By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will be offering new educational programs for first through sixth graders available in-person or virtually during the holiday break in 2020.
Educational offerings will be available on a limited capacity basis for in-person Snowflake Break Camps and online Digital Discovery Sessions from Dec. 21 – 30, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Snowflake Break Camps and Digital Discovery Sessions will offer a variety of topics from holiday traditions to space exploration and LEGO® brick fun to watershed science.
“The Museum is looking forward to offering fun, educational programs for kids during their winter school break, whether in-person or virtually,” said Rob Schuitema, the GRPM’s Director of Public Programs. “These programs create environments that encourage students to get excited about learning, resulting in better content retention and curious minds that are eager to further explore history, science and culture.”
To register, visit grpm.org/EduClasses. There is limited capacity for both Snowflake Break Camps and Digital Discovery Sessions; early registration is recommended, discounts available for Museum members.
Digital Discovery Sessions
Online Digital Discovery Sessions are designed for kids to explore science, history, culture and more online and from the comfort of their home. Museum educators will lead digital learners through themed projects using Zoom and the platform SeeSaw. Digital Discovery Sessions are available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December 21-30, and run for two hours. Morning and afternoon camps are available, with various topics. These sessions are designed for kids to work independently.
Participation will require access to the internet and the use of a device to watch presentations and complete activities. A recommended materials list is provided with each session description.
Digital Discovery Sessions are $20 per child, with a reduced rate of $10 per child for GRPM members.
Snowflake Break Camps
Beginning Dec. 21, kids can partake in small-group, in person camps at the GRPM to use the Museum as a learning lab, while interacting with artifacts and specimens, and conducting experiments to explore science, history, culture and more. Museum educators will lead small-group, hands-on learning experiences tied to classroom curriculum objectives.
Classes are available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during Snowflake Break from Dec. 21-30, and run for three hours. Morning and afternoon camps are available, with various topics. Capacity is limited to eight students per session, to ensure a low risk environment. Students will be required to complete a COVID-19 screening prior to attending the session.
Snowflake Break camps are $40 per child, with a reduced rate of $30 per child for GRPM members.
