Little Explorer’s Club
Ages 3-5
These fun-filled 45-minute sessions guide children through a STEAM topic with Museum scientists. Each exploratory session includes story time, an activity or experiment, artifact or animal encounters, and a craft. Little Explorer’s Club take place twice per month.
$5 GENERAL ADMISSION
FREE FOR MEMBERS
Join us for an exciting Little Explorers Club: Simple Machines! Young students will dive into the world of mechanics as they read a captivating book and discover fascinating information about simple machines. Then, they'll roll up their sleeves for a hands-on craft activity, where they'll construct their very own cars. Don't miss this fun-filled learning adventure!
Class is at 10:15 am
June 11, 13, 15
Join the Little Explorers Club for a captivating journey into Ancient Architecture! Young students will delve into a fascinating book, uncovering secrets of the past. Through engaging activities, they'll discover intriguing facts and embark on a creative adventure, crafting their own pyramid using sugar cubes. Don't miss this hands-on exploration of history and imagination!
Class is at 10:15 am
June 25, 27, 29
Join us this week at the Little Explorers Club as we dive into the fascinating world of water! In this engaging session, we'll learn that water can exist in three different forms: solid, liquid, and gas. Through fun activities and interactive demonstrations, we'll explore how water transforms from ice to liquid to vapor, experiencing firsthand the wonders of the water cycle. We'll also delve into why water is essential for all living things. From plants to animals, water plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth. Through games, stories, and hands-on experiments, our little explorers will gain a deeper understanding of just how precious and important water is to the world around us.
Class is at 10:15 am
July 16, 18, 20
From thunderstorms to tornadoes, we'll learn all about the powerful forces of nature that shape the landscape around us. Explorers will embark on a journey of discovery through interactive activities, hands-on experiments, and engaging stories. Through fun and educational games, our young adventurers will learn how to stay safe during severe weather events and understand the importance of weather preparedness. With plenty of opportunities for creativity and exploration, this week's Little Explorers Club is sure to be a whirlwind of excitement! Join us as we uncover the mysteries of wild weather in the Midwest and inspire a lifelong love of learning about the world around us. Don't miss out on this weather-tastic adventure!
Class is at 10:15 am
July 30, August 1, 3
Dive into the wonders of the ocean with this week's Little Explorers Club! Children ages 3-5 will embark on an exciting journey to discover the mysteries of the ocean and its various zones. From the sunlit surface to the mysterious depths, we'll learn about the creatures that call each zone home. Plus, get ready to get crafty as we create our very own jellyfish to take home! Join us for an ocean adventure filled with learning and fun!
Class is at 10:15 am
August 13, 15, 17
Join us this week at the Little Explorers Club, where our curious adventurers aged 3-5 will dive into the enchanting world of bioluminescence! They'll embark on an illuminating journey as they learn about glowing sea creatures and their fascinating habitats. Plus, get ready to get crafty as our explorers create their very own Angler Fish headbands to light up their own adventures! Don't miss out on the fun-filled exploration this week!
Class is at 10:15 am
August 27, 29, 31
Join us this week at the Little Explorers Club, where we'll dive into the fascinating world of symbiosis! Children aged 3-5 will embark on an adventure to learn about the special relationships between creatures in nature. Our young explorers will have a hands-on experience as they create their very own sea anemone, discovering how these amazing creatures rely on symbiotic relationships to thrive in the ocean. Join us for a fun-filled exploration into the wonders of the natural world!
Class is at 10:15 am
September 10, 12, 14
Join us at the Little Explorers Club this week as we venture into the enchanting world of forests! Children aged 3-5 will embark on a journey through the trees, discovering the wonders of the forest ecosystem. Get ready to unleash your creativity as we delve into tree art activities, where every little explorer can craft their own masterpiece inspired by the majestic trees of the forest. Don't miss out on this magical adventure!
Class is at 10:15 am
September 24, 26, 28
STEAM Summer Camps
Ages 3-5
STEAM Summer Camps are week long drop-off camps for students ages 3-5. Camp sessions run Monday-Friday, Session A and Session B 8am to 3pm. Students are required to be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom.
