Special Science, Engineering Programs Offered at The Discovery Museums

Celebrate NanoDays with a week of hands-on activities at the Nanoscale.

If you are drawn to science and engineering, The Discovery Museums has something planned for you. NanoDays at The Discovery Museums is part of a nationwide festival of hands-on educational programs about nanoscale science and engineering.  Visitors to the Science Discovery Museum during these special programs can experiment with memory metal, explore liquid crystal displays, test out nano sand, play nano games, and discover the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale. The Museums will also offer a unique program with Dr. Gareth McKinley of MIT’s Mechanical Engineering Department and the Hatsopoulos Microfluids Laboratory to learn about research that explores nanoscale coatings and nanocomposite technology. All programs …

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PHOTOS: The Discovery Museums Appoint Three New Board Members

Two Acton residents among those appointed.

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The Discovery Museums Continue Popular Especially For Me Series

Sixteen events planned for families with children with autism or hearing loss.

It was such a success in 2012 that The Discovery Musueums decided is was necessary to expand it. Especially for Me, a series of free events for families with children on the autism spectrum and families with children with hearing loss, increased its planned events from 12 in 2012 to 16 for 2013. “Providing free, closed-to-the-public hours for these children to play and learn in a hands-on museum setting — without the crowds and ambient noise that could otherwise mar their experience — is a unique opportunity for us,” CEO Neil Gordon said in a release. “We feel it is important that these families receive support from institutions within their own community such as ours.” Especially for Me is part of the Museums’ Open Door Connections …

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Visit The Discovery Museums for Free While Benefitting Local Recycling Program

'Pots and Pans for Passes' Drive for Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts runs from Feb. 25 through March 10.

Want to learn about science while helping with a great cause? Well, here's your chance and it's happening right here in Acton. The Discovery Museums has announced a unique program to collect pots and pans for Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts. For every pot or pan brought in to the museums from Feb. 25 through March 10, the donor will receive two free passes toward a future museum visit. "Pots and pans should be in new or gently used condition and may be donated with or without lids," said Jill Jacques in a release. All donations will be given to HGRM, an independent not-for-profit organization based in Acton that provides household goods, free of charge, to people in need.  “This time of year, our supply of pots and pans is …

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Record Number of Patrons Visit The Discovery Museums

Free or reduced admission for underserved audiences also hits new mark.

If you've strolled through The Discovery Museums in Acton lately, you may have asked yourself "Why does it seem so crowded?" Well, there's been a good reason. According to Ann Sgarzi, the directory of marketing for The Discovery Museums, close to 180,000 people were served in 2012 by the 30-year-old museums throughout New England. The number served — 179,635 to be exact — has increased in each of the previous three years for an overall growth of 42 percent since 2009. “This record year is a terrific way to mark our 30-year anniversary as a community resource for children and families,” said CEO Neil Gordon in a statement. “We are thrilled to have more and more families enjoying the museums and playing and learning together, and we continue…

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Eagle Scout Project Benefits The Discovery Museums

Michael Vrablik of Boy Scout Troop 132 helped construct the museums' new stairs and railings.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following edited release was submitted by Ann Sgarzi.) The Discovery Museums in Acton have two new sets of stairs with railings leading from the parking lot to their wooden picnic area thanks to Michael Vrablik, 16, of Boy Scout Troop 132 in Concord. Michael chose to build the stairways to improve the accessibility of the picnic area as his Eagle Scout Service Project. “Access to the picnic area had been limited due to damage from recent erosion. We are grateful to Michael for his hard work on a job well done,” said Steve Roake, exhibit and facilities director at The Discovery Museums. Michael supervised a team of 27 people over three days using materials donated by Bushnell Construction of Chelmsford and the Town of …

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Acton Organization Receives $5K Grant from Foundation for MetroWest

Community Foundation distributes more than $170K throughout the region.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following was submitted by Bree Simmers.) Museum-goers in Acton have more to celebrate this holiday season. Foundation for MetroWest announced that they will be awarding a $5,000 grant to The Discovery Museums as part of their 2012 grant cycle. The award was made last night at an event held at Massachusetts Horticultural Society in Wellesley, MA where a total of $173,500 was distributed to organizations throughout the region. The grant will fund the development of a plan that will help the museum expand their popular outdoor program, Nature’s Corridor. “Having such wonderful nonprofits continually working to strengthen this region is what makes MetroWest such a strong and vibrant community,” said Judy Salerno, executive…

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Foundation for MetroWest Grants $5K to The Discovery Museums

Grant will help launch green energy student workshops.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following was submitted by Ann Sgarzi.) The Discovery Museums announced today that the Foundation for MetroWest has granted $5,000 to support the development, pilot and rollout of the museums’ Dream Green School Programs, hands-on science workshops for K-8 school classes focused on green energy and engineering. The program includes both in-school interactive workshops and guided museum field trips. These STEM programs support the MA state frameworks for science, technology, engineering and math education. Spiraling energy costs and shortages make the subject of green design and sustainability increasingly important. The museums’ Dream Green School Programs capture the inventive imaginations of young students, exciting …

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PHOTO: Acton Families Attend 30th Anniversary Gala

Members of the Napoli family of Idylwilde Farms and Acton residents Robert and Deena attended The Discovery Museums’ 30th Anniversary Gala on Nov. 10.

Idylwilde Farms was a lead sponsor of the event and NPR’s Robin Young, host of WBUR’s Here & Now, was celebrity host. The gala raised funds for the Open Door Connections program, which makes the Museums affordable and accessible to all.

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PHOTO: Eldridge presents State Senate, Governor's Citations in Honor of The Discovery Museums' 30th Anniversary

State Sen. Jamie Eldridge attended The Discovery Museums’ 30th Anniversary Gala on November 10, and presented citations in recognition of the Museums 30th anniversary on behalf of the governor’s office and the State Senate to CEO Neil Gordon and Board Cha

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