Theme Days

2009–2010 School Year

Themed visits give students an opportunity to experience the museum in new ways. Activities begin at 9:45 a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m., but classes may arrive and depart anytime during that period. Reservations are required. Numbers are limited—so register early! Students must be divided into groups of no more than five and each group must be accompanied throughout the day by an adult chaperon.
Ask about availability for large groups on alternative days.
Cost: $5.75 per student

ELA Theme Day

For Grades 3 and 4
November 18, 19 and 20, 2009
Talk, laugh, listen, write, and play with ELA skills while exploring our exhibits for inspiration. Mini-lessons facilitated by museum educators throughout the exhibits will focus on the following 6+1 Traits of Writing: Sentence Fluency, Ideas, Word Choice, and Voice. Students receive personalized ELA skills handbooks to take back to school.

Everyday Ecology Field Study

Grades 6 through 8
December 7 and 8, 2009
9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
This specialized program is carefully structured, giving students an in-depth experience with ecology and the delicate balance of backyard science. With the assistance of the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden® entomology staff and professional educators, students explore some of the big questions about the notso- big organisms that live in our own backyards. After a brief introduction, students break into focus groups and embark on a hands-on, mini-research expedition to examine the different roles of pollinators, plants, insectivores, and detritivores. At the end of the expedition, students prepare creative presentations for a fun-filled learning experience. All students visit the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden. Based on enrollment, children may work together with students from other schools. See page 20 for more information regarding our Building Bridges initiative.
MST: 1, 6, 7 LA: 1 Arts: 1
Space is limited to the first 100 students—call early to book this experience! Multiple schools encouraged.
Cost: $6.75 per student

Math in Action Theme Day

For Grades 3 through 5
January 14 and 15, 2010
Back by popular demand! Real-world math in a real fun setting gives your students a chance to play with math skills they’ve worked on at school. Students estimate distances, calculate odds, and multiply and divide to create their own mathematical curiosities. Embedded in exhibits throughout the museum, these activities are designed to offer a range of skill level challenges that students can self select. Mini math notebooks will be used for students to show their work and continue problem solving back at school.

NEW! Build It! Theme Day

For Grades K through 2
February 2 and 3, 2010
Taking inspiration from the LEGO^® Castle Adventure exhibit, students explore building with different materials, shapes, and textures. Grab a tool belt and join us for fun and games, crafts and songs, and a whole lot of exploration time.

Read Across America Theme Day

For Grades 1 through 3
February 25 and 26, 2010
In Reading Adventureland, the world’s largest pop-up book, reading comes alive! Hone skills of deductive reasoning, laugh and play with word play, talk to fictional characters, and help us decorate an oversized birthday cake for Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Your students will have lots of fun with reading skills at Strong National Museum of Play.

Fairy Tale Fantasy Theme Day

For Pre-K through Grade 2
April 13, 14, and 15, 2010
Take your class on a flight of fancy. Make fairy tale costumes and a magical craft as you prepare to go to a Fairy Tale Ball! Take an imaginary carpet ride with our storyteller. You’ll leave happily ever after.

Spring in Motion Theme Day

For Grades 1 and 2: May 11 and 12, 2010
For Grades 3 and 4: May 13 and 14, 2010
Worms wiggle, bees buzz, and crickets creep! Come celebrate spring as we combine poetry and nature with music, movement, games, and crafts that will delight and inspire young and old alike.

Summer Splash Theme Day

For Grades 1 and 2: June 15–18, 2010
For Grades 3 and 4: June 21–23, 2010
Ride the wave towards summer! Join us for a “beach” party to celebrate the end of school. Dive right in! Enjoy “cool” crafts, “hot” games, and lively entertainment in this full day of super summer fun. Don’t forget your shades!

LEGO, the LEGO logo, and the Brick and Knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2010 The LEGO Group.