Session 1: June 3-7 - Out of this World
Session 2: June 10-14: Science of Food
Session 3: June 17-21: Geology
Session 4: June 24-28: Adventure
Session 5: July 8-12: Dinosaurs
Session 6: July 15-19: Color Science
Session 7: July 22-26: Coding & Robotics
Session 8: July 29-August 2: Under the Sea
Session 9: August 5-9: Summer Olympics
$300 Non-Members | $270 Members
Cancellation policy
Before May 1st: Refund 100% - $10 admin fee
May 1st to 8 days before the 1st date of Camp: Refund 50% - $10 admin fee
Within 7 days of the first day of camp: 0% refund
Example: Camp begins 6/17. Cancel on 6/9 and receive 50% - $10 admin fee refund. Cancel on 6/10 or later and receive 0% refund.
Buckle up for a journey through the galaxy, discovering planets, stars, and aliens while participating in hand-on science experiments, stargazing, and cosmic crafts.
Students are required to be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom.
STEAM Summer Camps are drop-off camps for students ages 3-5. Camp sessions run Monday-Friday, Session A and Session B 8 am to 3:00 pm (flexible pick-up available).
$300 Non-Members
$270 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you, this is different than the SciFun Camp discount code)
June 3rd (Monday) - 7th (Friday)
Did you know chemical reactions, acid and bases, solutions and mixtures are all a part of cooking? We will take a look into to the science behind cooking.
Students are required to be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom.
STEAM Summer Camps are drop-off camps for students ages 3-5. Camp sessions run Monday-Friday, Session A and Session B 8 am to 3:00 pm (flexible pick-up available).
$300 Non-Members
$270 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you, this is different than the SciFun Camp discount code)
June 10th (Monday) - June 14th (Friday)
What is the earth made of? Follow us through a physical history of our earth as we learn what the earth is made of and how it changes and grows
Students are required to be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom.
STEAM Summer Camps are drop-off camps for students ages 3-5. Camp sessions run Monday-Friday, Session A and Session B 8 am to 3:00 pm (flexible pick-up available).
$300 Non-Members
$270 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you, this is different than the SciFun Camp discount code)
June 17th (Monday) - June 21th (Friday)
What is an adventure and what do we need to know? Learn about basic first aid, maps, how to read a compass and more skills to help on your next adventure.
Students are required to be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom.
STEAM Summer Camps are drop-off camps for students ages 3-5. Camp sessions run Monday-Friday, Session A and Session B 8am to 3pm.
$300 Non-Members
$270 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you, this is different than the SciFun Camp discount code)
June 24th (Monday) - June 28th (Friday)
Activities and resources to help students understand everything from basic dinosaur biology and evolution, to the tools and methods of modern paleontology.
Students are required to be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom.
STEAM Summer Camps are drop-off camps for students ages 3-5. Camp sessions run Monday-Friday, Session A and Session B 8 am to 3:00 pm (flexible pick-up available).
$300 Non-Members
$270 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you, this is different than the SciFun Camp discount code)
July 8th (Monday) - 12th (Friday)
Have you ever designed your very own color? We will explore, shade, pigment, texture, and more art concepts during this hands on artist experience.
Students are required to be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom.
STEAM Summer Camps are drop-off camps for students ages 3-5. Camp sessions run Monday-Friday, Session A and Session B 8 am to 3:00 pm (flexible pick-up available).
$300 Non-Members
$270 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you, this is different than the SciFun Camp discount code)
July 15th (Monday) - July 19th (Friday)
Introduction to coding, through robotics and sequencing. Tell a story through coding and hopscotch through a living code.
Students are required to be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom.
STEAM Summer Camps are drop-off camps for students ages 3-5. Camp sessions run Monday-Friday, Session A and Session B 8 am to 3:00 pm (flexible pick-up available). Students are required to be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom.
$300 Non-Members
$270 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you, this is different than the SciFun Camp discount code)
July 22nd (Monday) - 26th (Friday)
Dive in with us to learn about who our oceans have living in them. Students will explore ways to keep our oceans clean and our earth cared for.
Students are required to be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom.
STEAM Summer Camps are drop-off camps for students ages 3-5. Camp sessions run Monday-Friday, Session A and Session B 8am to 3:00 pm (flexible pick-up available).
$300 Non-Members
$270 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you, this is different than the SciFun Camp discount code)
July 29th (Monday) - August 2nd (Friday)
Your little athletes will embark on a thrilling journey of sport and teamwork, discovering the world of Olympic dreams through creative crafts, friendly competitions, and playful adventures.
