6th – 12th Grade

Science On A Sphere®

A giant six-foot sphere is the screen for Science On a Sphere® (SOS), a unique educational tool developed by NOAA. To learn more about SOS and access pre- and post-visit lesson plans, visit http://sos.noaa.gov/.

SOS® Program Options:

Primary tracks for staff-led programs are Weather and Plate Tectonics.  Staff will work with teachers on other possible themes.

Weather (Grades 1st - 12th):

Using real-time data provided by NOAA, NWS, and NASA, students will explore patterns and the relationship between the water cycle and weather. S1E1, S4E3, S4E4, S6E3, S6E4, SEV4, SEV5

Plate Tectonics (Grades 5th – 12th):

Students will explore how the location of plates correlates with volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunami events. S5E1, S6E5, SES1, SES2, SES6c

Mark Smith Planetarium

This state-of-the-art Space Theater offers live and recorded Georgia Performance Standard-related Astronomy programming.

• 30 – 40 minutes in length

• Includes 10 – 15-minute live star show plus Teacher’s choice of the recorded show unless otherwise noted

• Planetarium seats 120 children and adults

Universe Live!:

This enhanced, fully-live presentation takes students on a journey in which they:

  • observe the moon, planets, and stars as they are seen from Earth.
  • fly into space to observe the relative positions of solar system objects from multiple vantage points.
  • fly around the solar system, inspecting the surfaces of the planets and their moons close up.
  • fly out to the edge of the universe and look back at all the galaxies currently cataloged

Teachers may request special topics. S2E1-2, S4E1-2, S6E1, S6E2, SES1

Recorded Programs:

Grades 6th - 12th

Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity:

See immersive animations of the formation of the universe, star birth, collision of galaxies, and a simulated flight into the super-massive black hole at the center of our Galaxy. S4E1, S6E1, SES1

Teacher’s Guide: http://www.spokanefalls.edu/resources/Planetarium/_docs/Black%20Holes%20educator%27s%20guide.pdf

Dynamic Earth:

Explore the inner workings of Earth’s climate system through dramatic visualizations based on satellite data and supercomputer simulations. Examine how the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere shape our climate. S6E4, SM1, SM5

Teacher’s Guide:  http://www.si.edu/Content/SE/Educator%20Guides/DynamicEarthEducatorGuide.pdf

Live Animal Shows

The Classic (Grades K-12):

This show highlights a bird, mammal, insect, and reptile including basic information about each animal’s species, habitat, adaptation, classification, and personal information. S1L1, S3L1, S3L2, S4L1

 Animals in our Backyard (Grades K-12):

Our native Georgia animals are featured with information about habitat, adaptation, classification and more. Students will also test their knowledge of State Symbols from animal and plant kingdoms. S1L1, S3L1, S3L2, S4L1

 Who am I? (Grades K-12):

Learn about the classification and characteristics of the major animal groups. Students will also investigate ways that animals adapt to suit their environments. S4L2, S5L1, S7L1, S7L5

 Losing Lemurs (Grades K-12):

Students explore the flow of energy in an ecosystem through a case study of lemurs, an endangered species. Includes a live animal presentation using the Museum's own lemur and immersive experience. S4L2, S5L1, S7L1, S7L5

 

Exhibitions

Emerging Voices: Retrospective (February 4-June 25, 2022)

Contemporary studio ceramics and paintings representing dozens of Southeastern professional artists influencing the direction of visual art in the United States.

Emerging National X (February 4-May 28, 2022)

The Museum of Arts and Sciences presents its 9th annual Emerging National exhibition, showcasing rising stars from across the United States. Four contemporary professional artists, representing some of the nation’s finest undergraduate and graduate art programs, will display works ranging from large-scale abstract paintings and mixed media installations to ceramic sculpture.

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Environmental Education

On-Site Programs

Sweet Gum Nature Trail (Grades K – 12th):

Limit: 100 students

The trail program includes a Georgia native plant garden and explores life science topics based on appropriate GPS. The trail is wheelchair user accessible. Supports Life Science GSE at all grade levels.

Sum of the Parts (Grades PK – 8th):

Students learn about pollution and how it can affect a river. S3L2, S7L4

Incredible Journey (Grades 3rd – 8th):

Students explore the water cycle by becoming a water droplet and journeying through the cycle. S4E3, S6E3

Lunch

Lunchtime, scheduled as one of the activity periods, allows groups to bring a sack lunch and use the MAS picnic area when the weather allows. There is no indoor space for lunch. In inclement weather, groups must eat on their buses.

Museum Store shopping can be included during this time.

Museum Store

Our store has something for all ages and budgets. Alert the Group Service Coordinator when making your reservation if your group plans to shop.  Students with money to spend, visit the store during their lunch time, 10 at a time, accompanied by an adult from the group.

As an alternative, Grab Bags of assorted items are available by pre-arrangement for $3.50 (+ tax) each.