In addition to daily programming, the museum also offers other types of programming which include: Science Education Programs, Art Education Programs, Special Programs and Early Childhood Programs.
Science Education Programs
Lied Discovery Children’s Museum is dedicated to making learning about science non-intimidating, engaging, and relevant to everyday lives. Exhibitions are designed and selected to encourage science literacy through participatory learning experiences between children and adults. The museum’s science demonstrations space, Einstein’s Corner, allows presenters to offer science programming to visitors, including daily shows in chemistry. Children can discover how chemicals behave while exploring the amazing reactions with incredible liquids, mysterious powders and fascinating gases, or they might wish to try a super cold science lesson. At 320 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit) fascinating things begin to happen. Children explore the world of super cold temperatures with programs using liquid nitrogen, igniting their sense of wonder. Other hands-on science activities are provided in Imagination Station and Creativity Workshop. Curriculum based science programs are designed to meet the needs of elementary school children.
Art Education Programs
Another focus at Lied Discovery Children’s Museum is to provide a learning experience to children in the field of arts and music. Art programs are offered throughout the year. Creativity Workshop provides changing themes, often times with “make and take” activities that allow the child to keep their creation. The Performing Arts Pavilion allows children to use their imagination through play, using arts and music. Children can select costumes and act out a play, use the stage for dance, or a combination of both.
Early Childhood Education
A major focus of the museum’s recent exhibitions and programming has been to address the needs of the youngest learners. The Early Childhood Education Initiative is the museum’s project designed to meet the need for programming for pre-school-age children. Desert Discovery is a hands-on, 2,000-square-foot, permanent exhibit area, especially developed and designed for children ages five and under and their families. This pavillion also includes a Parent Resource Room, a place where caregivers can learn more about the challenges of raising a young child, and daily programs geared toward the learning development of children from birth to 5 years.
YouthWorks
The museum has been recognized both nationally and statewide for the quality of its programs. Its YouthWorks and ArtSmarts programs have been cited as national model programs for low-income, at-risk youth by the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
YouthWorks combines mentoring, job skills training, homework support, career and education guidance within an interdisciplinary museum setting to benefit underserved youth. The museum remains committed to its mission to serve children and families from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds.
YouthWorks serves approximately 100 high school students annually. Any high school student is eligible to participate in the volunteer program. Teens begin as volunteers and are trained on various job skills. They receive support encouraging them to stay in school and graduate from high school.
Select teens are provided with paid, part-time employment. Only teens from low-income families are eligible for paid employment. Teens must remain in school in order to remain in the program. The museum works with their parents and school counselors as needed to mentor them in taking school more seriously, making better grades, pursuing a high degree and encouraging higher education after high school, all the while providing the essential job skills. YouthWorks teens that are interested in attending college and have proven their commitment through school performance, their work at the museum, and leadership activities have the opportunity to participate in College Connections. College Connections is provided free-of-charge to YouthWorks teens—the Museum pays for all registration fees, lodging, meals and airfare.