Parents Night Out

Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 5-10pm.
Drop your children age 4 – 6^th grade at the Discovery Center while you enjoy an evening out. This Discovery Center fundraiser allows adults to enjoy the Festival of Lights in downtown Springfield. Pre-registration and pre-payment required by Wednesday, December 2^nd. Check the website for cost and more detail.

Science Sprouts Museum Days

November 20, 2009 - 9am-5pm

Museum Days just for Early Childhood Learners (up to age 6). This day at Discovery Center will be enhanced with Story time at 10am & 1pm and Brain Byte demonstration at 11am and 2pm. This month topic is Native Americans. We encourage groups of early learners to come these days to the Discovery Center. General admission applies unless the group pre-registered.

24th Annual Festival of Trees

Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 6:30pm

Imagine an evening where you can be surrounded by Incredible Diamonds presented by Maxon's Diamond Merchants, Sensuous Chocolate presented by Askinosie Chocolate, Rich Scotch presented by Brown Derby. Experience all three while enjoying great food, drink and live and silent auction with some of the most exciting items ever!

Reserve your ticket now $100 per person. Check out some of the great items and start bidding today. 6:30pm experience and enjoy the scientific wonders of diamonds, chocolate and scotch while bidding on a wide array of silent auction items. Destination Auction begins at 8:30pm Guests will travel to various locations within Discovery Center. Sponsorships are still available call Charlotte for ticket reservations or sponsor information at 862-9910 Ext. 713.

Discovery Science Club

New for 2009-2010! 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This club is designed for children ages 6-12 and one accompanying parent! Registration cost-$20 per member parent /child duo, $25 per non/member parent/child duo.

Discovery Science Club dates for 2009-2010:

Nov. 14, 2009 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Science of Cooking

Jan. 23, 2010 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Amazing Animals

Feb. 13, 2010 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Science Magic

March 20, 2010 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Builder’s Workshop

Discovery Center's Adult Rock Band Party and Contest

October 22, 2009 – 6-10pm
Doors open at 6:00pm- Contest begins at 6:30pm. Adults 18 and up select your favorite songs and see your character on the big screen. Your character will be judged on score, skill and style. So dress up like your favorite rock star and rock out at Discovery Center's first Rock Band Party. This will be located in Discovery Center auditorium on the big screen. Every style and song will be available for the competition. Admission includes individual participation in the contest ,free play and watching fellow gamers.
Admission is $10 per person. Food and adult beverages will be available to purchase
First Come First Serve for contest slots.

Science Sprout Museum Days

October 16, 2009- 9-5pm
Museum Days just for Early Childhood Learners (up to age 6). Includes special free science presentations and science story time geared to young learners. Groups may schedule 30 minute programs for an additional fee. For Kindergarten or 1^st grade classes, MOPS groups, day care providers, preschools, playgroups and families. Explore the fun of science and science of fun. Pre-registration required for group rate. General admission applies for individuals. Science Story time on that day will be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. A special early learners Brain Byte will happen at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Science Cafe October 8th 6-8pm

Science Cafe for Adults ~ Stimulating conversation. Informal Setting.

Trolley's Bar & Grill 107 Park Central Square Level 2

1 Part Science
1 Part Intriguing Discussion
1 Part Good Food & Drink

What do you get when you mix an evening of intriguing conversation, good food and drink, and ....science? A Science Café, of course! The Science Cafe concept -- an informal discussion surrounding cutting edge science and research -- is coming to Springfield!

In keeping with its mission to inspire lifelong learning, Discovery Center is excited to partner with the new Jordan Valley Innovation Center to host Springfield's first Science Café, From Benchtop to Bedside. This discussion will be led by researchers from St. John's Medical Research Institute.

This adult only event is free to attend and has limited seating; food and beverage are available for purchase.

October Discussion: Polymers, Plastics and Polyaniline

Presenter: Eve Fabrizio, Project Coordinator for Crosslink/JVIC, will discuss the innovative applications of a unique, electricity-carrying plastic called polyaniline.

With locations in Springfield, St Louis and the University of Southern Mississippi, Crosslink is an industry leader working with polyaniline (PANI), an electrically conductive plastic. And if that isn’t intriguing enough, PANI can also release a substance that protects our armed forces from biological and chemical warfare agents. Join us for the October Science Café to learn how PANI’s unique qualities are being shaped into equally innovative materials by Crosslink!

Salvation Army School Supply Drive at DCS Update

Back to School Drive is coming to an end today. Discovery Center has collected school supplies for Salvation Army for the past 9 years and this year was another successful year due to visitors committed to education and children. We were very excited with two business started collecting. Shown here is St Johns Admitting office. Also like to thank Joe Robles with State Farm for encouraging his clients and staff to also participate in donating school items to Salvation Army.

