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For Parents and Chaperones
WonderLab provides an informal setting for learning. Exhibits and activities relate to Indiana academic standards. If you are an adult guiding a child's experience, we recommend the following:
• Encourage an atmosphere of play. WonderLab's exhibits are designed for people to test ideas, observe what happens, try something new, and observe what happens again. There are no right or wrong answers. The focus is on creativity and critical thinking.
• Facilitate discovery. Ask questions that facilitate further exploration. Instead of asking "how" or "why" questions, ask "What do you think will happen if you try this now?"
• Make it relevant. Make a connection between the activity or exhibit, and your child's world. Help your child develop an appreciation for science as a tool that helps us understand the world.
Teachers will find school field trip resources on the Group Visits page.
SCIENCE ON THE SPOT On any given day, visitors may encounter Science on the Spot hands-on activities, take-home crafts, and demonstrations offered by dedicated volunteers. These activities build upon the educational content of exhibits to enrich and refresh the museum experience.
T.I.S. RESOURCE ROOM Browse the museum's reference collection of science activity books and magazines. Please call (812) 337-1337 ext. 11 to schedule an appointment.
LESTER P. BUSHNELL WONDERGARDEN 
This is a beautifully-landscaped green space beside the building where visitors may enjoy a respite from the bustle of downtown Bloomington. The garden includes an amphitheater for fascinating outdoor science programs. The WonderGarden also is available to rent for a private party.
The garden borders the future B-Line Trail, a pedestrian trail through downtown Bloomington scheduled to be completed in late 2008.
| © 2008 WonderLab Museum |  |