Upcoming Workshops & Special Events

April

Tuesday, March 14th-Sunday, April 16th-Can You Feel the Pressure? Discovery Lab Program
Did you know that you have 14 pounds of air pressure pushing on every inch of your body? Join us as we learn about the properties of air and air pressure. Watch marshmallows grow in a vacuum sealer, send fruit and veggie pieces into the air with our potato launcher, launch a seltzer rocket, and watch a grown-up get vacuum-sealed! The Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. FREE with general paid admission.

Tuesday, April 4th-Sunday, April 30th-Tapir Masks in the Paleo Hall
Stop by the Paleontology Hall to learn more about the tapirs found at Gray Fossil Site in honor of World Tapir Day on April 27th! Then, create your own tapir paper mask to take home. This activity is self-guided with instructions provided. FREE with general paid admission.

Tuesday, April 4th-Sunday, April 30th-April Art Studio Programs
Stop by for Leonardo da Vinci inspired invention sketches, springtime animal drawings in the style of Picasso, Earth Day upcycled paper collages, floral pattern rubbing plates, and April showers crayon-resist watercolor paintings. All activities are self-guided with instructions provided, with facilitated programs announced periodically throughout each day. FREE with paid general admission.

Tuesdays through Fridays in April-Discovery Cart Activities
Stop by our Discovery Cart to explore something new each week. All activities are self-guided. All cart program components and materials must remain on site unless otherwise noted. Each cart activity may contain small parts not suitable for children 3 and under. FREE with general paid admission.
4th-7th: Legos
11th-14th: Cubelets Robotic Coding Blocks for National Robotics Week
18th-21st: K’nex
25th-28th: Snap Circuits

Sunday, April 9th-Closed for the Easter holiday.

Tuesday, April 18th-Sunday, May 7th-Explore Science: Earth & Space Discovery Lab Program
Join us for something out of this world in honor of Astronomy Week and Astronomy Day! Explore Earth and space with a variety of experiments changing throughout each day. Activities will introduce you to research happening at NASA, Earth and planetary science, and astrophysics. These programs are made possible by the National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE). The Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. FREE with general paid admission.

The National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE Network) is a national community of informal educators and scientists dedicated to fostering public awareness, engagement, and understanding of current science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For more information about NISE Net please visit www.nisenet.org.

This material is based upon work supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AC67A and 80NSSC18M0061. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Sunday, April 16th-Solar-scope Program
We are celebrating the anniversary of the invention of the first reflecting telescope. Take a turn using our Celestron EclipSmart solar safe finder telescope which allows the scope to align to the sun without directly viewing it. Weather permitting, stay tuned to social media for updates regarding weather. Program by announcement periodically throughout the day. Limited access to scope based on participants. FREE with paid general admission.

Friday, April 21st- Star Viewing Party, 7:30pm-10pm
Join us for a star party and an out-of-this-world experience. Limited access to scopes and binoculars based on attendees. Exhibit spaces are closed during this event. This event is designed as an introductory/beginner level and/or interest in astronomy. Admission is $5 per person ages 4+, under 4 are free. Stay tuned to social media and our website for more details and for weather related updates.

Saturday, April 22nd- Terrarium Workshop, 10:30am-11:30am
Looking to add something green to your home for Earth Day? Join us for a workshop designed for teens and adults ages 13+ and make your own glass terrarium. Materials fee of $15 per person for members, $20 per person for non-members. Pre-registration and payment are required no later than Thursday, April 13th. Limited space and materials available. Go to visithandson.org to claim your spot and make your reservation. Admission to exhibit spaces is an additional cost.

Saturday, April 22nd-Earth Day EnviroScape Simulation
Stop by to learn all about keeping our planet beautiful for years to come in honor of Earth Day. Get a firsthand look at what happens to water in our environment with our 3-dimensional EnviroScape. Pollution and runoff are colorfully evident when falling rain carries mock versions of soil, chemicals, and oil through a watershed to a body of water. Can you help save the watershed community and our planet? Program by announcement periodically throughout the day. FREE with paid general admission.

Friday, April 28th-Superhero Science Family Pop-in Workshop, 1:30pm-4:30pm
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superhero Science! Stop by anytime between 1:30-4:30 to unmask the science behind some of your favorite superheroes and their superpowers! Test your superhuman strength and knowledge while exploring flight, magnetism, nanotechnology, and more! Then, stop by the Tesla Theater for a Tesla Experience show full of superhero songs. $3 per participant for members, $5 for non-members. One Tesla Experience ticket provided for each paying workshop guest. Adult supervision is required at all times.