Students are required to be fully potty trained and independently using the bathroom.
STEAM Summer Camps are drop-off camps for students ages 3-5. Camp sessions run Monday-Friday, Session A and Session B 8 am to 3:00 pm (flexible pick-up available).
$300 Non-Members
$270 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you, this is different than the SciFun Camp discount code)
August 5th (Monday) - 9th (Friday)
JAM Sessions
Elementary Learners
Junior Adventurers at the Museum (JAM) Sessions engage elementary students in fun, hands-on inquiry-based activities to familiarize students with STEM-essentials. Experiments and crafts are sure to feed any child’s curiosity. JAM Sessions take place twice per month.
$5 GENERAL ADMISSION
FREE FOR MEMBERS
When you think of a wetland (maybe a marsh, swamp, or small creek flowing from a pond), what living things come to mind? Most of you can probably name a few large animals and at least one or two plants. Did you know, though, that these large living organisms actually depend on tiny, even microscopic, plants and animals to survive. Without them, a wetland would not function the way it does. These animals can also tell us something about the health of our waterways.
In this natural science JAM, you will each be given some sampling tools for collecting specimens in our creek water behind the museum. You’ll observe your “catch” through microscopes and learn about the amazing tiny things swimming in the creek.
Class is at 10:15 am
May 11th & 16th
This year’s weather has been very unusual…65 degrees in the middle of winter! While this is certainly not unheard of, it is well above normal for this time of year. Why do we get such extreme temperature swings, and what does it mean for the climate? It’s complicated! While the climate is changing, there are other factors that determine weather patterns. Some of these occur in cycles. Also, there is a difference between weather and climate.
When it comes to weather, it boils down to wind and circulation caused by differences in temperature. To demonstrate this, we will observe what happens when hot water and cold water are slowly released into a tub of room temperature water. We will also examine the different types of weather events that result from wind, and how weather differs from climate.
Class is at 10:15 am
June 8th & 13th
As we get into late spring, we see the effect of frequent and heavy rains on the land. This is especially noticeable along the banks of creeks and rivers. Flooding and riverbank erosion can be dangerous to nearby homes and other buildings that are not protected. Some engineers specialize in an area called flood mitigation, and these engineers work to design and construct methods for limiting the negative effects of flooding. This can include city layouts, avoiding development in low areas, and building barriers along rivers to keep flood waters from breaking their banks. In this JAM, you will design and construct your own barrier using a variety of provided materials (including moss) and test it out in our water table.
Class is at 10:15 am
June 22nd & 27th
Anybody up for some ice cream? Following the steps in this activity, you can make your own. During this JAM, you will investigate water’s changes of state and the effect of adding substances that lower the freezing temperature of water. You may add some additional ingredients - you will probably want to! - to enhance the taste of your ice cream. In addition to the science, you will have the chance to appreciate how some of our all-time favorite foods were made by hand!
Class is at 10:15 am
July 13 & 18
Did you know that there is a National Moth Week? This year, it will be from July 20-28. If you have done a summer JAM here in the past, you know that we tend to spend a lot of time outdoors in our wetlands. In doing so, we observe many different types of insects. Butterflies are some of the most recognizable insects out there, but did you know that there are far more species of moths than there are of butterflies?
We often don’t notice moths much for two reasons: they aren’t usually very colorful and most are active at night. In this JAM, we will take a close look at moths (as well as butterflies) through outside observations and a pollination experiment.
Class is at 10:15 am
July 27 & August 1
We all know that bees need flowers for their food source - they collect pollen to feed their young and feed on nectar as an energy source. What else would a bee need? Of course, they need shelter for constructing nests, such as cavities in trees. (Speaking of shelter, most bees actually nest in the ground and are solitary. The European honeybee is unusual since the vast majority of bees don’t make huge hives!)
Bees, like all animals, also need water. In this JAM, we will learn how to make a bee bath. It’s similar to a bird bath, but much smaller and constructed a little differently. Placing a small earthenware bath (like a clay pot) outside in a sheltered area in summer is a great way to provide a water source for our bees!
