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Request a donation from Discovery to your Organization Discovery is happy to support charitable organizations, schools, and libraries in our community. Submit your request below for a donation to your auction, raffle, or other fundraiser. Discovery Science Center and Planetarium Donation Policies As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, Discovery is pleased to support other nonprofit organizations. It is our policy only to donate to other nonprofits. Requests submitted without an official 501(c)(3) number will not be considered. All donation requests must be submitted at least three weeks prior to your event. Donation requests are considered only once per calendar year per 501(c)(3). The organization requesting the donation will be contacted via email with the approval status for the donation request. Click Here to Request a Donation!

Book Your Program Booking is as easy as 1-2-3! Step 1 – Reservation Request Form Select your group type below. Fill out and submit the reservation request form with the details of your trip. Step 2 – Booking Notice When your reservation has been created by our team, you will receive a confirmation email with your itinerary, contract, and invoice. Step 3 – Contract and Payment A signed contract is required to finalize your booking. Full payment is due prior to your visit. See contract for details. Select your group Education Groups Girl Scouts Boy Scouts Education Groups School groups, Homeschool groups, Camps, Youth and Senior groups Payment Policies Full payment is due 7 days in advance of your trip. We accept checks and credit cards. Headcount changes must be made 7 days in advance of your visit Refunds will not be issued for overpayments Lunchroom and Gift Shop Options If you would like to reserve time to eat a bagged lunch in lunchroom you must request ‘Lunchroom’ on our reservation request form. We provide non refrigerated rolling racks to hold your lunches and belongings while you explore. If you would like your students to visit our gift shop you must request ‘Gift Shop’ on our reservation request form. Please plan to visit in smaller groups. Additional Resources What to expect on your Field Trips? Educational Programming Request Please note: This is not your booking. This is the first step in the process. A staff member will be in touch to finalize your booking. Your booking is not considered finalized until you receive our contract and finalizing documents. Contact Information First name* Last name* Email* Best Phone Number* What type of group are you booking for?* School Group Youth Group Adult or Senior Group Other Name of Organization, Group, or School* Your Title Organization, Group, or School Address Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* Address - line 2 City* Zip / Postal code* Will you be attending this field trip as the group leader?* Yes No Is your group from a non-profit? Yes No Is your school a Title I school? Yes No Attendance Details 1st choice date for program(s)* 2nd choice date for program(s)* Preferred arrival time* Time : Hours Minutes AM Preferred departure time* Time : Hours Minutes AM Please indicated the age or grade range of your group:* How many children are you expecting to attend?* How many teacher/chaperones are you expecting to attend?* How many one-on-one aides, paras, or caregivers are you expecting to attend? Any special considerations or requests? Please include any allergies, accessibility or language needs, etc.* Program Details Location for your program(s)?* Onsite at Discovery Traveling to your site Would you like time in our exhibits? Yes No Would you like to view a planetarium show? Pre-recorded show Live show No Would you like to watch a live science demonstration? Yes No Would you like to schedule a learning lab or Challenger Mission? Yes No Is your field trip being funded by a grant? Yes No Will you be eating your lunch during your field trip?* Yes, our group would like to use your lunchroom No, we will not be eating lunch during our trip Would you like to visit our gift shop? Time for the gift shop MUST be reserved ahead of time.* Yes No Media Release I give permission for my students to be photographed or videotaped during the Program. I understand that any pictures may be used in literature advertising the programming at the Discovery Science Center.* Yes, I give consent for my students to be photographed or recorded. No, I do not consent for my students to be photographed or recorded. Discovery Guest Questionnaire Are you a returning client?* Yes No Are you a member at Discovery Science Center?* Yes No I would like to discuss membership options & benefits How did you hear about us? Submit Scout Program Request Form Thank you for your interest in Scout programs at Discovery! Our standard programs run for 90 minutes. Standard badge programs are $25/scout ($10/adult, $15/tag-a-long). There is a minimum of 8 scouts and 2 adults required to book a program. Our programs cover some, but not all, of the requirements for a specific badge. We always include a Discovery fun patch! First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* City* Zip / Postal code* Grade of Students* K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 High School Select all that apply. Which type of Scout program would you like to book?