 

May

Tuesday, April 18th-Sunday, May 7th-Explore Science: Earth & Space Discovery Lab Program
Join us for something out of this world in honor of Astronomy Week and Astronomy Day! Explore Earth and space with a variety of experiments changing throughout each day. Activities will introduce you to research happening at NASA, Earth and planetary science, and astrophysics. These programs are made possible by the National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE). The Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. FREE with general paid admission.

The National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE Network) is a national community of informal educators and scientists dedicated to fostering public awareness, engagement, and understanding of current science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For more information about NISE Net please visit www.nisenet.org.

This material is based upon work supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AC67A and 80NSSC18M0061. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Tuesday, May 2nd-Sunday, May 28th-Gators vs. Crocs in the Paleo Hall
Did you know an alligator fossil specimen was found at Gray Fossil Site?! Stop by the Paleontology Hall to learn about the differences between alligators and crocodiles and make your own accordion alligator craft. This activity is self-guided. FREE with general paid admission.

Tuesday, May 2nd-Sunday, May 28th-May Art Studio Programs
Stop by for a Salvador Dali inspired paper collage, Mary Cassat inspired stacked tea cups drawings, Henri Rousseau inspired jungle oil pastel masterpieces, floral pattern rubbing plates, and May flowers wax-resist watercolor paintings. All activities are self-guided with instructions provided, with facilitated programs announced periodically throughout each day. FREE with paid general admission.

Thursday, May 4th-May the Fourth Be With You Pop-up Programs
Levitate objects with “the force” at our TVA Discovery Cart, hone your Jedi mind problem solving skills with a character mosaic in our Art Studio, and challenge your friends to a paper aircraft flying competition in Make It. Take It. Facilitated programs announced periodically throughout each day. FREE with paid general admission.

Tuesdays through Fridays in May-Discovery Cart Activities
Stop by our Discovery Cart to explore something new each week. All activities are self-guided. All cart program components and materials must remain on site unless otherwise noted. Each cart activity may contain small parts not suitable for children 3 and under. FREE with general paid admission.
2nd-5th: Reverse Engineering
9th-12th: Cubelets Robotic Coding Blocks
16th-19th: K’nex
23rd-26th: Snap Circuits
30th-June 1st: Cubelets Robotic Coding Blocks

Tuesday, May 9th-Sunday, May 28th-Bridging the Gap Discovery Lab Program
Join us as we recognize anniversaries of the openings of the Brooklyn and Golden Gate bridges. Learn about bridge structures and then test out your engineering skills as you build your own bridge out of dry spaghetti noodles and miniature marshmallows. Test your bridge for strength and see if it holds up to the challenge! The Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. FREE with paid general admission.

Tuesday, May 16th-Sunday, May 21st -National Week of Making
Join us for the National Week of Making for a variety of challenges in Make It. Take It. with special materials available only for the week. We provide the inspiration and materials, you provide the ingenuity to craft, invent, and tinker a masterpiece! FREE with paid general admission.

Thursday, May 18th-Extreme Earth Pop-up Program
On the morning of May 18th, 1980, an earthquake triggered a massive eruption of Mount St. Helens. Join us as we explore the science behind extreme natural phenomena. Participate in a mock volcanic eruption and test out building earthquake proof towers. Then, learn more about how to be better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters. Programs will be announced periodically throughout the day. FREE with paid general admission.

Friday, May 19th- Star Viewing Party, 7:30pm-10pm
Join us for a star party and an out-of-this-world experience. Limited access to scopes and binoculars based on attendees. Exhibit spaces are closed during this event. This event is designed as an introductory/beginner level and/or interest in astronomy. Admission is $5 per person ages 4+, under 4 are free. Stay tuned to social media and our website for more details and for weather related updates.

Saturday, May 20th-Music in the Garden, 11am-Noon
Enjoy live music in the Discovery Garden with a performance by the Kingsport Community Band. FREE with paid general admission.

Monday, May 22nd-Sensory Night, 4-6pm
This event is designed for individuals with sensory integration needs. Lighting and sound are adjusted as well as many other environmental elements. Hands On! is closed to the public during this event. Sensory Nights are FREE, and space is very limited. Pre-registration is required. To register, go to visithandson.org.

Monday, May 29th-Closed for Memorial Day holiday.

