Free Floor Programs at the CDM

Everyday is Special at the Children's Discovery Museum!

Check out these exciting free floor programs offered at the CDM. Free floor programming requires paid admission of $4 per person ages 2 and above and adult chaperone for children under age 16.

Physics Day - Weather

All Ages
What makes a magnet a magnet? Why are some stronger than others? Learn how magnets work, and how they can be used to help you find your way in the wilderness as well!  Join the ISU Physics Club as they demonstrate the strange properties of magnetism.

Dates: Thursday, February 19
Times: 10 to 11 a.m. & 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

National Agriculture Week

Celebrate National Agriculture Week at CDM! Step into AgMazing and experience agriculture first-hand. Visit some farm animals, create some art projects, try some science experiments and more. Each day will host a variety of activities from a selection of experts in our community. Look for details on our website.

Date: March 17-21
Time: TBA, visit our website for more details!

Physics Day – Astronomy

The spring sky is filled with stars, planets, and other fascinating objects. Join the ISU Physics Club as they explore astronomy with hands-on demonstrations, telescopes, and in the evening, weather permitting, a chance to view the Moon, planets, or other heavenly bodies.

Date: March 26
Time: 10 to 11 a.m. & 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

NanoDays 

Kick off NanoDays and delve into the world of the very small as we investigate nanotechnology! Discover how nanotechnology impacts our daily lives as well as the development of amazing new applications for the future. Check out a unique

memory metal, watch in amazement the properties of liquid iron, test how nanotechnology is applied to fabric and other products, play with magic sand and become a scientist working at the molecular level.

Partnered with the Center for Nanoscale Chemical-Electrical-Mechanical Manufacturing Systems at the University of IL and the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net). The NanoDays event was based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. ESI-05322536. 

Date: March 28
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free with paid admission

Physics Day – Projectiles

The ISU Physics Club will present the science behind throwing things into the air! Whether fired from a gun, thrown by your arm, or dropped off a cliff, projectiles will always follow a few simple laws, and the law of gravity is only one of them!

Date: Thursday, April 9 
Time: 10 to 11 a.m. & 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Earth Day Celebration

Celebrate our favorite planet with FREE kids activities including composting worms, water conservation projects, circle the earth bracelets and many more earth-loving activities. Partnering with the Ecology Action Center, American Chemical Society and University of Illinois Extension.

Date: Wednesday, April 22 & Saturday, April 25
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Physics Day - Sound

Sound travels as a wave. The ISU Physics Club will have hands-on activities that allow you to “see” music, and see your voice, and learn a little bit about how sound waves can be used not only to speak or sing, but even measure earthquakes!

Date: Thursday, May 7
Time: 10 to 11 a.m. & 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Programming Registration Form (PDF)