Wonder Workshops
Ignite curiosity and inspire young minds with Wonder Workshops at the Don Harrington Discovery Center or directly on your campus!
Tailored for PreK through Kindergarten, these hands-on workshops introduce key science concepts in an engaging and playful way. Whether diving into the mysteries of the ocean or exploring the forces behind motion, each workshop offers an exciting adventure in learning.
Are Wonder Workshops right for my group?
Wonder Workshops are designed for designated school groups such as a school, daycare, or a large education program. For groups or organizations not affiliated with a school organization please see our private Coffee and Cuties & Toddler Track offerings!
Colorific
Explore the science of colors through interactive stories, fun experiments, and creative activities. From mixing primary colors to exploring different reactions, children will engage in hands-on experiences that reveal the beauty and science behind the colors they see every day. This workshop inspires creativity and curiosity, making learning about colors an unforgettable adventure.
Demo: PH Color Change Experiment.
Activity: Color Mixing, Salt Painting
Story: Mouse Paint, Ellen Stoll Walsh
TEKS:
- PK4.III.D.2: The child uses appropriate mathematical language to explain his or her thinking about quantities.
- PK4.VI.A.1: The child begins to understand the relationship between spoken and written words.
- PK4.VI.A.3: The child recognizes that text has meaning.
- PK4.VIII.A.1: The child uses creative arts as a form of expression.
- PK4.VIII.A.2: The child develops an appreciation for the creative arts.
On the Move
Explore different modes of transport, from cars and trains to planes and boats, through captivating stories and dynamic demonstrations. Hands-on activities will let children design their own vehicles and discover the forces that make them move. This workshop ignites a passion for exploration, teaching young minds about the fascinating world of transportation and the science that powers it.
Demo: Bernoulli Blow Dryer and Electromagnetic Train.
Activity: Toy Car Friction, Hoopsters.
Story: Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker.
TEKS:
- PK4.VI.A.1: The child begins to understand the relationship between spoken and written words.
- PK4.VI.A.2: The child begins to identify letters and sounds.
- PK4.VI.A.4: The child demonstrates phonological awareness.
Underwater World
Be captivated by stories of ocean creatures, explore the science of water, and engage in activities that bring the underwater world to life. From learning about sea animals to understanding the properties of water, this workshop provides a splash of education and fun, leaving young explorers with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the ocean.
Demo: Convection Currents and Shark Buoyancy.
Activity: Shark Buoyancy, Whale Blubber.
Story: Over and Under the Waves by Kate Messner.
TEKS:
- PK4.VI.A.1: The child begins to understand the relationship between spoken and written words.
- PK4.VI.A.2: The child begins to identify letters and sounds.
- PK4.VI.B.1: The child engages in prewriting activities.
- PK4.VI.B.3: The child demonstrates an understanding of different forms of writing.
The Current Month Coffee & Cuties Theme!
Take a look at this month’s Coffee and Cuties theme! If that option excites you, simply select “Current Coffee & Cuties Theme” on your booking form to join in on the fun!
Request a Custom Program!
Have a specific theme or set of TEKS to satisfy? Reach out to our team and discuss the limitless opportunities to CUSTOMIZE your Wonder Workshops experience!
- Field trip dates are booked quickly, especially during peak times such as the months of October, April, & May. BOOK EARLY FOR AVAILABILITY!
- Please make sure reservation requests are submitted ahead of reservation deadlines.
- Reservations are booked using Central Standard Time. For guests in the Mountain Time zone, please adjust your reservation request times accordingly.
Chaperones and Siblings:
A 1:10 ratio is required
- Chaperones and Siblings:
- One Chaperone per student (1:1) is included with a field trip. Additional chaperones over the 1:1 ratio $2/per.
- Siblings may participate in field trip activities at the field trip cost per student. Non-participating siblings over one years old $2.
Arrival
Please have students remain on the bus while one member of your group makes their way to the West Wing Field Trip Entrance. One of our Education Team members will board the bus to welcome you and your students to the Discovery Center and assist with getting you to your first rotation.
Your Guide Is…
One of our friendly team members will be your “tour guide” during your visit. They will be available to answer your questions and assist with rotating your groups through their activities during your visit.
Running Behind
We understand! Bus schedules and traffic can be unpredictable. If your group is running behind and will miss your scheduled arrival time, please contact us at 806-355-9547 so we can update your visit schedule. We will make every effort to ensure you are still able to enjoy all your scheduled activities.
Note on Payment
WE DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENT USING CHANGE OR ONE-DOLLAR BILLS. Please exchange all coins and dollar bills for larger currency BEFORE arriving at the DHDC as we cannot accept payment for school visits in one-dollar bills and/or change.
Lunch
We are happy to provide lunch space for school groups free of charge. Advance reservations are required and space is limited, so please notify us when you make your reservation that you would like a lunch space. In cases of unexpected inclement weather, we will do our best to provide your group lunchroom space upon request.
Divide and Conquer
Please make sure to divide your students into equal groups for your rotations. Your confirmation form will indicate the number of groups in which to divide your students. Rotations that include science labs will require groups of no more than 30 students each.
Schedule Adjustments
Your DHDC Confirmation Form will include a tentative schedule for your visit, but please note your rotation schedule is not finalized until your arrival at DHDC. You will receive a final copy of your rotation schedule upon arrival. Rest assured that any schedule changes will not affect your selected activities or delay your requested departure time.
Thank you for choosing the Discovery Center for your field trip!
We are excited to work with your students and provide an exciting learning experience.
Discovery Center staff are not responsible for the supervision or behavior management of any child or student during field trips. Teachers and group leaders are responsible for all supervision and the enforcement of the following expectations:
- Students, chaperones, and group leaders must be mindful and respectful of other groups and guests using our facilities.
- Students over 6 years of age are not permitted into the Kinder Studio area.
- Students, chaperones, and group leaders must treat staff respectfully and professionally.
- Students should not run at any time while inside the Discovery Center building.
- Teachers and Group Leaders must be present and actively supervise during all education programs (Science labs, Science Live! Demos, Space Theater programs. etc.)
- Exhibit pieces and all other Discovery Center property should not be damaged, misused, or stolen by any guest.
- Animals and animal enclosures should be interacted with appropriately. Enclosures should not be shaken, tapped on, hit, or treated disrespectfully in any way.
DHDC Staff will remove any student from a Science Live!, science lab, or space theater program if these expectations are not met and student behavior becomes a disruption to the learning of others.
When your group follows these expectations, they help the Discovery Center provide the best possible educational experience for all students, teachers, and guests, and they help ensure that guests can enjoy Discovery Center property in the future.
