Are you looking for a science-rich Flandrau experience? Try one of our Discovery Programs. These programs, sponsored by University of Arizona colleges and departments and led by University of Arizona undergraduate students, give participants the opportunity to experience hands-on, inquiry-based activities in a variety of science disciplines.
Program goals:
- To encourage students to "think like scientists" using their observational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- To encourage higher education by allowing interaction with University students.
- To introduce students to a variety of science fields.
Spring Discovery Programs
Earth Science Discovery
About
Students will participate in a series of hands-on activities exploring various earth science concepts such as the rock cycle, water cycle and carbon cycle. Workshop activities are led by UA students and align with AZ State and Next Generation Science Standards.
Workshop Stations:
- Rock Cycle Station: Students will explore the rock cycle as they use Starburst candy to model the processes involved in creating different types of rocks.
- Soil Station: Students will texture different soil types and identify soils by different characteristics.
- Microbes Station: Students will learn about the diverse lives of microbes found below earth’s surface.
- Water Station: Students will learn about the water cycle and how water erodes land overtime.
- Critical Zone Station: Students will explore the layers of the earth that support life and create their own critical zone in a cup.
Program Details
Audience/Age Group:
3rd - 6th Grades
Group Size:
10 - 35 students
(over 35 students will require two registrations)
Timeline:
Spring Semester
February 7 through April 27, 2023
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Arrival Time:
9:15 a.m.
Program Time:
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Duration:
2 hours
Pricing
Standard K-12 School/Youth Organization
Base Rate: $80 for up to 10 participants
+ $8 for each additional participant
- Optional Exhibits and Show Add-on
- Separate registration required (click Science Center Exhibit or Planetarium Show Visit)
- +$4 per participant to add on exhibits (adds one hour)
- +$4 per participant to add on a planetarium show (adds one hour)
Title I K-12 Schools
Base Rate: $60 for up to 10 participants
+ $6 for each additional participant
- Optional Exhibits and Show Add-on
- Separate registration required (click Science Center Exhibit or Planetarium Show Visit)
- +$3 per participant to add on exhibits (adds one hour)
- +$3 per participant to add on a planetarium show (adds one hour)
Grant Funding
Limited grant funding is available for Title I schools for Discovery Workshops and transportation. Contact us for details.
(NOTE: Grant funding covers the cost of the discovery workshop only. It does not cover the optional add-on experiences.)
Teachers and Chaperones
Teachers are free.
Chaperones are the same price as a participant listed above ($6 to $8 each).
Due to room capacity in the Discovery Labs, the number of adults accompanying your group is limited to 5.
For information about scheduling programs or grant funding, please contact:
Heather Parra
heatherparra@arizona.edu
520-626-1032
Scheduling
- Select Earth Science Discovery
Insect Discovery
About
Insect Discovery programs are designed to teach elementary students science concepts through hands-on activities using live and preserved insects. These demonstrations and activities will immerse you into the amazing world of insects!
Sponsored by the Department of Entomology in collaboration with the Arizona Cooperative Extension, these inquiry-based activities address topics such as biological diversity, adaptation, and life cycles. College students in related programs will be your hosts for these mini-workshops.
Workshop Stations
- Butterfly Observations
- How Insects Grow
- Decomposers
- Adaptations
- World of Ants (New)
Program Details
Audience/Age Group:
1st - 3rd grade
Group Size:
10 - 30 students
(over 30 students will require two registrations)
Timeline:
Spring Semester
February 7 through May 3, 2023
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Arrival Time:
9:15 a.m.
Program Time:
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Duration:
2 hours
Pricing
Standard K-12 School/Youth Organization
Base Rate: $80 for up to 10 participants
+ $8 for each additional participant
- Optional Exhibits and Show Add-on
- Separate registration required (click Science Center Exhibit or Planetarium Show Visit)
- +$4 per participant to add on exhibits (adds one hour)
- +$4 per participant to add on a planetarium show (adds one hour)
Title I K-12 Schools
Base Rate: $60 for up to 10 participants
+ $6 for each additional participant
- Optional Exhibits and Show Add-on
- Separate registration required (click Science Center Exhibit or Planetarium Show Visit)
- +$3 per participant to add on exhibits (adds one hour)
- +$3 per participant to add on a planetarium show (adds one hour)
Grant Funding
Limited grant funding is available for Title I schools for Discovery Workshops. Contact us for details.
