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 High school programs are designed to build knowledge, encourage critical thinking and problem solving, and to prepare students for their roles as decision makers in society. And of course, all programs are aligned to Ohio’s Academic Content Standards
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Earth Sciences
Location: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Program Length: 1 hour
For content information, contact our Earth and Life Sciences Coordinator at 937–275–7431, ext. 154.
Are We Standing on Solid Ground? (grages 9–12)
Just how far is it to the center of the Earth? Students will find out as they explore the 4.5 billion-year-history of Earth including interior structures of the Earth, plate tectonics and the forces behind the formation of landforms. Using models, activities and simulation your students will get their hands dirty and their minds challenged.
Take a “Journey to Planet Earth” (grages 9–12)
View the Earth in a new perspective as some of the most important global issues are brought to light from the PBS television series, Journey to Planet Earth. Participate in activities relevant to today’s youth that allow them to make connections between soil, water, air and human health. Develop an understanding of how your actions affect the Earth and how we can improve environmental conditions.
What’s Up with the Weather? (grages 9–12)
Can you really determine tomorrow’s forecast? Learn how to make basic weather-predicting equipment, read weather maps and understand clouds. After learning about the behind-the-scenes, student will apply this knowledge and try to predict the weather in front of the camera.
Space Sciences
Location: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Caryl D. Philips Space Theater
Program Length: 55 minutes
For content information, contact our Director of Astronomy at 937–275–7431, ext. 122.
Stroll Through the Cosmos (grage 9)
In this delightful show, set on a clear night, Grandpa and his grandson, Nate, discuss general astronomy topics, including life on other planets, stellar evolution and the constellations.
The StarGazer (grages 9–10)
As a young child Jim Kaler was fascinated with the night sky. Experience his lifelong passion for understanding our world through his poetic view of life in this fun and unique planetarium show.
Beyond the Solar System (grages 9–12)
See how the Sun compares with other stars and how they all change over time. Special effects include an imaginary journey through a black hole.
Constellation Study (grages 9–12)
Understand why we can see different constellations during different seasons. Major constellations are featured and the bright stars are pointed out and named.
Cosmic Dance (grages 9–12)
Advanced astronomy students enjoy witnessing the motions of the Sun, Earth, Moon, planets and stars which they have studied. Topics include retrograde motion, eclipses and the use of right ascension and declination.
Explorers (grages 9–12)
In this participatory show, students learn of Polynesian exploration of the Pacific using celestial navigation and what may lie ahead with the exploration of Mars.
MarsQuest (grages 9–12)
Investigate our red planet neighbor as viewed through history, what’s been revealed through current times and our dreams of what the future may hold in explorations of Mars. Narrated by Patrick Stewart.
RingWorld (grages 9–12)
Planet Saturn has always been a beautiful sight to behold. Breathtaking images have arrived from space probes that have ventured beyond it. Now the ultimate destination for Cassini is the RingWorld itself.
System of Sol (grages 9–12)
Students gain an appreciation of the Earth by learning about the beautiful, but hostile environments of other planets in our solar system. The Sun and each of the eight planets and Pluto are visited following a brief tour of the current night sky.
To the Edge of the Universe (grages 9–12)
Students unravel the mysteries of the Big Bang Theory by understanding red shift/Doppler Effect and venture out to see if there is an edge to our universe.
Physical Sciences
Location: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Program Length: 90 minutes unless otherwise noted
For content information, contact our Physical Sciences Coordinator at 937–275–7431, ext. 156.
The Wright Way to Fly (grages 9–10)
Sail through the skies of the Space Theater as we examine the science the Wright Brothers used to unlock the mystery of powered flight. This program lasts 55 minutes.
Electricity & Magnetism (grages 9–12)
Levitate small objects, lift 200 pounds using one D-cell battery—it’s not magic, it’s science! Learn about electricity, magnetism, motors and generators through engaging experiments and compelling demonstrations.
The Nanotechnology Debate (grages 9–12)
Through hands-on experimentation, your students will gain a better understanding of the key concepts of nanotechnology. They will apply that knowledge in order to develop a personal awareness of where they stand on the issues of nanotechnology research and use vs. environmental, human health, and ethics concerns.
