Plan a Virtual Program

With a mission to provide ongoing support for teaching and learning in southeastern Wisconsin during the COVID-19 pandemic, Discovery World is offering new education programs that bring hands-on STEM learning into schools, classrooms, and communities.

With new virtual exhibit tours, virtual lab programs, and activity kits, children can experience a field trip with Discovery World from anywhere!

For all groups requesting Virtual Programs, reservations must be made at least three (3) weeks in advance. Minimum group sizes apply. No reservations will be accepted without at least three (3) weeks notice. Click HERE to jump to the FAQs section for more detailed information regarding Virtual Programs.

Virtual Program Information

Pricing

With generous support from our donor community, education programs are offered at no cost to schools who demonstrate an Economically Disadvantaged status of 50% or higher OR a school report card rating of 72 or lower. To offer this support to the most schools, program and funding limits will apply. (To find out your school’s Economically Disadvantaged status or School Report Card Rating, please visit https://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/reportcards. If your school’s information is not found on the above website, please contact us to discuss alternative options for demonstrating your school’s financial need.)

If your school does not match these requirements, programs are available at the following prices (subject to change):

Virtual Exhibit Tours:
- $90/classroom per exhibit tour
- $120/classroom per exhibit tour with Recorded Aquarium Staff Q&A

Activity Kits with Instructions:
- $9/student
- Price includes all supplies and supply delivery (distance limitations apply)

Virtual Lab Programs:
- $12/student
- Price includes all supplies and supply delivery, and live virtual instruction with a Discovery World Educator (distance limitations apply)

Virtual Lab Programs with Equipment Loan:
- $11/student + $70 equipment loan fee
- Price includes all supplies and supply delivery, and live virtual instruction with a Discovery World Educator (distance limitations apply)

Programs

Programs offered include virtual exhibit tours, activity kits, and virtual lab programs. Programs are available for students in Gr K5-12 only. Specific program offerings can be found further down this page. Program overviews are as such:

Virtual Exhibit Tours: Bring Discovery World exhibits into your classroom! Experience Discovery World’s most popular exhibits through guided, informational video tours.

Activity Kits with Instructions*: We put it together, you lead the instruction. Activity kits for these programs will provide you with materials and instructions you need to facilitate the activity inside your classroom on your own schedule. Some kits come with a pre-recorded lesson.

Virtual Lab Programs*: Join us for live, interactive lab experiences right from your classroom! Led by a Discovery World Educator, students will engage in critical thinking and investigations through workshops designed for hands-on learning. Virtual labs are priced per student participating. Price includes supplies necessary for the program.

Virtual programs require a 15-minute technology test call in the week prior to the program. The technology test call will be scheduled after you make your reservation.

Each program reservation that includes supplies will include one (1) supply kit for the teacher/chaperone at no cost. If you would like additional supply kits for additional teachers/chaperones, you will need to include that in your request. Additional fees apply for additional supply kits.

Some kits will require you to provide a few small items to complete the activity/program. Please see program descriptions for more information.

*Distance limitations apply for programs with activity kits or equipment loans. Please read through the FAQs below for more details.

Reservations

To make a reservation, start the reservations process by either filling out a request online or by calling the Reservations Department at 414.765.8625. From there, a Reservation Staff Member will review your needs and work with you to book your program.

All programs are subject to availability. Descriptions, pricing, and program restrictions are subject to change. Programs are available for students in Gr K5-12 only. Please read through the FAQs below for more details.

Reservations must be made at least three (3) weeks in advance. No reservations will be accepted without at least three (3) weeks notice.

Virtual Program Reservation Request Form

FAQs

How will my school receive supplies and/or equipment?

Within 2-3 business days of making your reservation, a Discovery World Education representative will contact you to determine a date and time for distributing supplies/equipment. When the representative contacts you, it is required that you reply. If you do not reply to attempts to contact you, your reservation will be cancelled.

If your school is within 30 miles from Discovery World, supplies/equipment will be delivered directly to your school. There must be a representative of the school present to accept the supplies/equipment.

If your school is farther than 30 miles from Discovery World, you will be asked to make your own arrangements to pick up supplies from Discovery World. The Cell Exploration program is not available for schools farther than 30 miles from Discovery World.

Some kits will require you to provide a few small items to complete the activity/program. Please see program descriptions for more information.

What if my school is outside of the 30-mile radius of Discovery World?

