Winter/Spring 2012
Science Exploration Workshops
After-School, Homeschool & Pre-K Enrichment for ages 2-15!

Registration is now open for all!

Join our winter/spring exploration workshops for a season of fun and learning with science that takes children on adventures from snow to sumo robots and rockets. This year, we have classes just for girls and even a spring break LEGO® camp. All of our age-appropriate programs emphasize hands-on learning, so kids should be prepared to jump in and DO science.

Winter-Spring 2012 Classes and Workshops
Workshop Registration Form

Register in person at the NSC's Education Office, by phone (336-288-3769 x315) or by mail (download registration form and mail along with payment to Natural Science Center 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27455). Questions? Email Terri Cooke at tcooke@natsci.org.

Complete Registration info is listed at the bottom and to the right.

AGES 2 - 4 WITH AN ADULT

Nature Tots

Wake up winter and march into spring with this set of hands-on explorations for our youngest scientists. Hands-on sessions involve animals, simple science, art, music and stories that revolve around tot/adult partners. Choose a five or seven class punch card out of our eight sessions and come when you and your nature tot decide. You must stick to your day (Tuesdays or Thursdays).

2012 Nature Tots Class Schedule

NT1: Tuesdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6, 13, 20, 27; 10:00-11:00 amThis class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (NT1) requested.
NT2: Thursdays, Feb. 9, 16, 23; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 10:00-11:00 am This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (NT2) requested.

Five class punch card: $30 Member adult/child pair/
$42 Non-member adult/child pair
Seven class punch card: $42 Member adult/child pair/
$55 Non-member adult/child pair.
NOTE: Your second child aged 2-4 receives $5 off a five class punch and $7 off a seven class punch.

 

AGES 4-6

Pint-sized Professors: Winter WIzards
Concoct a little wintery magic as we look at temperature, solid and liquid and color change in science. You’ll learn a few science “tricks” and even look at snow – real and fake – as we learn about the wonders of winter in this two-part series. This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (PS1) requested.
PS1: Thursdays, Feb 2, 9; 3:30-4:45 pm
$20 Members/$28 Non-members

Leap Year Learning
Leap into February’s extra day with some hop-py frog science. You’ll meet a frog, learn about life stages and make some green slime and a frog puppet to take home. This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (LY1) requested.
LY1: Wednesday, Feb 29; 3:30-4:45 pm
$12 Members/$18 Non-members

Spring Egg-citement
Science is hatching this spring at the Natural Science Center! We'll do some egg-cellent egg-speriments, look inside an egg and try our hands at egg-straordinary projects. Check out eggs of all sizes and meet one of our friendly and unusual silky bantams in class. This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (EG1) requested.
EG1: Thursday, March 15; 3:30-4:45 pm
$12 Members/$18 Non-members

 
AGES 7 - 10

Science Explorers: Magic of Science
You’ll learn about some neat chemical reactions, make foaming goo and a few magical transformations in this two-part series. A magician may not reveal his/her secrets but a scientist always shares the results!
SE1: Thursdays, Feb 16, 23; 3:30-4:45 pm This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (SE1) requested.
$20 Members/$28 Non-members

Owls, Inside Out
Biologists study owl diets through pellets – balls of undigested fur and bones that are regurgitated (coughed back out). Our pellets are dried and sterilized before dissection, and you'll learn to identify the skulls and bones found within. We'll also look at how owls are so successful, from feathers to feet, and meet an owl.
OW1: Thursday, April 5; 3:30-4:45 pm This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (OW1) requested.
$12 Members/$18 Non-members

Bird Brains
Spring is here and so are backyard birds, from migrants to year-round residents. You’ll use binoculars in our woods and check the Center’s bluebird trail for early nesters. End by feeding our own colorful lorikeet flock inside its exhibit in this outdoor adventure.
BB1: Thursday, April 19; 3:30-4:45 pm This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (BB1) requested.
$12 Members/$18 Non-members

 

HOMESCHOOL ADVENTURES

Rockets and Sprockets: Physics Fun
Explore the fun and practical side of physical science with hands-on explorations. Make and blast off a rocket as you investigate Newton's Third Law, study electricity, test forces with catapults and more. Each class is geared to the appropriate level.
Grades 1-3
HS1: Mondays, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27; March 5; 9:00-11:00 am
Grades 4-6
HS2: Wednesdays, Feb 22, 29; March 7, 14, 21; 9:00-11:00 am
$60 Members/$75 Non-members

 

BRICK ENGINEERING

Our goal with each level of our LEGO® building program is to steadily increase not just sound building ability and a deeper understanding of simple and complex machines, but also the ability to work together in teams toward common challenges. All classes have both directed assignments and creative free-building time to apply each day’s lessons. We limit participants to one session, and your child must be the program age by the start of class. New this quarter we have two sessions just for girls to encourage them in science, but girls are welcome in any session.

