Spark an imagination! Light up a mind!

“We create memorable learning experiences through the joy of play in hands-on exhibits and programs.”

Fall 2012

Children’s Choice

Teacher’s Night Out

Coming Soon!

Good For You: Healthy Fun on the

Run

Fall Teacher Workshop

Outreaches

School Programming at CMOM

Permanent Exhibits

Group Visit Basics

Inside this issue

CMOM

.COM

Educators Guide

At The Katherine and John Dobbs Family Center

Learning Journeys

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The election is coming and who will your students choose for President? We’re letting the students make the decisions as we present The Children’s Museum of Memphis’ Presidential Election. Students use voting machines to cast votes in this interactive, educational program about voting, American history, and the presidential election process. Students register to vote and receive their very own voter’s registration card, create their own campaign buttons for their favorite candidate, take part in interactive games and activities to introduce the election process, and spin the wheel to win prizes as they answer multiple choice trivia questions about our presidents, the judicial system, White House kids, and White House pets. All votes will be counted and posted on our website, in our newsletter, and in The Commercial Appeal. Don’t let your students miss out on this exciting learning process. Every election year the children have gotten it right, what will happen this year? You may add this program to a museum field trip or book for the program only. It only happens once every four years so make your reservation early as spaces fill up fast. See our information about booking a field trip to make your reservation today.

Children’s Choice Presidential ElectionSeptember 10-21

Teacher’s Night OutSeptember 21, 4-6pm

No one deserves a break more than our teachers. The Children’s Museum of Memphis would like to give our teachers a well-deserved night of pampering, relaxation, and plain ole’ fun. Just our way of saying thank you for the untiring service you provide each day to our children. Take part in fun, creative, hands-on programs designed to complement your classroom curriculum this year. Enjoy a mini-massage, light refreshments and win prizes for your classroom donated by over 30 other educational institutions and museums. Make your reservations today with Felicia Peat at felicia.peat@cmom.com, call 901-458-2678 ext. 230 or register on the Education page of our website at CMOM.COM, space is limited. Special goodie bags of classroom supplies donated by Discount School Supply, LoneSource and United Healthcare will be given to the first 100 teachers to arrive for the event. Grab a colleague and don’t miss out on this fun-filled night designed just for you. Look forward to seeing you there.

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Upcoming Program!Dear Dr. King Letters

Our Dr. King - Kid’s Dream project was overwhelming last year, but many of you said there was not enough time before the winter break to have your students participate. Well, we’re doing it again. As you study about equality, Civil Rights, the Civil Rights Movement, letter writing, unity, or other related studies, we are asking you to encourage your students to write a letter and/or create a CD or DVD addressed to Dr. Martin Luther King about equality or unity in the world as seen through the eyes of children. It is evident from last year’s letters that children see the world a little differently than they did 40+ years ago. We will be accepting the letters the entire month of December and chosen letters will be on display for Dr. Martin Luther King Day, January 21, 2013.

New Exhibit Components Coming Soon!

Based upon the concept of pixels on a television screen, the Pin Wall uses thousands of injection molded pins to create a detailed “digita l ” representation of any object. Guests of all ages delight in creating images of themselves along with various shapes. With approximately 60,000 pins, the Pin Wall provides amazing resolut ion revealing even the smallest details. Opening winter 2012-2013.

With an array of invisible “strings” the Laser Tree Harp provides guests with an opportunity to produce musical sounds out of thin air! The strings on this exhibit are safe and reliable laser beams. Interrupting one or more of these beams triggers sounds that are reproduced through speakers. Located in the International Paper Tree House, the Laser Harp is scheduled to open September 2012.

Up, up and away! Take off in our newly improved flight simulator. A popular portion of the FedEx exhibit, children and adults are sure to love the new enhancements! Opening September 2012.

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Open Through September 30Come visit Ginger and her friends, the Good for You Crew, at The Children’s Museum of Memphis, through September 30 in the traveling exhibit Good for You: Healthy Fun on the Run. Ginger is a potato chip eating, soda guzzling couch potato who loves to watch T.V. When her mother orders her out of the house, she and her faithful dog George begin an adventure that leads to a world of healthy foods and active play. With childhood obesity ranking as one of the most important issues facing the United States, especially in Tennessee, the exhibit is part of the museum’s health initiative to teach children and their families that living healthy, active lifestyles can be easy and fun.