If your school is farther than 30 miles from Discovery World, you will be asked to make your own arrangements to pick up supplies from Discovery World. All Activity Kits and all Virtual Labs, with the exception of Cell Exploration, are still available to schools farther than 30 miles from Discovery World.

In order to reserve the Cell Exploration program, schools must:

Be within 30 miles from Discovery World.
Complete and return an Equipment Loan Form.
Have in-person instruction due to the equipment necessary.

What platform is used for Virtual Labs?

Currently, Virtual Labs are facilitated via Zoom and Google Meet. In order to have the best possible virtual experience, Discovery World requires a 15 minute technology test in advance of the live program. Links will be provided to the individual who makes the reservation.

Within 2-3 business days of making your reservation, a Discovery World Education representative will contact you to determine a date and time for distributing supplies/equipment and to schedule the technology test. When the representative contacts you, it is required that you reply. If you do not reply to attempts to contact you, your reservation will be cancelled.

Do I have to return the supplies and/or equipment when we’re done with the program?

All activity kits are yours to keep, with the exception of the equipment used in the Cell Exploration program.

In order to reserve the Cell Exploration program, schools must:

Complete and return an Equipment Loan Form.
Have in-person instruction due to the equipment necessary.

Equipment Loan Agreement

What if a piece of equipment for the Cell Exploration program is damaged during the time it is in my possession?

Each school will be asked to note the condition of equipment at the start and end of the equipment loan period. If equipment is damaged during the time it is lent to you, your school will be responsible for the damages. In-person instruction at your school is needed to reserve this program due to the equipment necessary. The equipment loan period will be less than a week.

How far in advance will my school receive the supplies and/or equipment?

Supplies and/or equipment will be delivered or available between one day and one week before the program. If your school has a need to receive supplies/equipment on a specific day or time, please contact us to discuss options.

Virtual Exhibit Tours will be shared via a password-protected link for a limited period.

Within 2-3 business days of making your reservation, a Discovery World Education representative will contact you to determine a date and time for distributing supplies/equipment, to schedule any technology tests, or to share any links. When the representative contacts you, it is required that you reply. If you do not reply to attempts to contact you, your reservation will be cancelled.

What if my school doesn’t meet the Economically Disadvantaged Status or School Report Card Requirement?

If your school does not match these requirements, programs are available to you at the prices listed atop this page.

What are the maximum and minimum number of students that can participate in a program?

Programs can be reserved for a minimum of 10 students and a maximum of 30 students. If your classroom has more than 30 students, please contact us to discuss how we can best schedule your classroom’s program.

How should I prepare for a live, Virtual Lab?

There are a few things you should do to make any scheduled live, Virtual Lab successful. Please review the document below to learn more about your role before, during, and after a Virtual Lab.

What to Expect

Virtual Program Offerings

Exhibit tours

Les Paul Exhibit Virtual Tour

Gr 3-8

30 minutes

Take a guided walk through the Les Paul’s House of Sound exhibit as you learn all about the Wizard of Waukesha’s life, inventions, and music.

Virtual Exhibit Tours are pre-recorded.

Standards:

Wisconsin Standards for Science: SCI.PS3.B.4
NGSS: 4-PS3-2
Technology and Engineering: TE.ENG3.b.3.e, TE.ENG3.b.3.m
Social Studies: SS.Hist2.c.i

Aquarium Adventure Virtual Exhibit Tour

Gr K5-5

30 minutes

Travel from the Great Lakes to the Caribbean as you learn about the habitats and creatures in our seas in this guided tour of the aquarium.

Virtual Exhibit Tours are pre-recorded.

Optional Add-On: Recorded Aquarium Staff Q&A

Have more questions about how we care for the fish and animals in our aquarium? Consider reserving a recorded Q&A and learn more about the Reiman Aquarium! Collect and submit questions from your group after watching the Aquarium Adventure Virtual Exhibit Tour and an Aquarium Staff member will record a video back to you answering your questions.

Standards:

Wisconsin Standards for Science: SCI.LS1.D.1, SCI.LS4.D.2, SCI.LS1.D.4, SCI.LS4.A.3, SCI.LS4.D.B
NGSS: 4-LS1-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3

Design 101 Activity Kit

Includes a pre-recorded lesson for you to complete on your own schedule.

Gr 3-12

30 minutes

This inspiring design lesson introduces students to professional design tools and guides students through the process to create new products.

