EDUCATION & FAMILY PROGRAMS

MUSEUM SCHOOL
The Museum School offers a broad range of classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of experience. Generally, classes for adults are ages 16 and up; children's classes are appropriate for ages 15 and under.

Art classes are offered for all ages at a variety of media: ceramics, 2-D, 3-D, mixed media and photography are just a few. Science topics are explored in a fun, camp-like environment. Four sessions: fall, winter, spring and summer.

Instructor Opportunities - Providing opportunities for artists and science instructors to develop professional careers and share their considerable knowledge are major objectives of the Museum School and exhibition program. Email Armin Mersmann, Museum School Manager/Preparator or call 989-631-5930 ext. 1404 for more information.

MUSEUM TOURS
Alden B. Dow Museum offers on-site, guided educational experiences for groups of all ages. If you are looking for information on School Group Tours, please see the Teacher Resources Information below. Adult and mixed age groups (15 or more people) are encouraged to pre-arrange their visits as well.

Adult Group Rates: Groups of 15 – 24 / 10% discount*, Groups of 25 or more / 15% discount*
(*discount on regular admission rate for the exhibition being toured)

Scout groups: (Girls & Boys) are encouraged to visit the museum and are treated the same as School Group Tours (see link above). During special exhibitions (past examples: Egypt, A T. rex Named Sue, etc.) the museum may offer a specialty patch with the tour.

Pre-registration is required for all tours. If you have additional questions or to inquire about available times and dates for your tour, please contact our Education Department at andersond@mcfta.org.

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TEACHER RESOURCES:

SCHOOL TOURS
Please read our Guidelines for School Group Tours (pdf 128k) packet. If you have additional questions or to inquire about available times and dates for your tour, please contact our Education Department at andersond@mcfta.org.

Current Rates for School Tours: $2 per student. We allow 1 free chaperone for every 5 students. Additional adults will pay full price. Prices are subject to change.

School Field Trip Bus Cost Reimbursement Application (PDF 207K) Limited busing funds for field trips between January 12 - April 30, 2008 are available courtesy of the Dow Corning Foundation.

EDUCATOR'S OPEN HOUSE
Annual FREE Event For Educators: Please check back for upcoming dates.
Our Educator Open House brings together local organizations with resources for teachers. These resources include tour opportunities, outreach programs for the classroom, packaged lessons for teacher use, and discount and grant programs to name a few. Door Prizes, Refreshments and Giveaways available.

VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMS:
• Picture Parent Program: A long-standing success story designed and executed by over 100 active volunteers who take art history and appreciation to the classrooms of Midland schools.

• Project Art Museum: Introduces elementary students to a half-day arts experience that includes a gallery tour, hands-on studio art, performing arts and science.

• Visual Arts Outreach: This program sends artists in all disciplines to underserved schools for demonstrations, presentations, hands-on art activities and career guidance.

For further details, current pricing, or to schedule any of the Alden B. Dow Museum Visual Arts Outreach programs, email Debbie Anderson or call 989-631-5930 ext. 1225.

SCIENCE OUTREACH PROGRAMS:
Science Outreach Programs are educational, fun and entertaining. They can usually be tailored to the specific needs of your event. These programs may be available if you would like to add them to a museum tour for a small fee.

For detailed information about all of our Science Outreach Programs, please click here or click on one of the programs listed below.

- Magic of Electricity
- STUFFEE
- Spectrum Light Box
- Suitcase Science

Coming Soon! A program on Atoms using a Cloud Chamber…check back for updates.
- StarLab (currently not available) We are looking for a presenter for this program.

For further details, current pricing, or to schedule any of the Alden B. Dow Museum Outreach programs, email Debbie Anderson or call 989-631-5930 ext. 1227.

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FAMILY PROGRAMS:

FAMILY DISCOVERY DAYS
These family-oriented programs are designed to spread excitement about science and art by creating opportunities for exploration through entertainment and hands-on discovery. These programs will occur a minimum of five times per year (generally geared for the school year). Many times these programs will coincide with specific gallery exhibits or current events. Admission varies by program.

SCOUT PROGRAMS
Activities for all divisions can be custom tailored to better benefit each age group. Call with your ideas. Included are self-guided tours, Scavenger Hunts and Badge Activities. For more information, email us or call 989-631-5930 ext. 1227.

MUSEUM BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Birthday parties at the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art are recommended for children ages 5-11 years. Party prices are rated for up to 12 children (including the birthday child) and two adults. Additional children will be permitted at an additional fee based on the type of party selected. The Museum requires a ratio of one adult for every five children. These allotted chaperones will be admitted at no charge. Additional adults will be permitted at an extra charge. Museum membership required for a parent, grandparent or the birthday child. May be purchased at time of booking. Minimum membership level: Youth ($25). More detailed information about our Birthday Parties...

Email Debbie Anderson or call 989-631-5930 ext. 1227 for more details or to book a party!
Get the Birthday Parties Registration Form in PDF format (162k).

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PARTNER PROGRAMS
Visit the Midland Section of the American Chemical Society site to learn more about "Bringing Science to Life in the Classroom."

Also visit www.chemistry.org, brought to you by the scientists of the American Chemical Society.

Jason Expedition – A different science topic is explored yearly in classrooms across the nation. The program culminates in a broadcast about research being done in that area of science.

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