Engaging. Challenging. Live Content.
The Maryland Science Center education team has created a unique online STEM experience that utilizes the best of the Science Center’s signature education style to combine creativity with STEM education. Activities include testing ideas, iterating design, and problem-solving. The online experience holds participants attention, sparks imagination, and encourages interaction and feedback. MSC’s Virtual STEM Experience is designed explicitly to allow participants to work independently over the duration of each session.
Using Zoom or any compatible format, the Virtual STEM Experience consists of a combination of live programming and instruction, pre-recorded videos, and at-home activities. The weekly program is divided into two age groups based on grade level—K-2 and 3-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the experience?The Maryland Science Center can deliver two, three-hour programs each day—9am until 12pm or 1pm until 4pm.
A typical session starts with a welcome to all participants, an introduction of the day’s topic of exploration, and an activity designed to facilitate online interaction. The session continues with an experiment, demonstration, or show before the instructor introduces the day’s activity along with the challenge, the materials, and examples participants might pursue to meet the challenge. The day ends with a sharing of work and a wrap-up and send off to close out the three hour session.
Capacity is limited by the platform. In many cases the client uses their platform to reach the audience as long as they can provide MSC with hosting rights. Clients should check with their IT Department to determine capacity on their platform. Clients can also choose to use MSC’s Zoom platform. Participants are limited to 100 but can increase to 500 for an additional fee.
The client is responsible for all participant sign-ups and any other information related to start-up.
Activities are chosen for their ability to be self-directed, however, they may require some support from adults prior to the sessions. A materials list will be provided ahead of time and generally consists of common household items.
The Virtual STEM Experience consists of five consecutive weekdays of programming in either one or two daily sessions. The cost for five days of programming in one session (morning OR afternoon) is $5,000.00 Five days of programming for two sessions (morning AND afternoon) is $10,000.00
For further information, or to talk about scheduling programming, please contact:
Karen Via
Director of Education
Maryland Science Center
410-545-5955
kvia@mdsci.org