Tuesday, May 30th-Sunday, June 18th-Sink or Swim? Discovery Lab Program
Stop by to learn about density, salinity, and ocean life in recognition of World Oceans day. Try out some sink or float challenges, test out density cubes, and learn about convection currents with a demo using a split tank. The Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. FREE with paid general admission.

June

Open Mondays in June and July!

Tuesdays through Thursdays in June-Discovery Cart Activities
Stop by our Discovery Cart to explore something new each week. All activities are self-guided. All cart program components and materials must remain on site unless otherwise noted. Each cart activity may contain small parts not suitable for children 3 and under. FREE with paid general admission.
May 30th-1st: Cubelets Robotic Coding Blocks
6th-8th: Legos
13th-15th: Snap Circuits
20th-22nd: K’nex
27th-29th: Legos

Tuesday, May 30th-Sunday, June 18th-Sink or Swim? Discovery Lab Program
Stop by to learn about density, salinity, and ocean life in recognition of World Oceans day. Try out some sink or float challenges, test out density cubes, and learn about convection currents with a demo using a split tank. The Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. FREE with paid general admission.

Tuesday, May 30th-Sunday, July 2nd-June Art Studio Programs
Stop by for Katsushika Hokusai inspired wave paintings, Sea-scape paper collages, make your own M.C. Escher inspired tessellations, geometric pattern rubbing plates, and radial word art. All activities are self-guided with instructions provided, with facilitated programs announced periodically throughout each day. FREE with paid general admission.

Tuesday, May 30th-Monday, July 3rd- Rhinos in the Paleo Hall
Discover more about the new species of rhinos found at Gray Fossil Site and color your own rhino coloring page. This activity is self-guided. FREE with paid general admission.

Monday, June 12th- Friday, June 16th-Hands On! Summer Camp Week 1
To learn more and register, visit https://visithandson.org/summer-camp/. Space is limited. Be sure to check out our summer camps happening in July as well!

Monday, June 19th-Closed for Juneteenth holiday.

Tuesday, June 20th-Sunday, July 9th-Bubble-ology Discovery Lab Program
Pop on over for a bubbling good time! Discover the science behind bubbles while assisting in formulating a fizzy CO2 “sandwich,” construct 3-dimensional square bubbles, and make rainbow bubble snakes. The Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. FREE with paid general admission.

Wednesday, June 21st-Solar-scope for Summer Solstice
Join us for some star gazing of our Sun on the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year! Take a turn using our Celestron EclipSmart solar safe finder telescope which allows the scope to align to the sun without directly viewing it. Programs by announcement periodically throughout the day. Weather permitting, stay tuned to social media for updates regarding weather. Program by announcement periodically throughout the day. Limited access to scope based on participants. FREE with paid general admission.

Monday, June 26th-Friday, June 30th- Hands On! Summer Camp Week 2
To learn more and register, visit https://visithandson.org/summer-camp/. Space is limited. Be sure to check out our summer camps happening in July as well!

For more information about a specific workshop or program please contact: reservations@visithandson.org.

Workshop Guidelines – Please read carefully:

• Space is limited and varies based on the workshop.
• Payment in full and a completed registration form is required to secure place in workshop.
• A full refund will be provided if you cancel a minimum of two weeks in advance. If a cancellation is made less than two weeks in advance, any payments will not be refunded or transferred.
• Museum admission is an additional cost and is not included in any workshop fees.
• All attendees must be within the age ranges specified for each workshop. Proof of age may be requested. If staff has been misinformed of a child’s age, all fees paid will be forfeited and the attendee will be dismissed.
• All attendees must be fully toilet trained. Attendees not fully toilet trained will be dismissed.
• Hands On! reserves the right to cancel any workshop and fully refund payments in the event a workshop is cancelled based on low attendance/registration or unforeseen circumstances.
• Parents/guardians must sign each attendee in and out of the workshop.
• We are unable to accommodate early arrivals, or late pickups. Failure to comply with pick-up times may result in your attendee being unable to register for future workshops.
• Keep toys, books, and all other personal belongings at home. Hands On! is not responsible for lost/ stolen/ damaged items.
• To ensure a fun, effective, consistent, and safe experience, parents/guardians/siblings may not be present in the workshop, however, they are welcome to visit HODC during the duration of the workshop (General admission costs apply).
• We reserve the right to dismiss an attendee based on behavior issues, aggression, foul language, or failure to follow rules.
• All fees paid will be forfeited in the event of dismissal for any reason.
• Coupons and special offers are not applicable with any workshop fees.