Pre-K to 5th 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:

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

Weather (Grades 2nd - 12th):

Using real-time cloud coverage and precipitation 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

Shows in the Mark Smith Planetarium

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

• 30 – 40 minutes in length

• Live star show; recorded show may be added upon request

• 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 Pre-K – 5th

Earth, Moon, Sun:

Examine the Moon’s orbit, craters, phases, and eclipses and how the Earth, Moon, and Sun work together as a system. 

SKE1, S2E2, S4E2

This is Our Sky!:

A visual tour of the sky including the relationship of the Sun, Moon, and Stars. Also learn details of the Earth’s tilt, seasons, constellations, and the phases of the moon.
S2E1, S2E2, S4E1,  S4E2

Stars:

Examine the life cycle of stars from birth through every phase of their existence and learn how stars release the energy that powers the universe. S4E1, S6E1, SES1

Live Animal Shows

The Classic (Grades K-12th):

This show highlights a bird, mammal, insect, and reptile using basic information about their species, habitat, adaptation, classification, and personal information. S1L1, S3L1, S3L2, S4L1

 Animals in our Backyard (Grades K-12th):

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-12th):

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 4th):

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 an immersive experience where students play lemurs to investigate changes over time in their ecosystem. S4L1, 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.

Hands-On Activities

Alike and Different (Grades K – 3rd):

Additional Charge: $1/student, Limit: 100 Students

Activities designed to support GSE focused on classification and description of attributes of objects, materials or animals. SKE2, SKP1, SKL1, S3E1, S3L1

Art & 3 States of Matter (Grades 1st – 2nd):

Additional Charge: $1/student, Limit: 100 Students

Experiments and an art project (which students can take home) illustrate for young students three states of matter. SKP1, S2P1

Weather Fun (Grades 1st – 2nd):

Additional Charge: $1/student, Limit: 100 Students

Experiments and an art project (which students can take home) focus on wind as a factor in weather . S1E1

Moonscapes (Grades 1st - 2nd):

Additional Charge: $1/student, Limit: 100 Students

Experiments and an art project to take home focus on the surface of the moon and how craters are made. S2E2

Make a Mold and Cast (Grades 1st – 5th):

Additional Charge: $1/student, Limit: 100 Students

Students make a clay mold and plaster cast. Can be focused on fossils or animal tracks. S3E2, S4L2

Kinetic Sculpture (Grades 3rd – 5th):

Additional Charge: $1/student, Limit: 100 Students

Engineering, science, and art—the key elements in the design of sculpture in motion—are examined and practiced as students look at examples of kinetic sculpture in the MAS collection and then create their own. S4P3, S5CS4

Volcanoes as Constructive Forces (Grades 5th):

Additional Charge: $1/student, Limit: 100 Students

Students create mini-volcanoes, graph the development of land they create, and make a topographic map. S5E1

Create Earthquake Resistant Structures (Grades 5th):

Additional Charge: $1/student, Limit: 100 Students

In an engineering challenge, students create an earthquake-resistant structure and test it for durability. S5E1

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.

Lunch for a Bear (Grades PK – 2nd):

Students learn about one of the habitat components essential for the survival of black bears. S1L1

Sum of the Parts (Grades 1st – 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

Discovery House

Pre-K – 5th Grade (some activities appropriate for older students)

Staff led groups through the three fully interactive floors of Discovery House including the Mini-Zoo. S1E1, S1P1, S1P2, S3E2, S4E4, S4P2, S5P3

Lunch

Lunchtime, scheduled as one of the activity periods, allows groups to bring a sack lunch and use the MAS picnic area when 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.