* Program Selection - Check our website for program descriptions. Multi-Level Groups Custom Program Don’t see what you’re looking for? Ask us about our custom programs. We can cover topics involving engineering, ecosystems, space, forensics, and chemistry. Prices start at $25 per child. For more information, contact scouts@shudiscovery.org . Tell us who's coming! Number of Children (minimum of 8 scouts required)* Number of Adults (minimum of 2 required)* Are any of the adults you are bringing considered one-on-one aides, caregivers, or paraprofessionals that are required to assist a student with special needs? If so, how many? Scout programs are held on the following dates and times. Select your preference:* Tell us what day and time you prefer and our staff will contact you with available dates that match your preference. Please put your top 2 choices of dates for your program.* Are there any special considerations for your group, such as allergies, special needs, language needs, or anything else we should know about to make your program a success? I give permission for my students to be photographed or videotaped during the Program. I understand that any pictures may be used in literature advertising the programming at the Discovery Science Center.* Yes, I give consent for my students to be photographed or recorded. No, I do not consent for my students to be photographed or recorded. I understand that my booking is not considered complete and confirmed until I sign a contract from a Discovery staff member and pay a non-refundable deposit. I understand that my program deposit is non-refundable, and the balance of my fee must be paid in full 2 weeks prior to my program taking place. * Thanks for your interest in Scout Badge Programs at Discovery! A staff member will be in touch shortly to select your dates and send you a contract. You will also receive an invoice for your program, including a non-refundable deposit that must be paid prior to your program being confirmed. If there are any errors on your form, our coordinators will contact you to correct it prior to confirming your program. YOUR BOOKING IS NOT SET UNTIL YOU CONFIRM YOUR DATE WITH A MEMBER OF OUR STAFF AND RETURN A SIGNED CONTRACT. Submit Scout Programs Thank you for your interest in Scout programs at Discovery! Our standard programs run for 90 minutes. Standard badge programs are $18/child ($9/adult). Programs that include a live planetarium show are $20/child. Custom programs start at $20/child. There is a minimum of 8 children and 2 adults required to book a program. Our programs cover some, but not all, of the requirements for a specific badge. We always include a Discovery fun patch! First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* City* Zip / Postal code* Grade of Students* K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 High School Select all that apply. Which type of Scout program would you like to book?* Next Scout Program Request Form Thank you for your interest in Scout programs at Discovery! Our standard programs run for 90 minutes. Standard badge programs are $25/scout ($10/adult, $15/tag-a-long). There is a minimum of 8 scouts and 2 adults required to book a program. Our programs cover some, but not all, of the requirements for a specific badge. We always include a Discovery fun patch! First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* City* Zip / Postal code* Grade of Students* K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 High School Select all that apply. Which type of Scout program would you like to book?* Program Selection - Check our website for program descriptions. Multi-Level Groups Custom Program Don’t see what you’re looking for? Ask us about our custom programs. We can cover topics involving engineering, ecosystems, space, forensics, and chemistry. Prices start at $25 per child. For more information, contact scouts@shudiscovery.org . Tell us who's coming! Number of Children (minimum of 8 scouts required)* Number of Adults (minimum of 2 required)* Are any of the adults you are bringing considered one-on-one aides, caregivers, or paraprofessionals that are required to assist a student with special needs? If so, how many? Scout programs are held on the following dates and times. Select your preference:* Tell us what day and time you prefer and our staff will contact you with available dates that match your preference. Please put your top 2 choices of dates for your program.* Are there any special considerations for your group, such as allergies, special needs, language needs, or anything else we should know about to make your program a success? I give permission for my students to be photographed or videotaped during the Program. I understand that any pictures may be used in literature advertising the programming at the Discovery Science Center.* Yes, I give consent for my students to be photographed or recorded. No, I do not consent for my students to be photographed or recorded. I understand that my booking is not considered complete and confirmed until I sign a contract from a Discovery staff member and pay a non-refundable deposit. I understand that my program deposit is non-refundable, and the balance of my fee must be paid in full 2 weeks prior to my program taking place. * Thanks for your interest in Scout Badge Programs at Discovery! A staff member will be in touch shortly to select your dates and send you a contract. You will also receive an invoice for your program, including a non-refundable deposit that must be paid prior to your program being confirmed. If there are any errors on your form, our coordinators will contact you to correct it prior to confirming your program. YOUR BOOKING IS NOT SET UNTIL YOU CONFIRM YOUR DATE WITH A MEMBER OF OUR STAFF AND RETURN A SIGNED CONTRACT. Submit