When students enter the exhibit, they are greeted by life sized cutouts of Ginger and the Good for You Crew. In the introductory area, your students listen to their heart beat and participate in hands-on activities that teach the importance of balancing good food choices (energy in) with physical activities (energy out). Students enter a room with an interactive video wall where they use their whole bodies to capture floating

images of foods to create a balanced meal.

As your class continues through the exhibit, they pick authentic looking fruits and vegetables in Sam’s garden and take them to Maria’s Farmer’s Market where they assume the roles of shoppers and sellers as they learn about healthy food choices. To promote physical movement, students are invited into Nelson’s Treehouse for climbing and then visit Michael and Lea’s campsite where they explore a cave, traverse a rock wall and try out a kayak. Your students then venture into Josh’s Living Room where families will enjoy activities like building cardboard forts and playing twister showing the many ways you can be active in your own home.

Good for You: Healthy Fun on the Run was created by Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga with funding from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. BlueCross BlueShield Foundation has also provided funding for the exhibit to come to The Children’s Museum of Memphis.

For more information, visit CMOM.COM.

Good For You: Healthy Fun on the Run

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So you’ve looked all around town for a special program to beef up your curriculum and you can’t find the right program anywhere. No more worries, we have the solution for you with our custom designed programming. You give us the subjects, your educational objectives and just two weeks, and we will create a whimsical hands-on program for

your classroom learning. You may add the program to a group visit or we can bring the program to

your classroom. You dream it up and let us provide the classroom fun. Call (901) 458-2678 today for more information.

Teacher Workshop:Technology in the Classroom

Saturday, November 10, 201210 - 11am

Tailor-Made

School

Programs!

It seems students are locked in and tied to cell phones, computers, iPads and many other devices of modern technology. It’s hard to keep them focused on the simple little things in life these days like school books, outdoor play and board games. The competition is fierce. How can we compete or do we have to? This workshop is designed to help you put the technology into your classroom while balancing those “simple things in life” too.

Join us as we explore the ever changing world of the classroom. Reserve today at felicia.peat@cmom.com or call 901-458-2678.

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The Children’s Museum offers outreach programs that are exciting, hands-on and inquiry-

based. Each program is aligned with Tennessee State Curriculum Standards. All classes are $100 with discounts for subsequent programs within the same day.

911: Good Sense in a Pinch (Pre-K-1): Health/MathStudents engage in role-playing and a game that teaches when and when not to call 911. All students will be given a “911: When Life is on the Line” t-shirt. Thanks to the Shelby County 911 project!

Air Heads (1-3): Science/Math/Language ArtsYou can’t see it or touch it. Are you really sure that air exists? Students conduct experiments that explore the properties of air, prove that it exists and that it has substance, weight and power.

Animation Station (3-6): Math/Science/ArtEver wonder how your favorite cartoon characters come to life? Learn the basics of animation and the science behind how animation “tricks” the eye. Explore early animation techniques like zoetrope and create your own animation.

Build-A-Bridge (4-6): Science/Social StudiesStudents become engineers for a day and work in teams to build a bridge using K’Nex pieces. They must follow specific design criteria regarding dimensions and strength and stick to a schedule and budget.

Coordination Station Olympics (Pre-K-4): Physical Education/Health Education/Science (K-4)/Physical Development/Language Development (Pre-K)/Math (K-4)Students explore fine motor development and hand-eye coordination. Competitors engage in three fast-paced “Olympic events” that test their abilities to work together as a team while developing speed and agility.

Motion Commotion (3-6): Science/MathIn this fast-paced program, students are challenged to work in teams to design a gravity-powered car that goes the greatest distance. This hands-on program reinforces concepts about the scientific method, engineering, independent research, data collection, graphing, and the laws of motion and energy transfer.

International Paper Pollution Detectives (4-6): Science/Social StudiesStudents become “Pollution Detectives” and apprehend some of the most notorious polluters known to the waters. A top-secret video from headquarters kicks off this fun investigation into water pollution. Grades 4-6 learn by doing in this exciting hands-on, inquiry-based unit that focuses on water resources, environmental responsibility and pollution prevention.

Rat-A-Tat-Tat (Pre-K-2): Language Arts/Math/MusicExperience fun and funky rhythms while learning about patterns. This handclapping, foot-stomping escapade uses percussion instruments and everyday objects to thump, drum and bang the way to an exciting learning commotion.