Markers will be needed to complete this activity.

Distance limitations apply. We are only able to deliver activity kits within 30 miles of Discovery World. If your school is outside our 30 mile radius, you will be asked to make your own arrangements to pick up kits from Discovery World. This program is also available as a virtual lab with live-instruction. Size restrictions may apply.
kohl's design it! lab

Standards:

Art & Design: AA.Cr.1.i, AA.Pr.5.i
Technology and Engineering: TE.BB1.f.2.e, TE.ENG1.a.1.e, TE.ENG1.a.5.m

Design 101 Virtual Lab

Gr 3-12

30 minutes

This inspiring design lesson introduces students to professional design tools and guides students through the process to create new products.

Markers will be needed to complete this program.

Distance limitations apply. We are only able to deliver supplies within 30 miles of Discovery World. If your school is outside our 30 mile radius, you will be asked to make your own arrangements to pick up supplies from Discovery World. This program is also available as an activity kit without virtual instruction.
kohl's design it! lab

Standards:

Art & Design: AA.Cr.1.i, AA.Pr.5.i
Technology and Engineering: TE.BB1.f.2.e, TE.ENG1.a.1.e, TE.ENG1.a.5.m

Design Big & Small Activity Kit

Includes a pre-recorded lesson for you to complete on your own schedule.

Gr 3-8

45 minutes

Discover the importance of precise measurement when creating scale models. Students will explore the use of scale and ratio in building model homes.

Glue/tape, scissors, and markers will be needed to complete this activity.

Standards:

Art & Design: AA.Pr.5.i
Common Core Mathematics: 6.RP.1
Technology & Engineering: TE.AC1.b.3.e, TE.AC1.b.8.m

Design Big & Small Virtual Lab

Gr 3-8

45 minutes

Discover the importance of precise measurement when creating scale models. Students will explore the use of scale and ratio in building model homes.

Glue/tape, scissors, and markers will be needed to complete this program.

Standards:

Art & Design: AA.Pr.5.i
Common Core Mathematics: 6.RP.1
Technology & Engineering: TE.AC1.b.3.e, TE.AC1.b.8.m

Magnetic Attraction Activity Kit

Includes a pre-recorded lesson for you to complete on your own schedule.

Gr K5-2

45 minutes

From clothing to transportation, the way magnets attract and repel one another has helped shape the world around us. Examine how designers and engineers use these forces by experimenting and creating your own magnetic project.

Scissors, tape, and markers will be needed to complete this activity.

Standards:

Wisconsin Standards for Science: SCI.PS2.A.K, SCI.ETS3.A.K-2
NGSS: K-PS2-1, K-2-ETS1-1
Technology & Engineering: TE.BB2.b.2.e, TE.BB1.f.2.e, TE.EL2.b.2.e

Magnetic Attraction Virtual Lab

Gr K5-2

45 minutes

Scissors, tape, and markers will be needed to complete this program.

Standards:

Wisconsin Standards for Science: SCI.PS2.A.K, SCI.ETS3.A.K-2
NGSS: K-PS2-1, K-2-ETS1-1
Technology & Engineering: TE.BB2.b.2.e, TE.BB1.f.2.e, TE.EL2.b.2.e

Mapping Lake Michigan Activity Kit

Includes a pre-recorded lesson for you to complete on your own schedule.

Gr 3-12

45 minutes

Explore what lies beneath the surface of Lake Michigan by investigating the development and use of bathymetric maps. Students will discover how technology helps us find fish and identify shipwrecks as they create a project inspired by the lake.

Glue or a stapler will be needed to complete this activity.

Standards:

Common Core Mathematics: 6.RP.1
Social Studies: SS.Geog1.b.i, SS.Geog1.c.4-5

Mapping Lake Michigan Virtual Lab

Gr 3-12

45 minutes

Glue or a stapler will be needed to complete this program.

Standards:

Common Core Mathematics: 6.RP.1
Social Studies: SS.Geog1.b.i, SS.Geog1.c.4-5

Nature's Hidden Geometry Activity Kit

Includes a pre-recorded lesson for you to complete on your own schedule.

Gr 3-8

45 minutes

Nature uses patterns for building, decorating, and camouflage. Explore how geometric shapes and patterns in nature influence design.

Markers will be needed to complete this activity.

