Wednesday Workshop Schedule
Wednesday afternoons are for Homeschoolers after school at the Maryland Science Center when you participate in Wednesday Workshops. From October through April a different workshop is available every Wednesday and we’re making it easy for you to attend.
October 26, 2011
Can You Engineer It? (Ages 9-14)
Can you build a bridge out of spaghetti? How high can you get a golf ball off the floor using only tape and newspaper? Teamwork, problem solving skills, and a little science are the building blocks for these challenges.
November 2, 2011
Moon Phases (Ages 9-14)
Discover why the phases of the Moon occur and make a Moon dial to take home to help with your lunar observations.
November 9, 2011
Enlighten Me (Ages 6-8)
Discover what makes a glow stick glow and a lightning bug light up as we discuss chemiluminescence versus bioluminescence and create your own shining masterpiece as you become an expert on phosphorescence and florescence.
November 9, 2011
The Potato Chip Challenge-Part 1 (Ages 9-14)
Design and construct the lightest possible package that can successfully protect a single potato chip as it is sent through the mail back to the Maryland Science Center. Must attend both classes.
November 16, 2011
The Potato Chip Challenge-Part 2 (Ages 9-14)
Open your packages and evaluate their design. Discuss some of the challenges and other factors affecting modern packaging design. Must attend both classes.
November 30, 2011
The Power of Yeast (Ages 9-14)
Everyone’s favorite fungi leavens bread, but do you know why? Learn the science behind the food as we bake bread and take a look at the characteristics of yeast that makes it rise.
December 7, 2011
Insulation in the Cereal Aisle (Ages 9-14)
Would rice krispie treats make a good insulator? What are the thermal properties of shredded wheat? Wouldn’t you like to know? Come explore the thermal conductivity of some cereal classics and find out what holds heat and why.
December 14, 2011
Magnificent Moon (Ages 6-8)
Get to know our Earth’s nearest neighbor in space. Find out why it seems to change shape and learn about some features to look for.
December 14, 2011
Squid Dissection (Ages 9-14)
How do squids see? Why do they need a beak? Find the answers to these questions through hands on investigations during a step by step dissection of one of the most fascinating creatures found in the sea.
January 11, 2012
Animal Families (Ages 6-8)
Some families are big and some are small, and some animals have no family at all. Join us for a visit with our animals and learn about their unique upbringing.
January 11, 2012
Chemistry at Home (Ages 9-14)
Chemicals can be found everywhere in our home. Make your own chemistry kit using safe everyday materials and learn about fun, safe experiments you can try at home.
January 18, 2012
The Heat is On (Ages 9-14)
The weather outside may be frightful, but inside we’re feeling the heat. Explore the laws of thermodynamics as we put cool scientific tools to use.
January 25, 2012
Galileoscopes (Ages 9-14)
Learn how to work a telescope and make your own replica of one of Galileo’s first telescopes to take home and observe the night sky.
February 1, 2012
Design Race (Ages 9-14)
To the drawing board! Work together to solve an engineering challenge with a twist – instead of building your own creations, teams of student engineers must communicate their design to another team. Learn how engineers communicate their ideas precisely, and why it is so important that they do.
February 8, 2012
Bug Out (Ages 6-8)
Harry’s Big Adventure, an exhibit all about insects is here. Visit your favorite creepy crawlies and a few you may not have seen before and learn all about insects and arthropods.
February 8, 2012
Cracking the Code (Ages 9-14)
….--- -- . / …-.-.--- --- .-.. / .-- ---.-.-.-… ….--- .--. / .--.-..-. . … -.. .--.--. If you would like to know what it means, joins us and discover the secrets behind the study of cryptography. From cipher wheels to coded text to Morse code transmitters, at the end of this class, you’ll know how to make them and how to break them.
Feruary 15, 2012
Life Beyond Earth (Ages 9-14)
Explore the planets and moons in our Solar System where life might be possible. Then examine the many planets being discovered outside the Solar System, and how scientists detect these far off worlds.
February 22, 2012
Cheesy Science (Ages 9-14)
Cheese making might seem like an ancient art, but it takes an understanding of science to know how it works. Learn how milk combines with acids, enzymes or bacteria and try your hand at producing something tasty.
February 29, 2012
Cartoon Physics and Astronomy (Ages 9-14)
Watch clips from various animated cartoon shows to analyze whether they display good or bad physics/astronomy conceptions. Some conceptions will be reinforced with live demonstrations of the science at work.
March 7, 2012
2012 (Ages 9-14)
Discover a variety of calendars and learn how cultures, including the Mayans, use them to mark time and make predictions
March 14, 2012
Robot Rally (Ages 6-8)
From the bottom of the ocean to outer space, robots have really cool jobs. Play games to find out how robots work, and meet some of the Science Center’s incredible drawing, walking, and singing robots!
March 14, 2012
Science Blows: A Wind Powered Class (Ages 9-14)
Become an eco-engineer for the afternoon as we investigate the potential of wind power. Find out what it takes to design, build, and test your very own wind turbine.
March 21, 2012
Spring Thing (Ages 9-14)
Celebrate the equinox as we ring in the spring with science! Learn about the growth process of plants while dissecting a flower and inspecting it’s parts.
March 28, 2012
There's No Wrong Way to Launch a Peep (Ages 9-14)
Explore the aerodynamic qualities of a flightless bird – the peep! We will build and test launching mechanisms to see how best to make this small yellow marshmallow chick soar.
April 18, 2012
Springtime Showers (Ages 6-8)
Investigate the science of springtime storms and experiment with sound as we make instruments to mimic the pitter-patter of rain and the crashing boom of thunder.
April 18, 2012
How Far is Far? (Ages 9-14)
Explore scales in the Solar system and beyond. Get an update on the New Horizons mission to Pluto.
April 25, 2012
Transit of Venus (Ages 9-14)
Venus will cross in front of the Sun on June 5. Learn what makes this a rare and special event to see and learn how to observe it yourself.
May 2, 2012
Snow Date