AGE 5: Beginner Builders

Ahoy, Mateys! All hands on deck – pirates are attacking the Natural Science Center. Hoist your flag and set sail on this adventure of learning. Using building instructions children will build models as they learn about pulleys and carry out scientific investigations about wind power and mechanisms using DUPLO® and regular LEGO® bricks. One session per child, please.
BL1: Tuesdays, Jan 31; Feb 7, 14, 21; 3:30-4:45 pm This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (BL1) requested.
BL2: Tuesdays, Feb 28; March 6, 13, 20; 3:30-4:45 pm This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (BL2) requested.


Captain Princess: for GIRLS ONLY
This sea-worthy class is our twist to introduce girls to engineering. The science is the same but the storyline favors the brave girl crew’s engineering feats.
BL3: Tuesdays, March 27; April 3, 17, 24; 3:30-4:45 pm
$40 Members/$55 Non-members

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AGES 6-7: CARE (Children As Rookie Engineers)

From wheels and axles to gears and pulleys, students learn the basics of simple machines. They also learn the basics of computer programming for their battery boxes using LEGO® Education WeDo Robotics, an icon-based introduction to robotics that uses motors and sensors. One session per child, please.

Castle Quest: Calling all giant fighters! We will investigate simple machines, energy, force and motion and programming while giant-proofing our castle. Using LEGO®  WeDo programs and bricks build an AGD – Anti-Giant Defense – by programming our giant to fall asleep.
CL2: Mondays, Jan 23, 30; Feb 6, 13; 3:30-4:45 pm
CL3: This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (CL3) requested.Mondays, Feb 27; March 5, 12, 19; 3:30-4:45 pm

Fairy Tale Adventures: for GIRLS ONLY
Princess Jacqueline and her mother need your help to fight the giant. Programming challenges are the same as in the above class as you defend a castle from a giant, but this class features strictly girl engineers – and a lot more pink bricks!
CL4: Mondays, April 16, 23, 30; May 7; 3:30-4:45 pm
$40 Members/$55 Non-members

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AGES 8-9: EARLY (Engineering And Robotics Learned Young)

2012 Space Odyssey: The NSC LEGO®-nauts are off to a great start but they left behind some important gadgets and gizmos that they need in space. They will need your master building skills as you build some not-so-simple contraptions to send to space. Simple machines to the rescue! One session per child, please.
EL1: Fridays, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24; 3:30-4:45 pm This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (EL1) requested.
EL2: Tuesdays, Feb 28, March 6, 13, 20; 3:30-4:45 pm
EL3: Fridays, April 20, 27; May 4, 11; 3:30-4:45 pm
$40 Members/$55 Non-members

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AGES 10-11: Rookie Robotics

Unusual Animals: There are some strange animals joining our robotic zoo this spring. You’ll learn how to build and program moving animal-bots using NXT bricks. There are no prerequisites for this class. One session per child, please.
RR1: Saturdays, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25; March 3; 10:00-11:15 am This class is FULL. For a waiting list, contact us at learn@natsci.org with the header "waiting list". We'll need your name, phone number, class(es)/dates or code (RR1) requested.
RR2: Wednesdays, Feb 22, 29; March 7, 21, 28; 3:30-4:45 pm
$50 Members/$70 Non-members

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AGES 12-15: Robotics

Sumo Bots: Create and program an autonomous sumo bot using an NXT brick. Compete against one another by programming your sumo bot to find and push your competitor’s robot out of a ring while not leaving the ring itself. This is a great combination of design and sensor programming to challenge our advanced engineers! One session per child, please.
LR1: Saturdays, March 10, 24, 31; April 21, 28; 10:00-11:30 am
LR2: Saturdays, March 10, 24, 31; April 21, 28; 1:00-2:30 pm
$55 Members/$75 Non-members

