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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.

WonderLab also has placed Born Learning information in the Discovery Garden area. This is a resource for parents and caregivers who want to create high quality early learning opportunities for young children. The Born Learning initiative is a partnership between the United Way of America, the Ad Council, Civitas and Families and Work Institute. More information.

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 private green space between the museum building and the community's new B-Line Trail where visitors may enjoy a respite from the bustle of downtown Bloomington. The garden includes an amphitheater for fascinating outdoor science programs. Museum visitors may check out nature packs free of charge at the welcome desk to use for exploring science in the garden in different seasons. The WonderGarden also is available to rent for private parties.

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