The Tooth, The Whole Tooth, And Nothing But The Tooth (1-4): Health/ScienceSmile for the camera… the intra-oral camera that is. In this fun, hands-on, interactive workshop students photograph close-up pictures of their own teeth as they order Mr. Gross Mouth to go away. Special attention focuses on the importance of proper dental hygiene, the jobs of the teeth, good nutrition and more. Sponsored by Delta Dental.

The CMOM Express

Experience a School Outreach Program In Your Classroom!

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School Programs at CMOM!Maximize your group visit by adding a School Program. Your students will love these exciting, dynamic and memorable learning experiences.

A variety of School Programs are available to match the learning needs of your class. If you need more information about any of our School Programs, please contact Felicia Peat, director of education, at 458-2678, ext. 230, or felicia.peat@cmom.com.

School Program fees are $3 per student with a minimum of 20 students. A $50 nonrefundable deposit is due two weeks prior to the program to confirm your reservation. Adult chaperons are required in a ratio of 1:5.

Visit CMOM.COM for a quick guide to our School Programs, including curriculum, SPIs and exhibit connections.

Preschool & Primary School Programs911: Good Sense in a Pinch (Pre-K-1): Health/MathStudents engage in role-playing and a game that teaches when and when not to call 911. All students will be given a “911: When Life is on the Line” t-shirt. Thanks to the Shelby County 911 project! 45 minutes; 50 students maximum.

Air Heads (1-3): Language Arts/Science/MathYou can’t see it or touch it. Are you really sure that air exists? Students conduct experiments that explore the properties of air, prove that it exists, that it has substance, weight and power. 45 minutes; 30 students maximum.

Coordination Station Olympics (Pre-K-4): Physical Education/Health Education/Science (K-4)/Physical Development/Language Development (Pre-K)/Math (K-4)Students explore fine motor development and hand-eye coordination. Competitors engage in three fast-paced “Olympic events” that test their abilities to work together as a team while developing speed and agility. 45 minutes; 50 students maximum.

Hello, Stuffee! (Pre-K-3): ScienceAn inside-out look at our anatomy. Learn about the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems from Stuffee, a seven-foot-tall rag doll that unzips to reveal what’s inside our insides. 45 minutes; 50 students maximum.

Rat-A-Tat-Tat (Pre-K-2): Language Arts/Math/MusicExperience fun and funky rhythms while learning about patterns. This handclapping, foot-stomping escapade uses percussion instruments and everyday objects to thump, drum and bang the way to an exciting learning commotion. 45 minutes; 50 students maximum.

The Tooth, The Whole Tooth, And Nothing But The Tooth (1-4): Health/ScienceSmile for the camera… the intra-oral camera that is. In this fun, hands-on interactive workshop students photograph close-up pictures of their own teeth as they order Mr. Gross Mouth to go away. Special attention focuses on the importance of proper dental hygiene, the jobs of the teeth, good nutrition and more. 45 minutes; 50 student maximum. Sponsored by Delta Dental.

Intermediate School ProgramsAnimation Station (3-6): Art/Math/ScienceEver wonder how your favorite cartoon characters come to life? Learn the basics of animation and the science behind how animation “tricks” the eye. Explore early animation techniques like zoetrope, and create your own animation to take home. 45 minutes; 40 students maximum.

Build-A-Bridge (4-6): Science/Social StudiesStudents become engineers for a day and work in teams to build a bridge using K’Nex pieces. They must follow specific design criteria regarding dimensions and strength and stick to a schedule and budget. 50 minutes; 50 students maximum.

Hot Headz Academy (3-6): Injury Prevention & Safety, HealthFire Safe Frannie and her little stuffed Dalmatian, puts on the southern charm as she leads your class through this program of personal health and wellness. Students are educated on fire safety and burn prevention through a series of life saving demonstrations and fire hazard investigations. All students receive a certificate of honor diploma after successfully role-playing an escape plan from a simulated “real” fire in a room filled with safe non-toxic smoke. 45 minutes; 25 students maximum.

Motion Commotion (3-6): Math/ScienceIn this fast-paced program, students are challenged to work in teams to design a gravity-powered car that goes the greatest distance. This hands-on program reinforces concepts about the scientific method, engineering, independent research, data collection, graphing, and the laws of motion and energy transfer. 60 minutes; 30 students maximum.

