Pinball Wizard
Virtual Workshop
for ages 9-12
Focusing in a wholly unique way on how horticulture intersects with our every day world and on women whose work has enriched and expanded these intersections in the last 25 years, The Earth in Her Hands: 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants explores and celebrates how the plant world is improved by not only greater representation of women generally but also by diversity amongst those women. The work of these women illustrates how the many challenges of our world - environmental, economic, cultural/societal, individual - can and are being met through cultivating an interdependence with plants.
These paradigm-shifting women range beautifully across race, ethnicity, socio-economic and religious backgrounds, sexual orientation, and age - in a way that transcends preconceived notions of what horticulture/gardening are and what plants people/gardeners look like. These women and their work have profoundly positive impacts on the larger world - aesthetically, environmentally, culturally, and economically - making them joyful and encouraging role models and inspirations for us all.
NORWICH, VERMONT, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 — The Montshire Museum of Science is pleased to announce a self-curated exhibition of mixed-media art by Montshire staff. I Never Saw It That Way celebrates the many different ways one can interface with science and present those interactions to the world.
This fall, visitors can consider science from fresh perspectives in this original exhibition created by artists, sculptors, photographers, and crafters on the Montshire Museum staff. Through this special collection of works, visitors will be invited to engage in a broad range of subjects from genetics to data visualization, from chemical reactions to arithmetic. Special hands-on workshops and artist talks are planned for the run of the exhibition.
I Never Saw It That Way will be on display at the Montshire Museum of Science from October 7th 2022 to January 2nd 2023.
This exhibition is made possible in part by The Benjamin Schore Art Fund and contributions to The Montshire Fund.
About The Montshire Museum of Science
The Montshire Museum of Science forges and empowers lifelong learners.
The Montshire Museum of Science is open seven days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Admission is $19 for adults and $16 for children ages 2-17. The Museum is free for members and children under the age of two. Memberships are available. Visit montshire.org or call 802-649-2200 for more information.
Get your costumes ready and join us for tricked out exhibits, special halloween-themed activities, treats and more!
Prizes for best individual costumes and best family-themed costumes.
This Event is made possible with a generous contribution from LCS Controls.
This special evening event at the Museum will feature “tricked out” exhibits and live Halloween-themed demonstrations designed especially for families with children through age 12.
The event will also include opportunities to make Potions, build Skeletons, handle Creepy Crawlies, and investigate the Dark. For young guests, there will be a not-so-spooky edition of the Montshire’s new TogetherTime Tales program. The event will conclude with a Grand Finale and trick-or-treating.
Guests are invited to come in costume and participate in costume contest. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including: Best Family Costume, Best Baby Costume, Most Earth Friendly Costume, Best Science-Themed Costume, and Most Creative Costume.*
The Museum recommends that you purchase tickets in advance as this event will sell out. Ticket price includes museum admission and access to all Spooky Science exhibits, activities, demonstrations, and light refreshments. Tickets to Spooky Science are $10 per person for Montshire Members and $14 for non-members. Admission is free for children under the age of two. Free event parking is available at the Museum.
*Please ensure that costumes are not too scary (no gore, blood, or weapons) and that costume-wearers can move safely around the museum.
This event is made possible with a generous contribution from LCS Controls, Inc.
This self-curated exhibition of mixed-media art by Montshire staff celebrates the many different ways one can interface with science and present those interactions to the world.
This fall, visitors can consider science from fresh perspectives in this original exhibition created by artists, sculptors, photographers, and crafters on the Montshire Museum staff. Through this special collection of works, visitors will be invited to engage in a broad range of subjects from genetics to data visualization, from chemical reactions to arithmetic. Special hands-on workshops and artist talks are planned for the run of the exhibition.
I Never Saw It That Way will be on display at the Montshire Museum of Science from October 7th 2022 to January 2nd 2023.
This exhibition is made possible in part by the Benjamin Schore Art Fund and contributions to the Montshire Fund.
In this 45-minute program, you will take inspiration from jellyfish to design, build, and test your own JellyBot. This is a bio-inspired engineering activity, led by a museum educator who will guide you through a customized experience allowing you to play with different materials to make a soft, underwater robot that swims under your control. You might get wet! Sign up now to reserve a spot.
Design, build, and test your own underwater propulsion system in this new engineering design challenge. With guidance by a museum educator, visitors will play with water, balloons, and customized 3D-printed parts to build an underwater rocket and complete challenges like spinning through the water or collecting objects from the bottom. You might get wet! Sign up now to reserve a spot. (Program length: 45 minutes)
Jellybots on Sundays
Explore bio-inspired engineering in a free 45-minute Sunday session.