SkySchool-Hands on Astronomy

SkySchool-Hands on Astronomy
September 25-27, 2009
Hands-on astronomy! Three days of a variety of learning experiences designed to help both teachers and students explore astronomy topics, content and resources.

Sky School for Kids

Friday 9/25- 9 a.m-4 p.m.-exploration stations throughout the museum, one hour rocket making classes (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.-$6 per person, plus general admission), Star Party 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday 9/27-1p.m-4p.m.-exploration stations throughout the museum

Sky School for Educators (Advance registration required)

Friday 9/25-4p.m.-6p.m.-Teachers grades K-4-Topic-Travel through the Solar System-Cost $40 per teacher. Fee includes Toolkit with variety of resources to be able to replicate activities in classroom, hands-on practice with various activities, snack and supplies.

Saturday 9/26-10 a.m.-12 p.m.-Teachers of grades 3-6-Topic-Moon- Cost $40 per teacher. Fee includes Toolkit with variety of resources to be able to replicate activities in classroom, hands-on practice with various activities, snack and supplies.

OR

Saturday 9/26-2p.m.-4p.m.-Teachers of grades 5-8-Topic-Mars- Cost $40 per teacher. Fee includes Toolkit with variety of resources to be able to replicate activities in classroom, hands-on practice with various activities, snack and supplies.

Star Party

Star Party
September 25, 2009 5-8pm
Continue to celebrate International Year of Astronomy 2009 with Discovery Center and Springfield Astronomical Society. Discovery Center wants 150,000 individuals to look at the world through a telescope. Join us for a chance to look through a telescope. Star Party on Patio Free, admission applies for inside the museum.

Discovery Science Club

Discovery Science Club
September 19, 2009
New for 2009-2010! 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This club is designed for children ages 6-12 and one accompanying parent! Registration available Aug. 1^st. Cost-$20 per member parent /child duo, $25 per non/member parent/child duo. Additional child-$5 each.

Discovery Science Club dates for 2009-2010:

Sept. 19, 2009 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Flights of Fancy

Oct. 17, 2009 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Chemistry Concoctions

Nov. 14, 2009 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Science of Cooking

Jan. 23, 2010 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Amazing Animals

Feb. 13, 2010 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Science Magic

March 20, 2010 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Builder’s Workshop

Science Sprout Museum Days

Science Sprout Museum Days
September 18, 2009
Museum Days just for Early Childhood Learners (up to age 6). Includes special free science presentations and science story time geared to young learners. Groups may schedule 30 minute programs for an additional fee. For Kindergarten or 1st grade classes, MOPS groups, day care providers, preschools, playgroups and families. Explore the fun of science and science of fun. Pre-registration for group rate. General admission applies for general visitors.

Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day
September 13, 2009 1pm-5pm
It's a day to honor the family, as well as share the love and respect for our elders and our individual roots. Admission prices for grandparents and seniors will be $3.00 per person. Sign up for a Grandparent Membership that day and receive $5.00 off membership. Grandparent Memberships are valid for one year.

DCS Will Be Closed September 7-11

Discovery Center Springfield will be closed September 7-11 for our annual administrative work days. We will reopen Saturday September 12 for regular business.

Moonlight Bike Ride August 22nd

Join us for the 6th Annual Discovery Center Moonlight Bike Ride. Enjoy the pre-party in the Discovery Center parking lot from 8-9pm with music and Astronomy activities and Springfield Astronomical Society. Line up at 9:15pm to ride the streets of Springfield. The route is a 7 mile route or go around twice and do 14 miles. After the ride enjoy pancakes from Village Inn. If you pre-register at Discovery Center or through active.com the first 100 registered will get a headlight from Sunshine Bike Shop. If you are one of the 1st 200 registered you can be guaranteed a t-shirt. Registration is $20 for adults (15+) and $15 children (3-14). Day of the ride registration will increase by $5.00.

Salvation Army School Supply Drive at DCS

Salvation Army School Supply Drive
July 1, 2009- September 30, 2009
Discovery Center is partnering with the Salvation Army for the 9th year to collect donations from the community to provide local children with the school supplies needed for the upcoming school year. The drive begins July 1, 2009 and ends September 30, 2009. A barrel has been placed inside the Discovery Center lobby for supplies to be dropped off during regular hours of operation.