Class is at 10:15 am
August 10 & 15
How do rockets propel themselves into space? It’s not just a matter of pointing it straight up in the air…it needs to escape Earth’s orbit, called the “escape velocity”, or else it will simply fall back to Earth! In this JAM, we won’t be launching rockets into space, but we will have fun making paper rockets and shooting them up 20, 30, even 40 feet up in the air using just our feet! You will learn the basic forces that allow rockets to travel, and then make your own paper rocket that you will launch into the air. You will be challenged to think about aerodynamics and weight in order to make your rocket as efficient a projectile as possible.
Class is at 10:15 am
August 24 & 29
Continuing with an engineering theme, we will learn about catapults and how to make them. In the past, we constructed them using craft sticks and rubber bands. As a twist, this time you will be tasked with coming up with your own design. We will provide a range of materials you can use, but you are free to make whatever design you like with the materials.
Think about what you want your catapult to do. Do you want it to fling multiple marshmallows at once, or do you want to keep it single and just make a design that flings a single marshmallow as far as it can? Think of the physics involved for your chosen design.
Class is at 10:15 am
September ? & ?
Late September is the best time to be out in our wetlands to see the greatest variety of wildflowers in bloom. Did you ever wonder how scientists and artists used to record images of living things before the invention of the camera?
There is a long history, going back thousands of years, of plants and animals being drawn and painted. Some of the most beautiful flower drawings and paintings were carefully made by illustrators who spent hundreds of hours drawing a just a few flowers because it was important to be accurate! In this JAM, we won't make you draw or paint for hundreds of hours, but you can practice illustrating using a flower from our wetlands.
Class is at 10:15 am
September ? & ?
SciFun Camps
Elementary School Learners
School year SciFun Camps are drop-off, single or multiple day long camps, with science oriented experiments and activities designed for elementary age students. Our Lead Educator designs curricula for facilitating these activities with the intention that the students will participate expectedly and learn concepts as well as enjoy the activities. During the school year camps run from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, on select Blue Valley School District out-of-school days. Stay tuned for 2024-2025 school year camps
Prices vary based on camp length, see individual Camp for more information. Members receive a discount.
Summer SciFun Camps
Elementary & Middle School Learners
Summer SciFun camps are drop-off, day long weekly camps with science oriented experiments and activities designed for elementary and/or middle school age students. Our Lead Educator designs curricula for facilitating these activities with the intention that the students will participate expectedly and learn concepts as well as enjoy the activities. Grade levels are determined by the grade the student will be entering in fall. During the Summer camps run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Space Explorers - K-2nd from June 3-7; 3rd-5th from June 10-14; 6th-8th from June 17-21
Young Eco Engineers - K-2nd from June 24-28; 3rd-5th from July 8-12; 6th-8th from July 15-19
Dinos to Rhinos - K-2nd from July 22-26; 3rd-5th from July 29-August 2
Summer Olympics - K-5th from August 5th-9th
$250 Non-Members | $200 Members
Cancellation policy
Before May 1st: Refund 100% - $10 admin fee
May 1st to 8 days before the 1st date of Camp: Refund 50% - $10 admin fee
Within 7 days of the first day of camp: 0% refund
Example: Camp begins 6/17. Cancel on 6/9 and receive 50% - $10 admin fee refund. Cancel on 6/10 or later and receive 0% refund.
If a camp is sold out, please contact Wendy Beins at wendy@visittheamp.org or 913-333-3506 to be added to the wait list.
What would you pack on a trip out into space? It’s a simple question with a not-so-simple answer. It all depends on how far away you’re trying to go, how you’re going to get there, and what you plan to do when you arrive! Humans have always dreamed of exploring and visiting what is out there beyond Earth, and you have to understand multiple areas of science to actually go out and do it.
In this camp, you will start by learning what objects are out in space and what we’ve learned from past missions. Using this knowledge, we can get creative and think like engineers. Decide how best to explore a new world, harness the energy of the sun to power a city, or even how to deflect an asteroid away from Earth’s path to avoid going the way of the dinosaurs!
For elementary and middle school ages (entering grades K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-8th)
$250 Non-Members
$200 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)
K-2nd grade: June 3rd (Monday) - June 7th (Friday) - SOLD OUT
3rd-5th grade: June 10th (Monday) - June 14th (Friday)
6th-8th grade: June 17th (Monday) - June 21th (Friday)
Drop-off for camps is from 8:30-9:00 am and pick-up is from 3:00-3:30 pm. Please email education@visitthemap.org or wendy@visitthemap.org with any questions.
