Learning Initiatives
Early Childhood Learning
Port Discovery’s Early Childhood Learning initiative provides children, ages five and under, with
permanent exhibits and specialized programming devoted to their age, ability, and size. Special
programs include Wonderful Wednesdays – dedicated days during the school year designed for children
in pre-school through Grade 1. Programs include Mother Goose on the Loose and Jingle Jangle Music
Time. Permanent exhibits include: The Oasis, Tiny’s Diner, and Tot Trails.
Healthy Families: Healthy Communities
Port Discovery’s Healthy Families: Healthy Communities initiative is a museum-wide effort to support
the community by providing exhibits, programs, and resources that raise awareness on the importance
of health and wellness. Responding to health concerns such as obesity, Port Discovery offers programs
such as Healthy First Saturdays and Cook and Tell, to help children and their families gain greater
awareness of the lifestyle choices necessary to practice healthy living. Permanent exhibits include:
Kidworks, a three story climbing structure, and Kick It Up!, an indoor soccer and games arena.
Creative Arts and Culture
Port Discovery is located in a community that is rich in cultural diversity. The Museum is committed
to reflecting this diversity in the programs, events, and activities developed for children and their
caregivers. By focusing on the community’s earliest learners, Port Discovery serves as a gateway
for these children into a wider world that allows them to learn about, understand, and appreciate the
differences between themselves and others. Enrichment events include: Discovery Days, for children
with special needs, Countdown to Kindergarten, Be A Part of the Art Days, Noontime New Year,
Chinese New Year, Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, Hispanic Heritage Day, and more. Permanent
exhibits include: Studio Workshop, which features rotating arts and culture programming.
STEM Learning
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
At the core of informal STEM education is the opportunity to explore through curiosity and selfdirection, using authentic first-hand encounters with objects, images, and processes upon which
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are based. Throughout the year, science educators
facilitate hands-on activities and learning labs for children and their caregivers. The Museum’s annual
STEM in Spring week brings community organizations that specialize in STEM learning together with
Museum visitors for a week of interactive projects and programs with the experts. The Museum’s
highly successful Money Game, has served tens of thousands of children, and its educational content
brings real-world applications of mathematics. Throughout the year, the museum also hosts community
financial institutions for visitors to explore financial literacy topics in an interactive environment, including
concepts of: saving, donating, and using currency. Port Discovery’s signature programs include: PopUp Science, Exploration Station, and STEMVentures after-school program. Permanent exhibits include:
Miss Perception’s Mystery House, and Wonders of Wonder. Rotating exhibits include: Nano and
Here We Grow!, a farm and agriculture exhibit.