or warm blooded) MS SCI 2.3.c Identify the cause/effect relationships when basic needs of plants and animals are met and when they are not met. MS SCI 3.3.a Research and explain diverse life forms (including vertebrates and invertebrates) that live in different environments and the structures that serve different functions in their survival (e.g., methods of movement, defense, camouflage). MS SCI 4.3.c.2 Plant or animal structures that serve different functions in growth, adaptation, and survival The Port Identify sea birds, drag the Gulf for shrimp, and operate and load cargo with a crane. The port teaches children about life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. MS SCI 7.2.c Compare the force (effort) required to do the same amount of work with and without simple machines (e.g., levers, pulleys, wheel and axle, inclined planes). MS SCI K.3.a Group animals and plants by their physical features (e.g., size, appearance, color). MS SCI 1.3.a Classify animals and plants by observable features (e.g., size, appearance, color, motion, habitat).
A Matter of Science This exhibit makes science exciting! Mass, motion, sight, sound and safety are some of the topics explored through interactive activities. A Matter of Science will challenge and motivate kids to learn more about the world around them. Exhibit Activity Pulley Chairs Tornado Tube Lite Brite Umigo Safety First PVC Pipe organ Make Noise wall MS SCI 7.2.c Compare the force (effort) required to do the same amount of work with and without simple machines (e.g., levers, pulleys, wheel and axle, inclined planes). MS SCI Earth and Space Science 4.b Interpret the patterns in temperature and precipitation that produce the climate regions on Earth and relate them to the hazards associated with extreme weather events and climate change (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, El Niño/La Niña, global warming). MS SCI 5.1.f Make and compare different proposals when designing a solution or product. MS SCI 6.1.f Evaluate the results or solutions to problems by considering how well a product or design met the challenge to solve a problem. NGSS K 2 ETS1 2 Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem. CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.1 Understand that the three digits of a three digit number represent amounts of hundreds, tens, and ones; e.g., 706 equals 7 hundreds, 0 tens, and 6 ones. MS SCI Human Anatomy and Physiology 3.g.3 Structures and functions of the brain and spinal cord MS SCI 1.2.g Identify vibrating objects that produce sound and classify sounds (e.g., high or low pitched, loud or soft). MS SCI 4.1.b Use the senses and simple tools to gather qualitative information about objects or events (size, shape, color, texture, sound, position, change). MS SCI 4.2.f Investigate and draw conclusions about the relationship between the rate of vibrating objects and the pitch of the sound. MS SCI 1.2.g Identify vibrating objects that produce sound and classify sounds (e.g., high or low pitched, loud or soft). MS SCI 2.2.g Identify vibration as the source of sound and categorize different types of media (e.g., wood, plastic, water, air, metal, glass) according to how easily vibrations travel. MS SCI 3.2.f Differentiate the movement of vibrations in waves (e.g., sound and seismic waves), and cite examples to explain that vibrations move through different materials at different speeds. MS SCI 4.1.b Use the senses and simple tools to gather qualitative information about objects or events (size, shape, color, texture, sound, position, change).
MS SCI 4.2.f Investigate and draw conclusions about the relationship between the rate of vibrating objects and the pitch of the sound. What s in the MS SCI 2.2.e Recognize that an object can be seen only if either light falls on it or it emits Box? light, and that color is a property of light. Kaleidoscope MS SCI 3.2.e Explain how light waves travel (e.g., in a straight line until they strike an object, through transparent and translucent objects, from reflecting and refracting surfaces, at the surface of opaque objects). MS SCI 4.2.e Describe how light behaves (travels in a straight line, is absorbed, reflected, refracted, or appears transparent or translucent). MS SCI 5.2.e Differentiate between the properties of light as reflection, refraction, and absorption. MS SCI 5.2.e.1 Image reflected by a plane mirror and a curved surfaced mirror MS SCI 5.2.e.3 Optical tools such as prisms, lenses, mirrors, and eyeglasses MS SCI 6.2.e.1 Properties of reflection, refraction, transmission, and absorption of light MS SCI 6.2.e.2 Images formed by plane, convex, and concave lenses and mirrors, and reflecting and refracting telescopes Ball Ramps MS SCI 8.2.f Recognize Newton's Three Laws of Motion and identify situations that illustrate each law (e.g., inertia, acceleration, action, reaction forces). Construction MS SCI 5.1.f Make and compare different proposals when designing a solution or product. table MS SCI 6.1.f Evaluate the results or solutions to problems by considering how well a product or design met the challenge to solve a problem. NGSS K 2 ETS1 2 Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem. Other STEM activities: Stroop Effect and The Bird Cage What It s Like to Be Me (Disabilities) This exhibit is dedicated to helping children understand disabilities and differences. It helps children better relate to the obstacles and challenges some people face completing everyday tasks and activities. Exhibit Activity Wheel Chair Basketball Challenge Your Senses MS SCI 3.2.c Investigate and describe forces affecting motion in simple machines (lever, wheel and axle, block and tackle, inclined plane, screw.) MS SCI K.3.b.1 The five senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, hearing) and corresponding body parts MS SCI 3.1.b Describe familiar objects and events using the senses to collect qualitative (e.g., color, size, shape) information. MS SCI 4.1.b Use the senses and simple tools to gather qualitative information about objects or events (size, shape, color, texture, sound, position, change).