Life Sciences
Location: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Program Length: 1 hour
For content information, contact our Earth and Life Sciences Coordinator at 937–275–7431, ext. 154.
Animal and Plant Diversity (grages 9–12)
Discover why biodiversity is important to the world in which we live. Investigate the interactions of species in an ecosystem when a species population increases/decreases due to environmental changes or human activity.
Arctic Antics (grages 9–12)
Share in the adventures and study of the Arctic; meet Robyn Sweet, a 2007 PolarTREC teacher who will share her first-hand experiences of research, animals, and life upon a polar research vessel (the USCG Icebreaker, Healy). Consider the compelling evidence of climate change and engage in a discussion of how to address climate change concerns while meeting human wants and needs. Learn how to continue to follow the expeditions of other teachers and scientists as they explore the Arctic.
Dinosaurs (grages 9–12)
Examine real fossils and excellent reproductions of dinosaur teeth and skin along with a variety of dinosaur artifacts from our geology and paleontology collections. Use the evidence to identify the adaptive characteristics of dinosaurs and explore how extinction of a species occurs when the environment changes. Consider how natural selection and other evolutionary mechanisms account for the unity and diversity of past and present life forms.
Genetics and Heredity (grages 9–12)
Relive the moment of Thomas Hunt Morgan as students reveal the laws of heredity behind the Drosophila melanogaster they observe. Watch as your students develop new crosses to show linkage, sex-linked traits, and even mutations as they learn to work as research geneticists. Please schedule at least one month in advance to ensure adequate specimens.
Meet the Animals (grages 9–12)
Meet live animals, compare and contrast anatomical characteristics and adaptations, and discuss the delicate and complex interactions between animals and the ecosystem and how changes in that balance can affect survival.
Population Connection (grages 9–12)
300 million in the U.S. and growing…. Investigate how overpopulation impacts an ecosystem—natural resources, climate, and even the equilibrium of Earth. Discover ways to protect rivers, land, and food sources to face the growing demand. Activities are provided from the “Population Connection” organization.
Sorting out Sea Turtles (grages 9–12)
Dive into classification with sea turtles. Your students will learn about their physiology, life history, geographic distribution, and unique characteristics that make sea turtles different from their relatives living on land. Discover sea turtles through fascinating pieces from our collections and test your students on their knowledge as they use a dichotomous key to identify realistic replicas of all the species.
Social Studies
Location: SunWatch Indian Village/ Archaeological Park
Program Length: 1 hour unless otherwise noted
For content information or to schedule, call 937–268–8199.
Archaeological Field Work Class (grages 9–12)
Learn the terminology, excavation methods and tools that archaeologists use to uncover the past. Start in our classroom for an intensive session in archaeological techniques before heading out to our trench to excavate. For groups of 10–30 students. Not available in winter. Class lasts 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
High School Prairie Survey Class (grages 9–12)
Using a variety of skills and tools, students will learn about prairie reconstruction and maintenance. They will receive experience in prairie surveying using geometry and algebra, and learn ecological concepts as emphasized by the Ohio Graduation Test and other Academic Content Standards. There will be hands-on learning using a GPS unit, transit and compass along with an introduction to elementary statistical analysis. Classes interested in this program should have an understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and basic algebra. For groups of 10–30 students. Available August 15–October 15 only.
Lifestyles of the Rich and Prehistoric (grages 9–12)
This tour focuses on the material culture and life ways of the four different prehistoric cultural periods of Ohio. After a half-hour presentation in the classroom, the tour continues outside through the Village.
SunWatch Discovery (grages 9–12)
An overview of SunWatch Indian Village and its prehistoric inhabitants, the Fort Ancients, that includes viewing an introductory film, discussing various displays in the Museum and touring the partially reconstructed Village.
Who in the World is Indiana Jones? (grages 9–12)
This tour answers common questions asked about archaeology and archaeologists. The emphasis of the tour is science, social studies and math that starts in a classroom, then progresses outside for an hour tour through the Village. |