6-8 < Back Challenger Center - Space Simulation Mission 6-8 Space Science Previous Next

Discovery & Dice Discovery & Dice A TTRPG afterschool program TTRPGs (Table Top Role Playing Games) are more popular than ever. Is your child interested in creating characters, rolling dice, and hanging out with other like-minded students? Then this is the afterschool program for them. This 14-week afterschool program takes place once a week on Tuesdays at SHU Discovery Science Center & Planetarium. Students will make their own minifigures, and dice tower as part of this program. They will also receive a dice set and notebook for them to play. We will run a short Dungeons & Dragons campaign and will introduce the program members to other TTRPGs out there that they might not be familiar with. We have a fall session or winter session available (2025-2026). Ready to roll? Register here! Tuesdays, 4pm-5:30pm Age: 6th grade-12 grade $200 per student per session Session 2 (Winter): Feb 3rd, Feb 10th, Feb 17th, Feb 24th, Mar 3rd, Mar 10th, Mar 17th, Mar 24th, Mar 31st, Apr 14th, Apr 21st, Apr 28th, May 5th, May 12th

K-2 < Back Slimeology K-2 Chemistry Previous Next

High School < Back DNA Profiling High School Chemistry, Life Science, Biology Previous Next

< Back Discovery After Dark $675 30 minutes Book Now About Have you ever wondered what it is really like at night at the Science Center? Find out first hand with a Discovery After Dark party! Enjoy a private movie screening in our Discovery Theater or a special planetarium show, complete with pizza & popcorn for everyone. After the movie you and your guests will venture out to explore the exhibits with your STEAM host! Party available on Friday & Saturday nights from 5:30pm-8:30pm Previous Next

My Portfolio Welcome to my portfolio. Here you’ll find a selection of my work. Explore my projects to learn more about what I do.

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Community Science Projects Discovery is working with Beardsley Zoo to create a pollinator garden, here on our grounds. What is Pollination? Pollination is when the pollen grains produced by one plant makes its way to the stigma of another plant of the same species. In order for pollination to occur, something must move the pollen from one plant to another. These factors can include wind, water, birds, insects, butterflies, bats, and other animals that visit flowers. We call animals or insects that transfer pollen from plant to plant “pollinators”. Insects and other animal pollinators obtain food in the form of energy-rich nectar and/or protein-rich pollen, from the flowers they visit and in return, the flowers receive the services of pollinators carrying pollen from one flower to another. Why is it important? Three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce. That’s one out of every three bites of food you eat. You may have heard that bees are disappearing, and bats are dying. These and other pollinators face many challenges in the modern world. Habitat loss is one of the contributing reasons for the decline of many species of pollinators. Animals that can’t find the right quantity or quality of food (nectar and pollen from blooming plants within flight range) don’t survive. Right now, there simply aren’t enough pollinator friendly plantings to support our pollinators. How are we helping? By planting a garden focused on native plant species, we can help to combat habitat loss for our native pollinators. The Beardsley Zoo has kindly provided us with the plants, and in return, we have blocked off some of our land to become a pollinator-friendly garden, with the hope of supporting local ecosystem. Discovery would like to thank the Beardsley Zoo for their support in this conservation effort. Look for these flowers in our garden! Common Name: Black-eyed Susan Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta L. Common Name : American Marigold Scientific Name : Tagetes erecta Common Name: Blue Wood Aster Scientific Name: Symphyotrichum cordifolium, formerly: Aster cordifolius Common Name: Common Milkweed Scientific Name: Asclepias syriaca Common Name: Lochinch Butterfly Bush Scientific Name: Buddleja davidii Common Name: Purple Coneflower Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea Common Name: Common Zinnia Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans

