Parents Night Out

Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 5-10pm.
Drop your children age 4 – 6^th grade at the Discovery Center while you enjoy an evening out. This Discovery Center fundraiser allows adults to enjoy the Festival of Lights in downtown Springfield. Pre-registration and pre-payment required by Wednesday, December 2^nd. Check the website back for cost and more detail.

Science Sprouts Museum Days

November 20, 2009 - 9am-5pm

Museum Days just for Early Childhood Learners (up to age 6). This day at Discovery Center will be enhanced with Story time at 10am & 1pm and Brain Byte demonstration at 11am and 2pm. This month topic is Native Americans. We encourage groups of early learners to come these days to the Discovery Center. General admission applies unless the group pre-registered.

24th Annual Festival of Trees

Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 6:30pm

Imagine an evening where you can be surrounded by Incredible Diamonds presented by Maxon's Diamond Merchants, Sensuous Chocolate presented by Askinosie Chocolate, Rich Scotch presented by Brown Derby. Experience all three while enjoying great food, drink and live and silent auction with some of the most exciting items ever!

Reserve your ticket now $100 per person. Check out some of the great items and start bidding today. 6:30pm experience and enjoy the scientific wonders of diamonds, chocolate and scotch while bidding on a wide array of silent auction items. Destination Auction begins at 8:30pm Guests will travel to various locations within Discovery Center. Sponsorships are still available call Charlotte for ticket reservations or sponsor information at 862-9910 Ext. 713.

Discovery Science Club

New for 2009-2010! 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This club is designed for children ages 6-12 and one accompanying parent! Registration cost-$20 per member parent /child duo, $25 per non/member parent/child duo.

Discovery Science Club dates for 2009-2010:

Nov. 14, 2009 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Science of Cooking

Jan. 23, 2010 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Amazing Animals

Feb. 13, 2010 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Science Magic

March 20, 2010 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Topic-Builder’s Workshop

Discovery Center's Adult Rock Band Party and Contest

October 22, 2009 – 6-10pm
Doors open at 6:00pm- Contest begins at 6:30pm. Adults 18 and up select your favorite songs and see your character on the big screen. Your character will be judged on score, skill and style. So dress up like your favorite rock star and rock out at Discovery Center's first Rock Band Party. This will be located in Discovery Center auditorium on the big screen. Every style and song will be available for the competition. Admission includes individual participation in the contest ,free play and watching fellow gamers.
Admission is $10 per person. Food and adult beverages will be available to purchase
First Come First Serve for contest slots.

Science Sprout Museum Days

October 16, 2009- 9-5pm
Museum Days just for Early Childhood Learners (up to age 6). Includes special free science presentations and science story time geared to young learners. Groups may schedule 30 minute programs for an additional fee. For Kindergarten or 1^st grade classes, MOPS groups, day care providers, preschools, playgroups and families. Explore the fun of science and science of fun. Pre-registration required for group rate. General admission applies for individuals. Science Story time on that day will be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. A special early learners Brain Byte will happen at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Science Cafe October 8th 6-8pm

Science Cafe for Adults ~ Stimulating conversation. Informal Setting.

Trolley's Bar & Grill 107 Park Central Square Level 2

1 Part Science
1 Part Intriguing Discussion
1 Part Good Food & Drink

What do you get when you mix an evening of intriguing conversation, good food and drink, and ....science? A Science Café, of course! The Science Cafe concept -- an informal discussion surrounding cutting edge science and research -- is coming to Springfield!

In keeping with its mission to inspire lifelong learning, Discovery Center is excited to partner with the new Jordan Valley Innovation Center to host Springfield's first Science Café, From Benchtop to Bedside. This discussion will be led by researchers from St. John's Medical Research Institute.

This adult only event is free to attend and has limited seating; food and beverage are available for purchase.

October Discussion: Polymers, Plastics and Polyaniline

Presenter: Eve Fabrizio, Project Coordinator for Crosslink/JVIC, will discuss the innovative applications of a unique, electricity-carrying plastic called polyaniline.

With locations in Springfield, St Louis and the University of Southern Mississippi, Crosslink is an industry leader working with polyaniline (PANI), an electrically conductive plastic. And if that isn’t intriguing enough, PANI can also release a substance that protects our armed forces from biological and chemical warfare agents. Join us for the October Science Café to learn how PANI’s unique qualities are being shaped into equally innovative materials by Crosslink!