Plan a Virtual Program

With a mission to provide ongoing support for teaching and learning in southeastern Wisconsin, Discovery World is offering group Virtual Programs that bring hands-on STEM learning into schools, classrooms, and communities.

With Virtual Exhibit Tours, Activity Kits, and Virtual Labs, children can experience a program with Discovery World from anywhere!

With generous support from our donor community, Virtual Programs are offered at no cost to schools who demonstrate an Economically Disadvantaged status of 75% 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.

Virtual Programming for the 2021-2022 school year will begin on October 4th. Virtual Program reservations must be made at least three (3) weeks in advance. No reservations will be accepted without at least three (3) weeks notice. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so advanced booking is highly encouraged. All programs are subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. For the best availability for Virtual Labs that include live, virtual instruction with a Discovery World Educator, we recommend booking for a Monday or Tuesday.

Final headcount and full payment for all Virtual Program reservations is due two (2) weeks in advance of the scheduled reservation date. Click HERE to jump to the FAQs section for more detailed information regarding Virtual Programs.

Virtual Program Planning 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 75% 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 options or please provide alternative documentation 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

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

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

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

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.

Programs Types

Programs offered include Virtual Exhibit Tours, Activity Kits, and Virtual Labs. Programs are available for students in Gr K5-12 only. Subject to availability. Specific program offerings can be found further down this page.

Program types 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. Virtual Exhibit Tours are pre-recorded.

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

Virtual Labs *: Join us for live, virtual 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.

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

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.

How to Make a Reservation

Have you read through all the information above and below and are ready to make a reservation? Great!

Virtual Program reservations must be made at least three (3) weeks in advance. No reservations will be accepted without at least three (3) weeks notice. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so advanced booking is highly encouraged. 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.
For the best availability for Virtual Labs, we recommend booking for a Monday or Tuesday.
Please read through the FAQs below for further details.

You can make a Virtual Program reservation either by phone or online.

By Phone: Call the Reservations Department at 414.765.8625 (M-F, 8am-4pm)
Online: Click the button below to get to the online form.
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 Virtual Lab with Equipment Loan 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 the Cell Exploration Virtual Lab with Equipment Loan, are still available to schools farther than 30 miles from Discovery World.

In order to reserve the Cell Exploration Virtual Lab with Equipment Loan, 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 or 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 Virtual Lab with Equipment Loan.

In order to reserve the Cell Exploration Virtual Lab with Equipment Loan, 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.

Equipment Loan Agreement

What if a piece of equipment for the Cell Exploration Virtual Lab with Equipment Loan 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 are pre-recorded and a password-protected link will be shared via email 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?

All Virtual Programs can be reserved for a minimum of 10 students.

For Virtual Labs, there is a 30 student maximum allowed per session. If your group has more than 30 students, multiple sessions will be needed.

How should I prepare for a Virtual Lab?

There are a few things you should do to make any scheduled 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 for the 2021-2022 School Year

Exhibit tours

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.

$90/classroom
Virtual Exhibit Tours are pre-recorded

DPI 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

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 about the Wizard of Waukesha’s life, inventions, innovations, and music.

$90/classroom
Virtual Exhibit Tours are pre-recorded

DPI 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

Bubbles and Geometry Activity Kit

Gr 2-5

45 minutes

Explore some of the hidden math in art and science. Students will investigate tessellations, the shapes bubbles can make, and how understanding bubbles can help engineers and designers to create amazing structures.

Includes supplies, instructions, and a pre-recorded lesson for you to facilitate the activity inside your classroom on your own schedule. Delivery is included for schools within 30 miles of Discovery World. Schools outside of the 30-mile radius will be asked to make their own arrangements to pick up supplies from Discovery World.

$9/student
10 student minimum to book

DPI Standards:

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

Bubbles and Geometry Virtual Lab

Gr 2-5

45 minutes

Virtual Labs include live instruction led by a Discovery World Educator. Includes supplies necessary for the program. Delivery is included for schools within 30 miles of Discovery World. Schools outside of the 30-mile radius will be asked to make their own arrangements to pick up supplies from Discovery World.

$12/student
10 student minimum to book
30 student maximum per session

DPI 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

Discover the building blocks of life! Students will learn about the characteristics of cells, and will have the chance to examine living cells from both plants and animals, using microscopes.

In order to reserve this 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.

$12/student
10 student minimum to book
30 student maximum per session

DPI Standards:

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

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!

$12/student
10 student minimum to book
30 student maximum per session

DPI Standards:

Wisconsin Standards for Science: SCI.SEP4.A.K-2, SCI.SEP4.A.3-5

Circuit Creator Activity Kit

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.

$9/student
10 student minimum to book

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

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.

$12/student
10 student minimum to book
30 student maximum per session

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

Design 101 Activity Kit

kohl's design it! 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.

Includes supplies*, instructions, and a pre-recorded lesson for you to facilitate the activity inside your classroom on your own schedule. Delivery is included for schools within 30 miles of Discovery World. Schools outside of the 30-mile radius will be asked to make their own arrangements to pick up supplies from Discovery World.

*Markers will be needed to complete this activity.

$9/student
10 student minimum to book

DPI 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

kohl's design it! 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.

Virtual Labs include live instruction led by a Discovery World Educator. Includes supplies* necessary for the program. Delivery is included for schools within 30 miles of Discovery World. Schools outside of the 30-mile radius will be asked to make their own arrangements to pick up supplies from Discovery World.

*Markers will be needed to complete this program.

$12/student
10 student minimum to book
30 student maximum per session

DPI 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

kohl's design it! 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 activity.

$9/student
10 student minimum to book

DPI Standards:

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

Design Big & Small Virtual Lab

kohl's design it! 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.

$12/student
10 student minimum to book
30 student maximum per session

DPI Standards:

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

Magnetic Attraction Activity Kit

kohl's design it! lab 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.

$9/student
10 student minimum to book

DPI 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

kohl's design it! lab Gr K5-2

45 minutes

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

$12/student
10 student minimum to book
30 student maximum per session

DPI 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

kohl's design it! lab 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.

$9/student
10 student minimum to book

DPI Standards:

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

Mapping Lake Michigan Virtual Lab

kohl's design it! lab Gr 3-12

45 minutes

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

$12/student
10 student minimum to book
30 student maximum per session

DPI Standards:

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

Owl Pellet Dissection Activity Kit

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.

$9/student
10 student minimum to book

DPI Standards:

Wisconsin Science Standards: SCI.LS1.A.4, SCI.LS2.A.5, SCI.LS2.B.m
NGSS: MS-LS1.3, MS-LS1.8, MS-LS4-2

Owl Pellet Dissection Virtual Lab

Gr 2-8

45 minutes

Virtual Labs include live instruction led by a Discovery World Educator. Includes materials necessary for the program. Delivery is included for schools within 30 miles of Discovery World. Schools outside of the 30-mile radius will be asked to make their own arrangements to pick up materials from Discovery World.

$12/student
10 student minimum to book
30 student maximum per session

DPI Standards:

Wisconsin Science Standards: SCI.LS1.A.4, SCI.LS2.A.5, SCI.LS2.B.m
NGSS: MS-LS1.3, MS-LS1.8, MS-LS4-2

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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. Click HERE to buy tickets and for important information you need to know before visiting.

Current Hours

Wednesday-Sunday: 9am-4pm
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. Click HERE to buy tickets and for important information you need to know before visiting.

Current Hours

Wednesday-Sunday: 9am-4pm
Tues-Fri	-
Sat & Sun	-

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