< Artist Selection Full STEAM Ahead Meet the Artist Alicia Cobb Portfolio Dare To Dream Debuted Summer 2024 Artist Bio Alicia Cobb is an award-winning visual artist, body painter, teaching artist, and muralist from Bridgeport, Connecticut. With her unique artistic vision Alicia has carved a prominent place for herself in her creative community. Drawing inspiration from humanity, Alicia's artwork captures the vulnerabilities of the human experience. This is exemplified through her body art, where she employs the human canvas as a powerful medium for storytelling and self-expression. By transforming the body into a living work of art, Alicia challenges societal norms and encourages viewers to embrace their own unique beauty. Alicia's artistic journey began at a young age but was not nurtured fully until well into her adult life. As a self-taught artist, she honed her skills in figurative work and experimented with many styles including realism, abstract painting and impressionism. Her artworks provoke deep emotions and encourage introspection, inviting viewers to contemplate identity, political climate and concepts such as healing and transformation. As a dedicated teaching artist, Alicia shares her knowledge and passion for art with aspiring creators. Through her workshops and residencies, she empowers individuals to find their artistic voice, encourages self-discovery, and fosters a sense of community among students. Alicia's students not only learn technical skills but also discover the transformative power of art as a medium of social change. She is certified in therapeutic arts and currently works out of her studio space in Bridgeport where she facilitates private lessons and commissions. She enjoys giving back and participates in community events and organizations frequently. As a muralist, her murals do not only beautify communities of Bridgeport and beyond, but also convey powerful messages of unity, empowerment, and hope. Inspired by the diverse cultures and histories of her surroundings, she breathes life into images relevant to the spaces they’re created in. Alicia was awarded Artist of the Year in June of 2022 from the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County. She is also among highlighted artists in New York City Body Painting Day and The Flesh Art Show in New Orleans. She placed top ten in the 2016, North American Body Paint Championships in Greensboro, NC. which was the only sanctioned body art competition in the United States at that time. She has been a featured, participating artist in public art exhibits throughout Fairfield County since 2015. Her art has also been featured in several published magazines. As Alicia continues to leave her indelible mark on the art scene, her commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and encouraging meaningful dialogue remains unwavering. Through her immersive art experiences, she inspires individuals to embrace their authenticity, celebrate their stories, and foster connections as she continues to advocate for the transformative power of art.

STEAM Resources All About Eclipses Learn about solar and lunar eclipses! Read More Astronomical Weather Forecasts Get ready to observe the skies! Read More Binocular Buying Guide for Astronomy Read our tips for finding the right observation equipment. Read More Climate Risk Mapping Tool Free risk mapping tool to help Connecticut residents make informed decisions about their insurance needs. Read More Free Planetarium Resources Check out these resources you can try at home! Read More Local Astronomical Societies Check out some local astronomical societies that offer viewing opportunities! Read More Lunar Educator Guide Learn all about Earth's Moon, including its phases, eclipses, and historic and future exploration! Read More Spotting a Meteorite Think you've found a meteorite? Read More Telescope Buying Guide Telescopes make great gifts, but there are a lot of options out there. Use this guide to help understand your choices. Read More Widefield Astrophotography Guide for Beginners Learn tips and tricks from a pro! Read More