The Montshire Museum of Science offers unique programs to enrich your family’s homeschool curriculum with opportunities for inquiry-based science learning.
Through these multi-week drop-off programs, a small group of learners will engage in hands-on, creative exploration of science, technology, engineering, math and the arts at the Montshire.
All programs will accommodate current guidelines of mask-wearing, social distancing, and healthy hand hygiene.
In this three session hands-on building-based series, we’ll be exploring physics and forces. We’ll start with simple experiences that will allow us to explore and identify different variables that affect how different objects roll. We’ll apply this knowledge to building our own marble rollways before finishing the series by turning the whole Montshire classroom into a giant marble roller coaster. Rollways is for ages 6-8.
Jellybot: Soft, Aquatic, Bio-inspired Engineering
In this three-week program, students will explore density, buoyancy, thrust, and other physics concepts through a variety of engineering design challenges using jellyfish and other aquatic organisms for inspiration. Throughout this process, they will collect and interpret data, test and redesign their device, and then take on a series of challenges. At the end of the program, students will pilot real-life robotic jellyfish created by local engineering firm, Creare LLC.
Science Yoga is free with museum admission.
Explore how simple shapes can be rearranged to make endless combinations after reading Windblown by Edouard Manceau.
Come read Birds by Kevin Henkes to learn about different bird colors and behaviors. Afterwards create your very own flapping flying bird to take home.
After meeting the worm and caterpillar that star in the book Bob and Otto by Robert Bruel we’ll have a chance to meet and examine a live worm up close.
Explore how simple shapes can be rearranged to make endless combinations after reading Windblown by Edouard Manceau.
We’ll read the delightful book Just a Little Bit about friends both large and small on a teeter totter. Young families will then use the museum’s balances to compare and measure a variety of objects.
Create your very own fuzzy caterpillar after reading the Eric Carle classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Build, test, and sink your own boat as we learn about balance and weight (along with the silly antics of some cute critters) in Pamela Allen’s Who Sank the Boat.
Enjoy the wonderful book Pattern Fish by Trudy Harris and create our own patterned fish with stamps and creativity.
We’ll read Who Has These Feet by Laura Hulbert and afterward explore other local animal tracks and learn which tracks belong to which animals.
A favorite for young museum families! We’ll read the book Mouse Paint by Ellen Stole Walsh to get us ready to make our own rainbow of colors using mixing trays, pipettes, and primary colors.
It is summer in our bee colony. As our Live Animal Care Specialist, Lorenz Rutz, explains: “Summer is when colonies produce swarms and raise numerous generations of larvae as the workers forage constantly for nectar and pollen. This foraging is extremely dangerous and has a high death rate – only the oldest bees forage, they have different jobs inside the hive when younger. This is also the only time to see the male drones.”
Our 2nd floor Creative Building Center is home to three ways to make something new.
The Rigmajig is a large-scale wooden building kit that inspires imagination, curiosity, and discovery through hands-on and open-ended play. With no instructions or right-and-wrong answers, you are are free to imagine what to make, and to figure out how to make it. Through hands-on play you’ll develop physical, emotional, and intellectual skills to engage with the world with confidence.
Cojiform and Design Planks are small-scale building tools that allow people to discover their “inner sculptor” as they experiment with form, negative and positive space, pattern, and composition.
Cojiform is designed by Isaac Bower Studio.
More to Explore
Build and test a mini-machine based on the Machines in Motion summer exhibition.
Plan for a day full of engineering and science exploration!
- Remarks, Q&A and Book signing with Jane Lindholm, of But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids, from Vermont Public, at 11am
- Engineering at the Science Discovery Lab with programs throughout the day every hour
- Get lunch from VinDogs Food Truck or Moon & Stars Food Cart, 11am – 2pm
- Free ice cream cups donated by Coop Food Stores, 1 – 3pm
- Enter your name to win a raffle for a Great Outdoors Adventure Deluxe Camping & River raft trip from Great River Outfitters
Summer Science Day is the second event in Montshire in Motion, a series of fundraising events that help to move forward the Montshire’s mission of science education. Thank you to all Montshire in Motion sponsors and to our Summer Science Day presenting sponsor, Global Forest Partners LP.
The Montshire is closed in preparation for it’s benefit event, the Fiddlehead Fling Gala.
Enjoy an evening museum visit during this special event for Montshire members.