International Paper Pollution Detectives (4-6): Science/Social StudiesBecome a P.I. (Pollution Investigator) and apprehend some of the most notorious polluters known to the ocean. Use the scientific method to nab such nasties as Oily Oliver and learn how to fight Six-Pack Ringo. Join other scum sleuths to help clean up a polluted “ocean.” 45 minutes; 30 students maximum.

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To Make a Reservation:Call 901-458-2678 Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm, or go to CMOM.COM anytime.

Group rate: $5.50 per person for organized groups of 10 or more school children. School groups include public and private schools only. Other organized groups pay $6 per person for 10 or more children. Other organized groups include churches, daycares, summer camps, etc. Advance reservations are required in order to receive the group rate! School Programs require additional fees.

Adult chaperons are required in a ratio of 1:5 and are admitted free of charge with an advance group reservation. Adults over the 1:5 ratio are $5.50 or $6 each depending on group type. Teachers are counted as chaperons.

Museum visits for groups are two hours and are scheduled during the following time slots: 9:30-11:30; 10:30-12:30; 11:30-1:30; 12:30-2:30; 1:30-3:30; and 2:30-4:30. Please arrive 15 minutes early for a brief orientation.

If you make a reservation seven days in advance, you will receive a written confirmation, including a packet of important information for your group.

You are invited to use our grassy front lawn for brown bag lunches (picnic tables are available on a first-come basis). Food and drink may only be consumed in designated areas and outside the museum buildings. The museum has a Kid’s Cafe where you can purchase lunch for your groups with advance notice. Mention your interest in this when you book your reservations!

We are proud to offer a smoke-free environment both inside our buildings and on our grounds. Please inform all adults in your group. Thank you for your cooperation!

The museum is accessible to all. So that we may better serve you, let us know if anyone in your group requires extra assistance or accommodations.

In order to make a reservation, please provide the following information:•Date, time slot and any school program for which you are making your reservation•Name and title of group leader•Name, complete address and phone number of the school or group•Number of children and adults in your group•Age(s) and/or grade(s) of children in your group•Any special needs

Group Visit Basics

Permanent ExhibitsBankWrite a check, use an ATM and learn all about money and finance.

BirdsWatch birds fly, eat, build nests and socialize and learn more about them.

BookatariumStop by, pick up a book and enter a world of imagination!

Campground/Rock WallClimb in the CMOM mountains or explore the tunnels and slides in the playhouses.

CMOM-TVBroadcast the news, give a weather forecast or star in a music video.

Creative ConstructionsBuild your imagination with thousands of building blocks to choose from, let your mind explore and create.

Earthquake SimulatorBuild a structure and see how an earthquake affects it.

Garage/Child Passenger Safety VanDrive the safety mini-van, take a virtual tour of Memphis or change a tire.

Going PlacesSit in a real airplane cockpit and get a hands-on lesson in the science of flight.

Growing HealthyChildren get to perform “surgery” on a patient in the operating room, learn about proper nutrition, see how arteries become blocked with fat, learn

why exercise is important and much more!

Honeybee HivesSee inside two live honeybee colonies and take apart an indoor hive.

Kid’s MarketShop for grocery items in a kid-sized grocery store.

LighthouseA miniature outdoor lighthouse is a fun addition to the landscape.

Little OrpheumChildren become “stars” in The Little Orpheum as they dress in costumes, use props and see themselves on TV through the use of a “green screen.”

Midtown HomesEach house contains an activity station including a tube & ball wall, a giant clock with working gears and light tables to make colorful patterns and 3D “sculptures.”

Neighborhood FriendsHop on a police motorcycle, dress up as a firefighter or “drive” a sheriff’s car.

Playscape ParkIf you’re four or younger, this is a place just for you!

Safety Train StationListen to an owl sing, play the guitar and talk to you about train safety.

SkyscraperClimb up through the eight stories of this vertical maze.

Smiles, Inc.Pretend to be a dentist and learn about tooth

health.

Time Square/Sir Dance-A-LotGo under the giant clock tower to a

disco to dance and sing along with music.

Tornado GeneratorUse a mist generator, fans and uniquely shaped structure to produce an indoor tornado.

Tree HouseWalk into the forest and learn

about natural resources and conservation.

WaterWORKS!Get your hands wet as you discover the essential role of water.

Windows to the WorldLearn about various cultures from around the world by playing the giant Matching Game.

©2012 The Children’s Museum of Memphis