Please contact Wendy Beins at wendy@visittheamp.org or 913-333-3506 to be added to the waitlist.
One of the greatest achievements in human civilization is understanding how to map out and build entire cities. Over half of the population in the US lives in them. Unfortunately, not all of these achievements have been good for the environment. Loss of habitat has become the biggest threat to the environment. Fortunately, we are understanding how we can make changes for the better.
In this camp, we’ll learn about some of the achievements the engineers and builders of the past constructed things - from small bridges to the Great Pyramids of Egypt. We’ll then go further and think about ways to design structures that are good for people but also good for the planet!
For elementary and middle school ages (entering grades K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-8th)
$250 Non-Members
$200 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)
K-2nd grade: June 24th (Monday) - June 28th (Friday) - SOLD OUT
3rd-5th grade: July 8th (Monday) - July 12th (Friday)
6th-8th grade: July 15th (Monday) - July 19th (Friday)
Drop-off for camps is from 8:30-9:00 am and pick-up is from 3:00-3:30 pm. Please email education@visitthemap.org or wendy@visitthemap.org with any questions.
Please contact Wendy Beins at wendy@visittheamp.org or 913-333-3506 to be added to the waitlist.
If you’ve ever been to our museum before, you know something about dinosaurs. You probably also know why the dinosaurs died out…but what happened afterwards? How do you go from a world full of dinosaurs to a world full of large mammals? The answer is much more complicated than most people realize, and you will learn how and why we have the animals around that we do today!
In this prehistoric science camp, you will learn not just about the famous dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Period and how they went extinct, but how the survivors of that mass extinction went on to become so successful. Hint: a lot of it has to do with adaptation, or how well something is able to survive in its environment. We will do experiments to demonstrate how adaptation works, and we will also debate what life would have been like if that asteroid never hit 66 million years ago!
For elementary school ages (entering grades K-2nd and 3rd-5th)
$250 Non-Members
$200 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)
K-2nd grade: July 22nd (Monday) - July 26th (Friday)
3rd-5th grade: July 19th (Monday) - August 2nd (Friday)
Drop-off for camps is from 8:30-9:00 am and pick-up is from 3:00-3:30 pm. Please email education@visitthemap.org or wendy@visitthemap.org with any questions.
SOLD OUT - Please contact Wendy Beins at wendy@visittheamp.org or 913-333-3506 to be added to the waitlist.
Do you like to watch the Olympics? Did you know that this sporting event was first held in ancient Greece thousands of years ago? If you play sports or watch sports, you can appreciate how fit and well-trained athletes must be in order to excel at their sport. While each sport can be hugely different (imagine basketball vs. bowling), all athletes need to exercise and train. They need to learn balance, to use certain muscles, to eat properly…and this all involves science.
In this final camp of the summer, you will learn how athletes from centuries past to the modern day have trained to become the best athletes in the world and participate in the Olympics. On the last day, we will have a field day (sort of a mini-Olympics) where you will participate in events that test your body and mind!
For elementary school ages (entering grades K-5th)
$250 Non-Members
$200 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)
K-5th grade: August 5th (Monday) - August 9th (Friday)
Drop-off for camps is from 8:30-9:00 am and pick-up is from 3:00-3:30 pm. Please email education@visitthemap.org or wendy@visitthemap.org with any questions.
Options for Homeschooling families
We are happy to offer programs exclusively designed for and dedicated to Homeschooling families.
Contact Wendy Beins with any questions.
education@visitthemap.org
(913) 333-3506
Custom Field Trips
You can plan your own educational, facilitated field trip at the MAP for your homeschooling needs! Visit the Field Trips section of the website by clicking the button below, and fill out a form to make your request and let us know about your vision for your student’s field trip!
SciFun Camps
Homeschool students are welcomed to attend any of our SciFun camps.
Programs
Choose a Little Explorers Club or JAM session program suited for your student’s age group, pick a topic, and get ready for an engaging, learning session led by Museum at Prairiefire experts. This is perfect for those looking to add diversity to an at-home curriculum.
Join us at the Little Explorers Club: Too Much T-rex! Young students will dive into a thrilling book, uncover fascinating facts about dinosaurs, and get hands-on with a carnivore craft activity. Don't miss this exciting adventure in learning and creativity!
Class is at 10:15 am
May 14, 16, 18