(NOTE: Grant funding covers the cost of the discovery workshop only. It does not cover the optional add-on experiences.)
Teachers and Chaperones
Teachers are free.
Chaperones are the same price as a participant listed above ($6 to $8 each).
Due to room capacity in the Discovery Labs, the number of adults accompanying your group is limited to 5.
For information about scheduling programs, please contact:
Heather Parra
heatherparra@arizona.edu
520-626-1032
For more information about content and activities:
Kathleen Walker,
krwalker@cals.arizona.edu
520-626-2088
Scheduling
- Select Insect Discovery A or B
Mineral Resource Discovery
About
The Mineral Resource Discovery is sponsored by the Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources and the Department of Geosciences. This outreach program is designed to teach grade 6-12 students about the science and engineering behind copper mining, one of Arizona’s most important industries. This program integrates geology, engineering, chemistry, physics and environmental science to show the real-world application of science, engineering and math. Advances in these fields allow humans to extract mineral resources in increasingly cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways and future advances lie with the generations of innovators to come! The workshop is facilitated by undergraduate students at the University of Arizona.
Program goals:
- Show students how science, technology and engineering concepts are used in a real world setting and in applications that affect our lives.
- Illustrate how our world depends on mineral resources (earth materials mined from the ground).
- Introduce students to some of the stages in the life cycle of a mine and create awareness of the variety of technical/scientific jobs needed in the mineral industry.
Workshop Stations:
- Formation of porphyry copper: Students learn about magmatic-hydrothermal systems that form copper deposits in the earth. Simple experiments show how changes in pressure and temperature create the perfect storm of conditions for a copper deposit.
- Mineral Exploration: A layered sandbox provides students with the opportunity to undertake a geophysical survey and drill (with a straw) beneath the surface to find a mineral deposit. Students record their findings by logging core and marking a map.
- Mine Planning: Students are given the opportunity to tinker with the big data software that provides mining engineers with all the details needed to design the mine before permits are obtained. Simple math problems are given to demonstrate the cost and savings of seemingly small changes on the mine.
- Mineral Processing: Turning rock into copper metal takes a few steps and a lot of chemistry. Students undertake hands-on experiments in leaching, electroplating and froth flotation.
- Environmental Effects of Mining: Students are introduced to environmental hazards around a mine including acid mine drainage, dust and heavy metals. A sandbox/water table is used to show how rain and erosion can increase risks and solutions for monitoring and mitigating hazards are discussed.
Program Details
Audience:
6th - 12th grade
Group Size:
10 - 35 students
Timeline:
Spring Semester
Wednesdays and Fridays
January 27th - April 26th
Arrival Time:
9:15 a.m.
Program Time:
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Duration:
2 hours
Pricing
Standard K-12 School/Youth Organization
Base Rate: $80 for up to 10 participants
+ $8 for each additional participant
- Optional Exhibits and Show Add-on
- Separate registration required (click Science Center Exhibit or Planetarium Show Visit)
- +$4 per participant to add on exhibits (adds one hour)
- +$4 per participant to add on a planetarium show (adds one hour)
Title I K-12 Schools
Base Rate: $60 for up to 10 participants
+ $6 for each additional participant
- Optional Exhibits and Show Add-on
- Separate registration required (click Science Center Exhibit or Planetarium Show Visit)
- +$3 per participant to add on exhibits (adds one hour)
- +$3 per participant to add on a planetarium show (adds one hour)
Grant Funding
Limited grant funding is available for Title I schools for Discovery Workshops. Contact us for details.
(NOTE: Grant funding covers the cost of the discovery workshop only. It does not cover the optional add-on experiences.)
Teachers and Chaperones
Teachers are free.
Chaperones are the same price as a participant listed above ($6 to $8 each).
Due to room capacity in the Discovery Labs, the number of adults accompanying your group is limited to 5.
Scheduling
- Select Mineral Resource Discovery
Contact
For information about scheduling programs, please contact:
Heather Parra
heatherparra@arizona.edu
520-626-1032
Fall Discovery Programs
Marine Discovery
This program is only offered in the fall semester.