Sensory Blocks MS SCI K.3.b.1 The five senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, hearing) and corresponding body parts MS SCI 3.1.b Describe familiar objects and events using the senses to collect qualitative (e.g., color, size, shape) information. MS SCI 4.1.b Use the senses and simple tools to gather qualitative information about objects or events (size, shape, color, texture, sound, position, change). Other STEM activities: Sign language cards, Disability books, and Bead/Wire & Pathfinder toys Outdoor Exhibits Outside, oak covered acres provide more space to let their imaginations run wild. Kids Street This real life subdivision in kid sized proportions offers big fun. The homes are constructed to give kids a glimpse at what goes into building. MS SCI 5.2.g Categorize materials as conductors or insulators and discuss their real life applications (e.g., building construction, clothing, animal covering). MS SCI 6.2.g.1 Insulating factors in real life applications (e.g., building, construction, clothing, animal covering) Treehouse Village Tree House Village was created for habitation, and imagination! Our towering live oaks spread their branches and welcome kids of all ages to come and play. So come have fun and discover a new appreciation for nature. MS Physical Education 2.2 Demonstrate understanding of movement principles, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the learning, development and performance of physical activities. (Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Fitness
Chimney Swift Nest, video, graphics (Ornithology). MS SCI 1.3.a Classify animals and plants by observable features (e.g., size, appearance, color, motion, habitat). MS SCI 5.3.a.2 Adaptations that increase an organism's chances to survive and reproduce in a particular habitat (e.g., cacti needles/leaves, fur/scales) MS SCI 5.4.d Describe changes caused by humans on the environment and natural resources and cite evidence from research of ways to conserve natural resources in the United States, including (but not limited to) Mississippi On the Green Discover our barrier islands and local birds at the Ship Island Lookout. Paint with water on a canvas of natural slate. Tap a tune on instruments planted in the ground. Use the tree cookies to build and learn. Check the wind and other weather at the Weather Station. Enjoy the fresh air and outdoor fun! Exhibit Activity Weather Station MS SCI K.4.c Collect and display local weather data. MS SCI 1.4.c Observe, identify, record, and graph daily weather conditions. MS SCI 2.4.c Collect, organize, and graph weather data obtained by using simple weather instruments (wind vane, rain gauge, thermometer) and explain the components of the water cycle. MS SCI 4.4.c Investigate, record, analyze and predict weather by observing, measuring with simple weather instruments (thermometer, anemometer, wind vane, rain gauge, barometer and hygrometer), recording weather data (temperature, precipitation, sky conditions, and weather events), and using past patterns to predict future patterns. MS SCI 5.4.c Summarize how weather changes. MS SCI 5.4.c.1 Weather changes from day to day and over the seasons MS SCI 5.4.c.2 Tools by which weather is observed, recorded, and predicted MS SCI 7.4.h Predict weather events by analyzing clouds, weather maps, satellites, and various data.
Slate panels to paint with water (evaporation) Outdoor musical instruments Giant Tree Cookies Telescopes MS SCI 3.2.b Explore and identify physical changes of matter, including melting, freezing, boiling, evaporation, and condensation MS SCI 3.4.c.3 Water cycle (evaporation, precipitation, condensation) MS SCI 5.2.f Describe physical properties of matter (e.g., mass, density, boiling point, freezing point) including mixtures and solutions. Filtration, sifting, magnetism, evaporation, and flotation MS SCI 1.2.g Identify vibrating objects that produce sound and classify sounds (e.g., high or low pitched, loud or soft). MS SCI 2.2.g Identify vibration as the source of sound and categorize different types of media (e.g., wood, plastic, water, air, metal, glass) according to how easily vibrations travel. MS SCI 3.2.f Differentiate the movement of vibrations in waves (e.g., sound and seismic waves), and cite examples to explain that vibrations move through different materials at different speeds. MS SCI 4.1.b Use the senses and simple tools to gather qualitative information about objects or events (size, shape, color, texture, sound, position, change). MS SCI 4.2.f Investigate and draw conclusions about the relationship between the rate of vibrating objects and the pitch of the sound. MS SCI 6.3.b Compare and contrast structure and function in living things to include cells and whole organisms. 3.b.3 Vascular and nonvascular plants, flowering and nonflowering plants, deciduous and coniferous trees MS SCI Botany 2.c Compare and contrast leaf modifications of gymnosperms and angiosperms (e.g., needles, overlapping scales, simple leaves, compound leaves, evergreen trees, and deciduous trees). MS SCI 6.1.c Use simple tools and resources to gather and compare information (using standard, metric, and non standard units of measurement).1.c.1 Tools (e.g., English rulers [to the nearest one sixteenth of an inch], metric rulers [to the nearest millimeter], thermometers, scales, hand lenses, microscopes, balances, clocks, calculators, anemometers, rain gauges, barometers, hygrometers, telescopes, compasses, spring scales) MS SCI 6.2.e Apply the laws of reflection and refraction to explain everyday phenomena. 