Catch the summer exhibition, Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion. Explore the water features in Science Park. Visit the leafcutter ants. And spend some time with your favorite Montshire experiences, like Bubbles, Air Works, and more!
Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion is a unique interactive experience with full-size machines, constructed after an in-depth study of da Vinci’s designs by a group of scientists and skilled craftsmen. The materials used to create these machine replicas are the same items available during the Renaissance and the ones proposed by da Vinci himself.
Today, da Vinci’s legacy of innovation is studied in the machines, drawings, and designs he left for us to construct and decode. Now, through Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion, Montshire visitors will have the chance to see the early forms of da Vinci’s machines up close, touch them, and set them in motion during this renowned international exhibition’s first visit to Northern New England.
Join us for an evening of celebration, community, and philanthropy in support of the Montshire Museum of Science at the Fiddlehead Fling.
All proceeds from this gala event support the Montshire’s science exhibits and education programs, which provide meaningful and enriching experiences with science for thousands of children and families across Vermont and New Hampshire each year.
Reservations include delicious hors d’oeuvres from Christophe Catering, two free drink tickets, and complimentary champagne from 6-6:30pm. Bar service provided by Maple Street Catering. Get ready to celebrate after the live fundraising segment with dancing and an assortment of delectable desserts from King Arthur Baking Company!
Please join us for this elegant evening—festive attire encouraged, black-tie optional.
This summer, the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont celebrates creativity, ingenuity, and great feats of engineering through the special exhibition Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion, opening Saturday, May 28, on Memorial Day weekend.
The Legacy of Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci, the celebrated thinker of the Renaissance, is widely considered a leading figure of invention and creativity. His concepts and ideas have informed and inspired generations of engineers, architects, and artists, and his designs are the precursors of many modern machines and devices, including the glider, parachute, bicycle, and helicopter.
Today, da Vinci’s legacy of innovation is studied in the machines, drawings, and designs he left for us to construct and decode. Now, through Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion, Montshire visitors will have the chance to see the early forms of da Vinci’s machines up close, touch them, and set them in motion during this renowned international exhibition’s first visit to Northern New England.
The Exhibition Experience
Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion is a unique interactive experience with full-size machines, constructed after an in-depth study of da Vinci’s designs by a group of scientists and skilled craftsmen. The materials utilized to create these machine replicas are the same items available during the Renaissance and the ones proposed by da Vinci himself. Using wood, rope, and glue, the materials were crafted by hand, faithfully adhering to da Vinci’s instructions and using tools of the time rather than modern industrial implements.
This unique exhibition is organized into four parts, based on da Vinci’s study of the elements of nature: earth, water, air and fire.
- Earth – Includes da Vinci’s early renditions of a printing press, a gear wheel, and even a working robot, invented centuries before the technological revolution.
- Water – Includes the hydraulic water saw and the webbed glove, intended to accelerate swimming and resembling today’s flipper.
- Air – Includes models of flying machines designed centuries before people soared through the skies, such as an ornithopter — a device with mechanical wings that enabled a person to fly and also served as the precursor of today’s hang glider.
- Fire – Includes machines powered by fire or motion, such as the mortar gun and the flywheel.
A Museum-wide Celebration of Imagination and Invention
Visitors can explore the power of imagination and the process of invention at this renowned international exhibition’s first visit to Northern New England, while connecting the concepts of da Vinci’s machines to the Montshire’s ongoing programs and exhibits that focus on physics, engineering, mechanics, and design. These additional Montshire experiences demonstrate key science concepts, invite open-ended creation, and provide engineering opportunities that allow even the youngest visitors to engage in exciting and enjoyable STEM-based learning.
- Rigamajig is a large-scale building experience that inspires creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through imaginative hands-on play.
- A Montshire favorite, Big Blue Blocks, offers massive blocks that provide endless opportunities for innovative thinking and creation.
- Daily guided hands-on family and group activities at the Science Discovery Lab apply engineering concepts from Machines in Motion and encourage further investigations through interactive projects and experiments.
The Impact of Engineering Education
Today, engineering and technological literacy is critical in meeting the educational needs of children. Engineering concepts and skills are applied in everyday life, from constructing a bridge to developing an app.
“Young learners have a natural fascination with how things work, and are often engaged in building or taking objects apart,” says Montshire Executive Director Lara Litchfield-Kimber. “Introducing engineering concepts at an early age can help children learn to think through complex problems, identify challenges, collaborate with others, embrace creativity to develop solutions, and understand the value in trial and error — ultimately strengthening problem-solving skills, cultivating curious minds, and empowering the innovators of tomorrow.”
