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Major Exhibits:
Permanent Exhibits
Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles Play with light, shape and form in our glistening, slightly slippery world of bubbles
Bees
One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is our live beehive. Come listen to the buzz and smell the sweet honey made by our very own bees. Watch them create beeswax, feed the larvae and even hatch! Can you find the Queen Bee?
Amigo Amphitheater
Imagine yourself as a firefighter, construction worker, dancer, singer or comedian. Gather and play, listen to the music or present impromptu performances
Mirror Magic
Explore the magical world of reflections, prisms, distorted mirrors and kaleidoscopes
Funstruction
Combine loads of LegosTM, blocks and dominos in creative new ways
Wee Discover
(suggested ages 5 & under) The GRCM has something for all ages. Wee Discover is especially designed for younger kids. Play with soft blocks or cook up something yummy in the kitchen.
2006 Exhibits
To the Rescue: (September 12- November 12)
Lil' Red Fire Truck #5 is back and ready to save the day with hoses, sirens, lights and more! Hop on the brand new ambulance and work on a patient in need of medical treatment. Dress up as a firefighter and other heroes as you play and learn about safety!
Penguin Play (November 14, 2006-January 14, 2007)
Slide into winter with Penguin Play! Children can learn about different kinds of penguins. Did you know there are 17 different kinds? They can also dress up in a penguin costume and slide into the pit of colorful balls. They may also want to enjoy a "feeding frenzy" by playing Feed the Penguin, our beanbag toss game.
Arthur (January 18, 2007-April 29, 2007)
Come and explore Arthur and DW's world as Arthur returns to the museum this year. Arthur's World is designed to encourage storytelling and reading within families. The exhibit reminds children that reading is fun and shows them how real-life situations can be handled. Children can attend a backyard sleepover, visit the Elwood City Library, the Read Family Kitchen, Mr. Ratburn's Classroom and Arthur's World TV with our Chroma Key technology
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Class Trip Programs:
There is no doubt that children (and adults) love to play. And there is no doubt that teachers want their students to learn. At the GRCM, the best of both worlds are paired together in our fantastic field trips!
LEARNING AT THE MUSEUM Make a preliminary visit to the museum before you come with your class. We have included ideas for before, during, and after your visit. You and your students are welcome to visit the museum store as part of your field trip.
Our programs and exhibits invite visitors to:
... Discover
... Play
... Learn by doing!
In order to succeed in an ever-changing world, children need to develop habits of inquiry that will last a lifetime. We believe they learn best when they have fun, are self-motivated, and search for answers to questions they formulate for themselves.
Children, like adults, have different ways of acquiring knowledge. The GRCM provides a dynamic educational setting where all types of informal learning occur. Cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development can be observed within the museum's environment. Our primary goal is for children to understand themselves as learners and to have successful learning experiences. During your visit you can observe individual children and gain further clues to help meet their needs in the classroom.
The museum environment plays a very important role in the learning experience. Our staff has thought deeply about the quality and the instructive power of space. We have created a welcoming place that fosters exploration, communication, and social interaction. The arrangement of exhibits encourages choices, problem solving, and discovery.
DURING YOUR VISIT
Documentation of your visit can enrich the museum learning experience. We encourage you to take photographs / videos of your students as they: Problem solve Learn alone Try something new Examine objects Interact with others Explore
AFTER YOUR VISIT
Reflection is an important part of the learning process. It is a means by which we integrate experiences to expand our understanding of the world. We hope you and your class will reflect upon your visit.
Use the photos you have taken to:
Stimulate discussions or writing projects Initiate explorations in science or art Create a class history Enhance a student's portfolio Share with parents
*Credit to the Santa Fe Children's Museum for above field trip information.
Discovery Field Trips
Discovery field trips are self-guided (teachers can attend a free workshop before their fieldtrip at which time the tour and museum's philosophy are explained).
Groups are greeted by our field trip facilitator. After a short orientation, your students will be led to a starting point to explore and discover the museum. Since the field trip is self-guided, your class will not have a museum staff person guiding your class' experience.
A maximum of 100 students allowed per time slot.
Total museum visit is 90 minutes including 10 minutes of preparation and 10 minutes wrap up and leave.
Call to schedule a field trip at least 3 weeks in advance.
Field trips are scheduled Tuesday-Friday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (Subject to availability)
To schedule a field trip or outreach or if you have any questions call 235-4726 ext 103 or email schedule@grcm.org class pricing=The cost is $2 per child. A minimum of $30 per group.
Chaperones are required at minimum ratio of 1:5 elementary and 1:3 pre-school students. Chaperones are admitted free of charge.
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
The Have-A-Heart Scholarship Fund is designed to provide opportunities for under-served populations of the Grand Rapids area to play at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum.
It is available to programs that serve low income and minority populations. The Have-A-Heart Scholarship Fund gives all children of West Michigan the chance to visit, learn, and play at the Children's Museum for a minimal cost.
Scholarships may be awarded for all or a percentage of the field trip admission fee. Have-A-Heart funds may only be used for children's admission costs.
How do you apply?
Click here for an application form or call the Children's Museum at 235-4726 for an application form.
Please complete the entire form and return to: Have-A-Heart 22 Sheldon Ave., N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Within 2 weeks you will receive a written response from the Children's Museum.
Once you receive your response you may schedule your field trip to the museum |
