Science takes center stage at your school

Get your students revved up on science! Our presenters will dazzle and inspire them with bigger-than-life props and awesome [ahhh-some] science demonstrations in an interactive, large-group assembly format.

Our 50-minute assemblies (lyceums) are memorable experiences for your students and staff. We can present to a maximum of 300 students per assembly (150 for Wonders of Science), with an optimal size of 200 or fewer.

UPDATED PROGRAMS - FALL 2008! The School Outreach Assembly programs have been newly re-aligned and correlated to state and national standards/benchmarks. They are specifically designed with your students' educational needs in mind and in support of your efforts to encourage their exploration of the scientific world around them. If you would like to learn more about our recent program updates please contact our School Outreach Department at .

Assembly Topics

The following program topics are available this year:

Antarctica (NEW UPDATES COMING SOON)

Our presenter will tell the story of Antarctica's amazing wildlife and distinct physical features through the use of stunning photography and large-scale props. Students will discover how humans can harm and protect the global environment.
Grades 2-3, 4-6, 7-12

UPDATED PROGRAM! Water

Large, entertaining props are used to explain water as an essential resource for life on earth. This interactive program engages learners in key concepts about water including how it moves and cycles around our planet; that freshwater, limited in supply, is used by people for many purposes; and that through depletion and pollution it can become unavailable and unsuitable for life. It also stresses the importance of being a steward of water by calling students to action in their everyday activities. (Note: Please call if you have latex allergies in your school.)

Grades: 4-6 MN Academic Standards - Science (2003): Grade 4 - III.A (1), III.B. (1 & 2); Grade 5 - III.A. (5), IV.E. (2). NSES: K-4 - Content Standard D, Properties of Earth Materials (1); Content Standard F, Types of Resources (1, 2 & 3); Changes in Environments (2). 5-8 - Content Standard D, Structure of the Earth System (6, 7, 8 & 9). AAAS Benchmarks: 3-5 - The Physical Setting, 4B - The Earth (4); 6-8 - The Physical Setting, 4B - The Earth (1, 6, 7, 9, 11 & 12).

Explain Your Brain

Experience visual and auditory illusions. Perform touch and balance demonstrations. Explore how the 100 billion neurons that make up our brains perceive the world around us. This multi-media demonstration program will stimulate your students' thinking about their brains.
Grades 4-6, 7-12

Weather

Clouds form, lightning flashes, and tornados whirl inside your school! Students will examine air properties as a presenter demonstrates how they relate to daily weather. (Note: Please call if you have latex allergies in your school.)
Grades 2-3, 4-6

Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Imagine a test tube as large as your students, into which a volunteer adds a solid to a liquid. What happens when a balloon is fitted over the top? Introduce your students to the science of chemistry through the use of some unusual demonstrations.
Grades 2-3, 4-6

Electricity (NEW UPDATES COMING SOON)

Sparks fly, hair stands on end, and students are "shocked" as our presenter demonstrates the science and technology of electricity.
Grades 2-3, 4-6

UPDATED PROGRAM! Wonders of Science: Simple Machines

This is a special 35-minute program for kindergarten, first graders, and second graders. Students will use tools such as levers, wheels, and pulleys to change how something is moving by pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying objects across the room. (Note: One Assembly program is limited to 150 students)

Grades: K-2 MN Academic Standards - Science (2003): Kindergarten - I.B. (1); Grade 1 - II.E. (2); Grade 2 - II.D. (1 & 2). NSES: K-4 - Content Standard B, Position and Motion of Objects (3). AAAS Benchmarks: K-2 - The Physical Setting, 4F - Motion (1 & 2).

For more detail on specific standards and benchmarks visit:

• MN Academic Standards - Science (2003)
• National Science Education Standards (NSES)
• AAAS Benchmarks for Science Literacy

Reservation Information

Assembly programs are $295 for the first presentation, and $195 for any additional presentations on the same day, at the same location*.

When applicable, there is a $110 per diem charge for overnight travel. However, if your school reserves programs during your scheduled regional tour, the per diem charge is waived. Audience maximum is 300 students per program, no exceptions, with an optimal size of 200 or fewer. The "Wonders of Science: Dinosaurs" is limited to 150 students.

*Prices for 2008-2009 school year

Where do we go?
We bring Science Museum of Minnesota educational resources and expert staff to schools throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Last year, our teachers and vans traveled over 45,000 miles delivering science excitement to schools of all sizes!

View our travel schedule to plan a visit for the coming year.

Reserve an Assembly Program today!
To reserve an Assembly Program, email us at or call us at (651) 221-4748 or (800) 221-9444, ext. 4748.