AGES 14+: NEW CLASS

Robot C for LEGO Mindstorms
Ready for the next step in programming? Learn to program the NXT robot system using Robot C. This is a pre-requisite for FIRST TECH Challenge (FTC) leagues. Troubleshoot through mini-challenges in this engineering adventure. One session per child, please.
RC1: Saturdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26; 10:00 am-12:00 pm
$60 Members/$80 Non-members

 
SPRING BREAK BUILDERS

AGES 10-12

End spring break with a fun master builders camp. We’ll combine directed lessons with free-building in the robotics lab, where you will program autonomous robots of your own design with NXT bricks and sensors. No experience is necessary as you build or hone skills needed to make robots take off! Bring a lunch each day for a mid-camp break.

SB1: Thursday and Friday, April 12 and 13; 10:00 am-2:00 pm

$60 Members/$80 Non-members

 
REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Member registration begins January 12, 2012 at 8:30am.

Non-member registration begins January 19, at 9:00am.

Walk-in registration is given priority over phone and mail on this date. Pre-registration is required. Full class fees are due at time of registration. Registration accepted with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, checks and cash.  Memberships may be purchased or renewed with class registration.

Workshop Registration Form

Register in the following ways:

  • In person: Mon-Fri, 9 am-4:30 pm (8:30 am on January 12)
  • By email: download our form under Classes & Workshops at www.natsci.org. Fill it out and email to tcooke@natsci.org or fax to 336-288-2531 Attn: Terri Cooke.
  • By phone: Mon-Fri, 9 am-4:30 pm at 336-288-3769 ext. 315.
  • By mail: Full payment must be included with the completed registration form (which can be picked up in person or downloaded). Mail to: Natural Science Center, Attn: Terri Cooke, 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27455.

Refunds for withdrawals will be made if the museum is notified at least 14 days in advance. A service charge of $5 per participant per workshop will be charged for changes and $10 per participant per workshop will be charged for withdrawals.

The Museum reserves the right to cancel a class due to insufficient enrollment. We will make this determination two weeks prior to the beginning of class. Should this occur you will receive notification and a full refund. If the Museum closes due to snow/ice we will contact families and reschedule. Limited financial assistance may be available. Contact Martha Regester, Curator of Community Programs, at 288-3769 ext. 316 for details.

OTHER NEED TO KNOW INFO
The learning experiences we provide may involve glue, markers, and other substances that may stain. Our programs may occur in an outdoor setting. Science can be messy – please make sure that participants are dressed appropriately.

 

 
 Registration Information


Pre-registration is required. Full class fees are due at time of registration. Membership may be purchased/renewed with class registration.

Click here for a
registration form for Winter/Spring Workshops!

(Note:The registration form is a .PDF document that must be printed out. You can register using one of the methods listed below.)

Register in the following ways for Winter/Spring Workshops:

  • In person: Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30 pm (8:30 am on January 12)
  • By email: Download the Registration Form. Fill it out and email to tcooke@natsci.org or fax to 336-288-2531 Attn: Terri Cooke.
  • By phone: Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30 pm at 336-288-3769 ext. 315.
  • By mail: Full payment must be included with the completed registration form (which can be picked up in person or downloaded). Mail to: Natural Science Center, Attn: Terri Cooke, 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27455.

Refunds for withdrawals will be made if the museum is notified at least 14 days in advance. A service charge of $5 per participant per workshop will be charged for changes and $10 per participant per workshop will be charged for withdrawals.


The Museum reserves the right to cancel a class due to insufficient enrollment. We will make this determination two weeks prior to the beginning of class. Should this occur you will receive notification and a full refund.

If the Center closes due to snow/ice we will contact families and reschedule.

Limited financial assistance may be available. Contact Martha Regester, Curator of Community Programs, at 288-3769 ext. 316 for details.

The learning experiences we provide may involve glue, markers, and other substances that may stain. Science can be messy – please make sure that participants are dressed appropriately.

Have questions or need additional information? Contact our Education Department at (336) 288-3769 ext. 389 or send an email to learn@natsci.org.