duval

Duval County Public Schools

Below are descriptions of the education programs offered at MOSH. Please read the descriptions carefully. For your convenience, we have included Sunshine State Standards (SSS) Bodies of Knowledge for Science and Strands for Social Studies in each description. All Science & Planetarium Programs listed below have been approved by the DCPS Science Department.

MOSH offers programs in the following areas:

Natural Science, Physical Science, History, and Planetarium

Natural Science Programs

Happenin’ Habitats

(Suitable for grades K-5; Recommended for grades 3-4)

Where does the Red-Tailed Hawk call home? How about the Gopher Tortoise? Not only will you find out what types of habitats local wildlife species are found in, but why they live there. An animal’s relationship to its habitat is very important because it must provide them with everything it needs to survive. Meet some live animals and find out which habitats they call home.

SSS: Life Science

Atlantic Tails

(Suitable for grades K-5; Recommended for grade 3)

Students will learn how marine mammals are similar and different from other mammals using real animal specimens and fun demonstrations. Conservation is a very important topic of this program as well. Students will learn why the Right Whale and Manatee are in danger. Afterwards, your group is welcome to tour through the Atlantic Tails exhibit to meet Fermata, the life-sized right whale, along with other marine mammals.

SSS: Life Science

It All Makes Sense

(Suitable for grades K-5; Recommended for grades K, 2, 5)

Students will come to their senses in this multi-disciplinary program that teaches the biology of the five senses through hands-on science experiments. See the color spectrum through prisms, hear sound waves in action, feel the chill of freezing cold liquid nitrogen, and more!

SSS: Life Science & Physical Science

No Bones About It

(Grades 2, 5, 6)

Without bones, we humans would be a formless pile of mushy muscle. Come find out how awesome our bones are. We’ll learn about their form and function and see what professional scientists can learn from them.

SSS: Life Science

Physical Science Programs

It All Makes Sense

(Suitable for grades K-5; Recommended for grades K, 2, 5)

Students will come to their senses in this multi-disciplinary program that teaches the biology of the five senses through hands-on science experiments. See the color spectrum through prisms, hear sound waves in action, taste liquid nitrogen ice cream, and more!

SSS: Life Science & Physical Science

Science 101

(Grades K-12)

Become a scientist as you experiment in MOSH’s extreme laboratory! Learn the process of the scientific method as you make observations, test hypotheses, and analyze data. Learn that the nature of science can be fun in this exciting interactive program.

Please Note: This program does not include static electricity or “sparky”.

SSS: Nature of Science & Physical Science

What’s the Matter?
(Suitable for grades 3-5; Recommended for grade 5)

From solids to liquids to gases—see matter change before your very eyes. Your students will become bouncing molecules, experience the chill of cold liquid nitrogen as it boils at room temperature, and help our scientist melt solids!

SSS: Physical Science & Nature of Science

Energize Me!*
(Suitable for grades 3-5; Recommended for grade 4)

What do your breakfast, a bicycle, and a light bulb all have in common? Find out in this program that takes an in-depth look at various forms of energy and how energy is transformed.

SSS: Physical Science & Nature of Science

*A limited number of 4th grade students have been pre-paid by the Duval County School Board for this program. Please ask the reservationist about availability.

Volts and Jolts
(Grades 9-12)

What is electricity? Where does it come from and how does it work? Have a shocking experience as you explore the electricity that runs your TV, creates lightning in the sky, and causes light bulbs to light up in mid-air.

SSS: Physical Science & Nature of Science

Planetarium Programs

All astronomy programs are presented in the Alexander Brest Planetarium. The Planetarium is a large, domed theater that can accommodate multiple school groups at a time. We suggest that you make reservations early if you would like to see a specific program, as scheduling is on a first-come, first-served basis. As with other programs, please have several dates in mind for your visit.

For safety reasons, no one will be allowed into the Planetarium theater once the program has started, so please make sure that your group is ready and waiting at the Planetarium entrance 5 minutes before your scheduled program.

The Friendly Stars (Grade K; program length ~25 minutes)

The planetarium theater can be a mysterious and scary place for the average kindergartener. In this program friendly Mr. Sun takes us on a tour of the night sky. Along the way your students will find out that the planetarium is a very fun and special place to visit.

SSS: Earth & Space Science

Day and Night (Grades K-1)

This program focuses on what causes day and night. Students will explore the Earth’s motions and find out why the sun seems to move across the sky. We will do a hands-on demonstration that will drive the concept home in a way the students will never forget. And finish by looking at the stars and planets of the current night sky.

SSS: Earth & Space Science

Follow the Drinking Gourd (Grades 1-4)

This planetarium show is a multi-disciplinary program that combines astronomy and history. The program explains the important role stars played in the escape of slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. “Follow the Drinking Gourd” was a folksong sung by slaves to help them remember the path to follow north.

SSS: Earth & Space Science, American History, Geography

The Sky Tonight (Grades 1-12)

Students will take a look at the current night sky, including the stars that make up many of the constellations. We will also identify any moons or planets that are visible in the night sky. Program content varies by grade and season.

SSS: Earth & Space Science

A Trip through Space (Grade 5)

In this exciting program we’ll take students on a whirlwind tour of the Solar System, visiting planets, moons, and of course, the Sun. We will learn amazing facts about each place we visit. After returning to our home planet, we will have plenty of time for a Q&A session about our voyage.

SSS: Earth & Space Science

Tour of the Solar System (Grade 8)

Students will soar through the Solar System as we take an up-close look at the planets, including a short stop at the Sun. Along the way we will discuss recent discoveries with various NASA space missions. There will be time during the program for answering any questions students may have.

SSS: Earth & Space Science

History Programs

Native American Cultures (Grades K-6)

The Timucuas lived right here in Jacksonville many years ago! Learn how they used their environment to survive and how they made different tools. Students will discuss the similarities and differences between the Timucuan culture and our own culture today.

SSS: American History, Geography, Economics

In the Attic (Grades K-8)

MOSH is cleaning out the attic and you’re invited to come see what we’ve found! Students will be introduced to some of history’s most practical and not so practical inventions. Exploring the evolution of technology will help students gain insight into the invention process as students learn fun facts about inventors, scientists, and adventurers. Besides, how many of your students have seen a butter churn?

SSS: American History, Economics

Hats Off to Jacksonville (Grades 3-5)

Journey through time and follow the development of Jacksonville from a cow crossing known as Cowford to a bustling tourist town and finally to the modern city it is today in this fun, interactive program. Students will wear many hats as they become a living timeline of Jacksonville’s past. Afterwards, your group can tour through the Currents of Time exhibit to see Jacksonville’s history for yourself.

SSS: American History, Geography, Economics

Flags over Florida (Grades 3-6)

Come discover the triumphs and tragedies of settling Florida’s
First Coast. From Ponce DeLeon to Statehood, students will
explore how “La Floride” became the “Sunshine State” in an
interactive adventure through Florida’s history.

SSS: American History, Geography, Economics

African Folktales (Grades K -4)

Lift Every Voice (Grades 4-8)

African Folktales is a fun interactive romp through
the cultural folktales of Africa while Lift Every Voice is a
Jeopardy-style game that challenges students’ knowledge
of local African-American History.

SSS: American History