This summer, the Montshire offers an engineering experience that explores a range of ideas, from examining the complex machines of da Vinci to applying STEM concepts to hands-on activities in a way that makes science engaging and enjoyable for all ages, including our youngest learners.
Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion opens Saturday, May 28 and closes on Labor Day, Monday, September 5. It was created by Worldwide Museum Activities (WMA) and organized by Evergreen Exhibitions.
During the summer, the Montshire is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. For visitor information, including admission and hours of operation, visit www.montshire.org.
Evergreen Exhibitions, founded in 1992, is one of the world’s premier providers of traveling museum exhibits. Evergreen conceptualizes, designs, produces, markets and tours its exhibits, primarily in science, natural history and children’s museums. The exhibits use educational concepts to create high quality, immersive, multi-sensory, entertaining and educational experiences for family audiences. More than 60 million people worldwide have enjoyed an Evergreen Exhibitions experience. More information on other exhibit offerings can be found at www.evergreenexhibitions.com.
Worldwide Museum Activities (WMA) was founded in Florence by three leading scientists, joined together to pursue the dream to rebuild as perfect as possible replicas of the machinery described in Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings and create a museum of Leonardo’s Machines. This project is a result of in depth research and study of Leonardo’s codes, his personality and his way of thinking.
What do I do after completing my enrollment form?
After you’ve completed and submitted your enrollment form, please log in to your Montshire Parent Dashboard.
Review your enrollment information to ensure that your account and camp details are accurate.
Verify that you have completed all forms for your camper(s). If we do not have completed forms on file prior to the start of camp, it may impact the camper’s ability to participate.
If you are not the parent/guardian for the camper, please share or transfer Montshire Parent Dashboard access to the parent(s)/guardian(s) so they can complete the additional required forms and manage camper information. All additional required forms must be completed by a legal guardian.
Create authorized pick-ups for your camper(s). These are people other than yourself (and the other parents/guardians on the account) that will have authority to drop off and pick up your camper(s).
Upload a photo of your camper(s). This is optional.
How can I enroll for Extended Care after submitting my enrollment form?
You can enroll for Extended Care through your Montshire Parent Dashboard. Alternatively, you can email summercamp@montshire.org or call the Montshire at (802) 649-2200 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5pm).
How can I make changes to my enrollment information after I’ve submitted my enrollment form?
To change enrollment information (e.g., changes in the camp requested, camp cancellations, etc), please email summercamp@montshire.org or call the Montshire at (802) 649-2200 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5pm).
How can I purchase a Montshire Summer Camp t-shirt?
Select the option to purchase a t-shirt when completing your enrollment form. If you would like to purchase a t-shirt after you’ve submitted your enrollment form, please email summercamp@montshire.org or call the Montshire at (802) 649-2200 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5pm). Summer camp t-shirts will also be available for sale in limited quantities at the Museum Store.
What do I do if I haven’t received my confirmation email?
If you have submitted your enrollment form and have not received your confirmation email after one week, please check your spam folder. If the email is not in your spam folder, please email summercamp@montshire.org for assistance.
Can grandparents enroll campers?
Yes, grandparents and other relatives can enroll campers. However, it is necessary to share access to the Montshire Parent Dashboard account with the camper’s legal guardian(s). The Montshire Parent Dashboard account information must clearly indicate who the legal guardian is, since they will need to receive camp information. All additional required forms must be completed by a legal guardian.
Let your imagination run wild as we read Not a Box by Antoinette Portis. After the story, we’ll get creative using cardboard and tools.
Experiment with creating gravity-powered toy cars after reading Mo Willem’s book Let’s Go for a Drive.
Design and build your own working, cardboard pinball machine around a theme of your choice. Together we will engineer the launchers and flippers. Use your creativity to transform the playing surface with obstacles and colorful designs.
| Age Group | Ages 9–12 |
| Dates | November 1–22 (4 classes) |
| Frequency | Mondays on Zoom |
| Time | 1–2:15pm |
| Capacity | 7 participants/session |
| Cost | Members: $120 Non-members: $140 Warm Welcome Members: $60 |
PLEASE NOTE:
- Pre-registration at least 7 days in advance of program start-date.
- Kits for pre-registered families will be available for pick up at the Museum Store of Montshire Museum of Science 7 days prior to the program start date.If you are unable to pick up your kit, we can mail kits for a $15 shipping and handling fee.
- During the workshop, a Museum Educator will lead learners through activities via Zoom.
- Zoom links will be sent to registered participants a few days prior to the workshop.