Discovery members will receive a free guest pass for items brought in, and non-members will receive a buy-one-get-one-free admission pass for items donated. Donated supplies must be new and in original packaging. Possible donations include:

· Back Packs
· Glue, liquid white, 8oz.
· Scissors
· Rulers
· Bags of blue, black, or red ink pens
· A box of No. 2 pencils
· Rubber eraser toppers
· Paper
· Crayons or colored pencils
· Calculators
· Tennis Shoes
· 2 or more Folders with 3 brads and 2 pockets
· Large boxes of tissue
· Protractors

The Discovery Center and Salvation Army want to help provide equal opportunities for learning. All donations will be placed directly into southwest Missouri elementary and middle schools. The drive will last through Sept. 30, 2009. For more information contact Charlotte McCoy at 471-862-9910 Ext. 713

Mutual of Omaha Aha! Moment Tour Coming To DCS!

If you see a 34’ Airstream trailer roll into town this summer, you’ll know that Mutual of Omaha is here. Springfield is one stop on the 25 city aha moment tour across America. Hitting the road in a custom mobile studio as part of Mutual of Omaha’s “official sponsor of the aha moment” campaign, the aha moment tour is going on the road to capture real aha moment stores from real people across the country and they invite you to share your story. Times slots are limited so register today at www.ahamoment.com to reserve your spot!

What: Mutual of Omaha’s aha moment tour

Where: Discovery Center of Springfield parking lot

When: Monday, May 18 and Tuesday May 19 from 12pm-8pm each day.

For more information contact Megan Reed at Skadaddle Media, 417-332-5577 Ext 11

Bike, Bus, Walk Week

10 Reasons you should try alternative commuting:

1. Conserves resources
2. Non-polluting
3. Inexpensive
4. Relieves traffic congestion
5. Businesses get attention for participating
6. Save time by combining exercise and commuting
7. Arrive at work or school invigorated
8. Experience nature
9. Improve your health, energy and productivity
10. Free breakfast at Panera! (mmm... coffee and bagel)

Besides the obvious benefits of
alternative transportation,
like improving your health and saving resources, participating in Bike, Bus, Walk Week, does have extra perks - free stuff!

1. Free breakfast from Panera (a free coffee & bagel could save the world)
2. FREE cool ballcaps for lucky winners
3. Free city bus rides all week for those traveling with a bike
4. Free showers/towels at the YMCA's and any Cox Fitness Center, the Meyer Center
5. Free Ozark Greenways membership for participating 3+ days
6. Opportunity for your business to win a traveling trophy
7. A good feeling about helping create a bike/pedestrian friendly community

It's free and easy. This is how you do it:

1. Decide to take the Challenge - To get to and from work without your car at least one day during May 11-15
2. Recruit your co-workers to take the Challenge, and compete for the coveted traveling Challenge Trophy
3. Don't forget to tell them everyone who participates at least one day that week gets a free breakfast from Panera. Yes!
4. Register your workplace or school and print the handy sign-in sheet to tally your workplace participation (choose one person to be your contact person)
5. Participate that week, May 11-15
6. Turn in your tally sheet to us by email or mail or bike messenger (businesses with the most participation win the coveted traveling Challenge Trophy and prizes)
7. Get your free Panera breakfast coupon from us when we get your tally sheet (oh sweet coffee & bagel)
8. Feel good that you're contributing to a more bicycle/pedestrian friendly Springfield
9. Keep doing it!

Discovery Center hosting 4 NASA exhibits until end of June

Join Discovery Center of Springfield for the May Star Party, May 8th 5-8pm.

Discovery Center continues to focus on the International Year of Astronomy. Friday, May 8th from 5-8pm join the Springfield Astronomical Society on Discovery Center patio to look at both Saturn and the moon. Discovery Center is trying to get 150,000 people to look through a telescope in 2009.

Discovery Center will be unveiling 4 new exhibits on loan from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. These exhibits are part of NASA history and will be on display at Discovery Center from May 1st until June 30th. Included in these exhibits is a model of the space shuttle and a space suit worn by Apollo astronauts. Come check it out and look for an opportunity for you to get your photo taken wearing a space suit!

Star party on the patio is free and general admission applies to enter the museum. For more information call 417-862-9910, Ext 706. Discovery Center of Springfield is a hands-on interactive science center located at 438 E St. Louis in downtown Springfield, Missouri. Completing an expansion project in September, 2006 to be the 1st LEED Gold Certified building in southwest Missouri. Discovery Center is open Tuesday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm. Admission is free to members and children 2 & under. $9.00 adults, $8.00 seniors and $7.00 children (3-15).

Starlab Viewing

Starlab viewing-If you missed it during Astronomy week, the Starlab will be available during the month of April on the following dates and times:

April 18th-Earth Day-10:30, 11:30, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00
April 23rd-10:30, 1:00 and 3:30
April 28th-10:30, 1:00 and 3:30

Come learn how to identify common constellations in our sky from the comfort of the indoors!