Standards:

Art & Design: AA.Cr.1.i

Nature's Hidden Geometry Virtual Lab

Gr 3-8

45 minutes

Nature uses patterns for building, decorating, and camouflage. Explore how geometric shapes and patterns in nature influence design.

Markers will be needed to complete this activity.

Standards:

Art & Design: AA.Cr.1.i

Bubbles and Geometry Virtual Lab

Gr 2-5

45 minutes

Explore how math can become art. Students will investigate patterns and tiling, and how understanding bubbles helps engineers and designers to create amazing structures.

Standards:

Wisconsin Standards for Science: SCI.PS1.A.4
NGSS: 5-PS1-1
Technology and Engineering: TE.EL2.a.1.e

Cell Exploration Virtual Lab with Equipment Loan

Gr 6-8

60 minutes

Recreate the Discovery World lab experience in your own classroom using Discovery World equipment! Through our equipment loan program, students will participate in a virtual lab program with state-of-the-art equipment in your classroom.

Discover the building blocks of life! Students will examine living cells from both plants and animals, using microscopes, as well as get a close-up view of cells using virtual reality.

Distance limitations apply. We are only able to deliver and loan out the equipment for this program to schools within 30 miles of Discovery World. In order to reserve this program, schools must complete and return an Equipment Loan Agreement form. In-person instruction at your school is needed to reserve this program due to the equipment necessary. The loan equipment period for this program will be less than a week.

Standards:

Wisconsin Standards for Science SCI.LS1.A.m
NGSS: 4-LS1-1

Circuit Creator Virtual Lab

Gr 2-6

60 minutes

Explore the basics of electricity! Students will build a circuit from everyday materials that can be used to test objects for electrical conductivity.

Standards:

Wisconsin Standards for Science: SCI.PS1.A.4, SCI.PS3.B.4
NGSS: 5-PS1-1, 4-PS3-2
Technology & Engineering: TE.BB1.d.1.e, TE.BB1.d.2.m, TE.EL1.a.2.e

CSI: The Case of the Purloined Piranha Virtual Lab

Gr 2-5

45 minutes

There’s been a crime at Discovery World and we need your help to solve it! Students will learn how to identify fingerprints and hair samples, and will put their critical thinking to the test to help find the culprit!

Standards:

Wisconsin Standards for Science: SCI.CC.K-2, SCI.CC1.3-5, SCI.CC3.3-5, SCI.SEP1.A.K-2, SCI.SEP3.K-2, SCI.SEP4.K-2, SCI.SEP1.A.3-5, SCI.SEP3.3-5, SCI.SEP4.3-5

Owl Pellet Dissection Virtual Lab

Gr 2-8

45 minutes

Students will dissect an owl pellet to investigate and identify bones in this hands-on lab experience! Each student will dissect their own owl pellet as they learn about birds of prey and the food chain.

Standards:

Wisconsin Science Standards: SCI.LS1.A.4, SCI.LS2.A.5, SCI.LS2.B.m
NGSS: MS-LS1.3, MS-LS4-2

Membership pays for itself in just two visits!

Membership is the best (and most cost-saving way) for your family to enjoy fun and learning throughout the year!

With all of our memberships you’ll receive free admission, program discounts, special member-only events, and more! Members also enjoy FREE access to the Kohl’s Design It! Lab every weekend of the year.

Free, Unlimited Daily Admission
Discounts on Programs
Advance Notice of Events and Programs
Special Member Only Events
Reciprocal Admission to Over 300 STEM Museums Worldwide

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Getting Here

We are located on Milwaukee’s lakefront with easy access on and off of the expressway.

500 N Harbor Dr
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Get Directions

General Admission

Adults	$20
Child (3-17)	$16
Child 2 & Under	$Free
Senior (60+)	$16
College Student*	$14
Military Active and Veterans*	$14

*Valid ID Required.

Prices are subject to change.

Current Hours

CLOSED
Tues-Fri	-
Sat & Sun	-

Getting Here

We are located on Milwaukee’s lakefront with easy access on and off of the expressway.

500 N Harbor Dr
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Get Directions

Adults	$20
Child (3-17)	$16
Child 2 & Under	$Free
Senior (60+)	$16
College Student*	$14
Military Active and Veterans*	$14
Military* Active Duty & Veterans	$14

*Valid ID Required.

Prices are subject to change.

Current Hours

CLOSED
Tues-Fri	-
Sat & Sun	-

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