2.e.2 Images formed by plane, convex, and concave lenses and mirrors, and reflecting and refracting telescopes MS SCI 7.1.c Collect and display data using simple tools and resources to compare information (using standard, metric, and non standard measurement). 1.c.1 Tools (e.g., English rulers [to the nearest one sixteenth of an inch], metric rulers [to the nearest millimeter], thermometers, scales, hand lenses, microscopes, balances, clocks, calculators, anemometers, rain gauges, barometers, hygrometers, telescopes, compasses, spring scales, ph indicators, stopwatches) MS SCI 7.4.e Research and develop a logical argument to support the funding of NASA's Space Programs. 4.e.1 Space exploration (e.g., telescopes, radio telescopes, X ray telescopes, cameras, spectro meters, etc.) Other STEM activities: Nature Table with biofacts
Solar Sunflowers Solar Sunflowers produce electricity by converting the sun s energy into electrons, demonstrating that clean energy works and is a viable option in coastal Mississippi. MS SCI 1.4.e Collect, categorize, and display various ways energy from the sun is used. MS SCI 4.2.d.3 Energy transferred through an electrical circuit to a bulb or bell to its surroundings as light, sound, and heat (thermal) energy Bubbles This seasonal exhibit allows students to experiment with surface tension and have fun at the same time. MS SCI Bio I 2.b Develop a logical argument defending water as an essential component of living systems (e.g., unique bonding and properties including polarity, high specific heat, surface tension, hydrogen bonding, adhesion, cohesion, and expansion upon freezing).
Outreach Exhibits For an additional fee, LMDC will bring the excitement of learning through play to your school or setup these exhibits for your students to experience during a museum field trip. Imagination Playground Mobile large blue foam block based play system that stimulates children's minds and bodies through active, creative play for construction. The little kid s area, Bear Camp Bayou, has a small version. MS SCI 4.1.f Explain why scientists and engineers often work in teams with different individuals doing different things that contribute to the results. MS SCI 5.1.f Make and compare different proposals when designing a solution or product. MS SCI 6.1.f Evaluate the results or solutions to problems by considering how well a product or design met the challenge to solve a problem. MS SCI 7.1.g Develop a logical argument to explain why scientists often review and ask questions about the results of other scientists' work. NGSS K 2 ETS1 2 Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem. Stuffee Health ambassador, from The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. Stuffee teaches children the function of the human body, the importance of eating healthy and fitness, medical questions, and organ and tissue donation. Stuffee is a 7' foot tall "doll" with a giant zipper down the front that when unzipped, children can view and hold his internal organs: colorful soft reproductions of the hearts, lungs, intestines, etc. MS SCI K.3.b.2 The six major body organs (brain, skin, heart, lungs, stomach, intestines) MS SCI 1.3.b Describe the primary function of the major body organs (brain, skin, heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, bones, and muscles).
MS SCI 1.3.c Communicate the importance of food and explain how the body utilizes food. MS SCI 2.3.b Describe the human body systems with their basic functions and major organs (e.g., brainnervous, bones skeletal, muscles muscular). MS SCI 3.3.b Identify and describe the purpose of the digestive, nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems of the body. MS SCI 4.3.b Classify the organs and functions of the nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems of the body. MS SCI 5.3.b.2 Function of the major parts of body systems (nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, skeletal, muscular) and the ways they support one another Rigamajig Rigamajig is a new large scale building kit designed by Cas Holman for hands on free play and playful STE(A)M learning. This collection of wooden planks, wheels, pulleys, nuts, bolts and rope allows children to follow their curiosity through play while learning 21 st century skills. There are no right or wrong answers; the act of playing and building is the goal, not the finished product. MS SCI K.1.b Compare, sort, and group objects according to size, shape, color, and texture. MS SCI 2.1.d Collect and display technological products (e.g., zipper, coat hook, ceiling fan pull chain, can opener, bridge, apple peeler, wheel barrow, nut cracker, etc.) to determine their function. MS SCI 3.2.c Investigate and describe forces affecting motion in simple machines (lever, wheel and axle, block and tackle, inclined plane, screw.) MS SCI 4.1.b Use the senses and simple tools to gather qualitative information about objects or events (size, shape, color, texture, sound, position, change). MS SCI 4.1.f Explain why scientists and engineers often work in teams with different individuals doing different things that contribute to the results. MS SCI 5.1.f Make and compare different proposals when designing a solution or product. MS SCI 7.2.c Compare the force (effort) required to do the same amount of work with and without simple machines (e.g., levers, pulleys, wheel and axle, inclined planes).