Are you a scientist? Most people would be quick to answer “no,” but in reality, we are all natural scientists and practice science every day. We are born experimenters: from the baby who puts things in her mouth, to the child who is always asking “why?,” to the adult looking for new ways to solve a problem on the job.
Water Room: Splash, explore, and discover! Discovery Museum’s Water Room encourages hands-on experimentation as kids explore how water moves and flows.
At Discovery Museum, we want kids to learn that science is not a “thing.” It’s a process and a way of thinking. Science is based on evidence: seeking it, testing for it, accepting or rejecting an idea based upon it, reflecting on what we’ve learned.
We’ve somehow gotten the notion that to be a scientist you have to be especially smart and know a lot of facts. You’ve probably heard people say, “I’m not good at science,” or “science is hard.” Maybe you’ve made similar comments yourself. People sometimes see science as a collection of absolute truths rather than as a creative and evolving process.
At Discovery Museum we try to create an environment that encourages curiosity with materials that invite exploration. We’re not telling kids exactly what they should do or giving them “the answer.”
For example, our Tinker Tracks exhibit provides magnetic tracks, tubes, and funnels that kids can use to create ball runs. They design their own challenges, test ideas, and discover how to move the balls in different ways. It’s especially rewarding to see a child become absorbed in exploring, invite another child or adult into the discovery, and leave excited by the experience.
Tinker Tracks: Build, test, and try again! Discovery Museum’s Tinker Tracks exhibit lets kids design their own ball runs while exploring problem-solving, creativity, and cause and effect.
Through their play, kids are problem-solving, thinking critically, and demonstrating curiosity and persistence — all skills that will help them learn and set their own challenges and goals throughout their lives.
Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum for families that blends science, nature, and play. The museum and its Discovery Woods accessible outdoor nature playscape and giant treehouse blend the best of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) learning on a beautiful 4.5-acre campus abutting 180 acres of conservation land in Acton, MA, about 20 miles west of Boston.