Sign up for our educator's newsletter for registration updates.
About
Sponsored by the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Marine Discovery is an outreach program designed to teach students in grades 3-8 about the importance of our oceans. Marine Discovery workshop stations are hands-on, activity-based programs which provide students with the opportunity to learn about the diversity of life in marine environments. The workshop stations are facilitated by University of Arizona students.
Program Goals
- To encourage students to "think like scientists" using their observational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- To introduce students to the marine environment and conservation, with a focus on the nearby Sea of Cortez.
- To provide students with the opportunity to discover the diversity of marine life.
- To engage students in science and encourage their pursuit of higher education.
Workshop Stations
- Shark Dissection: Students are led through the dissection of a dogfish (Squalus), with an emphasis on body form and function, and adaptations to the marine environment.
- Plankton: Students learn about the types of plankton in our oceans, their importance in the marine food web, and their unique adaptations that help them survive in marine environments..
- Fish Diversity: Students observe fish specimens from a variety of habitats to learn how their unique characteristics, such as body shape, size, and color, help them function in the ocean.
- Seashell Classification (NEW!): Students use their observational skills to determine how to classify seashells, while learning about mollusks and adaptations.
- Marine Food Web (NEW!): Students will dissect simulated marine consumer stomachs to learn about different types of consumers and the interdependence of organisms. Students will learn how energy is transferred through organisms in the marine food web.
Program Details
Audience:
3rd - 8th grade
Group Size:
10 - 40 students
(over 40 students will require two registrations)
Timeline:
Fall Semester, Tuesday - Fridays
Arrival Time:
9:15 a.m.
Program Time:
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Duration:
2 hours
Pricing
Standard K-12 School/Youth Organization
- Base Rate: $80 for up to 10 participants
- + $8 for each additional participant
Optional Add-ons
(separate registration required on our field trip page)
+$4 per participant to add on exhibits (adds one hour)
+$4 per participant to add on a planetarium show (adds one hour)
Title I K-12 Schools
- Base Rate: $60 for up to 10 participants
- + $6 for each additional participant
Optional Add-ons
(separate registration required on our field trip page)
+$3 per participant to add on exhibits (adds one hour)
+$3 per participant to add on a planetarium show (adds one hour)
Limited grant funding is available for Title I schools for Discovery Workshops. (NOTE: Grant funding covers the cost of the discovery workshop only. It does not cover optional add-on experiences.)
Teachers and Chaperones
Teachers are free.
Chaperones are the same price as a participant listed above ($6 to $8 each). Due to room capacity in the Discovery Labs, the number of adults accompanying your group is limited to 5.
REGISTRATION IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.
CHECK BACK AGAIN CLOSER TO FALL SEMESTER.
For questions, please contact:
Heather Parra, Education & Outreach Manager
520-626-1032
Chemistry Discovery
This program is only offered in the fall semester.
Sign up for our educator's newsletter for registration updates.
About
The goal of the Chemistry Discovery outreach program is to promote and facilitate chemistry learning for middle school students (6th through 8th grade).
Our workshops are designed and conducted by University of Arizona students in collaboration with several faculty members from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Program Goals
The Chemistry Discovery workshops maintain an interactive and dynamic atmosphere in order to encourage students to:
- ask questions
- make scientific observations
- and draw conclusions.
Workshop Stations
- Mysteries of pH
- Density and phase changes
- Light on chemistry
- Properties of water
The provided activities aim to recapitulate the experiences of scientists in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry.
The program promotes higher education by providing an opportunity for middle-school students to discuss scientific observations while interacting with college students.
Program Details
Audience:
6th - 8th grade
Group Size:
16 to 32 students
Timeline:
Fall Semester, Wednesdays only
Dates:
- October 26
- November 2
- November 9
- November 16
- November 30
Arrival/Check-in Time:
11:00 a.m.
Program Time:
11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Duration:
75 minutes
Pricing
For Fall 2022, the Chemistry Discovery workshops are offered at no charge!
Registration
To schedule a Chemistry Discovery workshop, contact:
Dr. Elisa Tomat & Dr. Brian Zacher
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry