Exploring museums and research facilities is a great opportunity for young minds to explore new concepts and learn more about the things they're passionate about. While many of these facilities are free or low-cost to enter, visiting them can be difficult when they’re spread across the globe. Thanks to modern technology, many museums and facilities have virtual tours and videos that allow avid learners to explore from the comfort of their own homes. In this blog, we’ll provide a few resources for parents of those with curious minds who want to show their children some of the rich scientific history and advancements that are being explored around the world!
For space enthusiasts, NASA offers an array of virtual tours and multimedia experiences that provide unprecedented access to the agency's facilities and missions. Learn about the next rover set to explore the surface of Mars, take a 360-degree tour of the International Space Station, or journey through the universe with breathtaking images captured by NASA's telescopes. These virtual experiences offer a glimpse into the forefront of space exploration and research.
Google Arts & Culture hosts an impressive collection of virtual tours, including renowned science museums and institutions from around the world. Through their platform, users can explore interactive exhibits, view high-resolution images of artifacts, and even take guided tours led by experts. Some notable science-related collections include the Natural History Museum in London, the Franklin Institute, and the National Museum of Nature and Science in Japan.
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. offers a thorough walk-through virtual tour of their museum. Their virtual tours include a self-guided click-through tour that mimics walking through the museum. These tours include their permanent exhibits, current exhibits, and past exhibits. Additionally, they offer narrated tour videos to get the full guided tour experience! Their exhibits cover a variety of topics and interest areas including dinosaurs, Egypt, insects, bones, gems and minerals, human origins, reptiles, and more! This virtual tour is perfect for any child interested in the natural sciences!
While not traditional museum tours, Explore.org provides live streaming from various locations around the world, including wildlife habitats, marine sanctuaries, and scientific research sites. Explore.org’s live camera feeds allow you and your child to experience the wonders of nature in real time. These feeds range from observing penguins in Antarctica to monitoring coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean to checking in on dog and cat rescues. These live cams offer a unique opportunity to not only see many animals in their natural habitats to experience the working environment of scientists. If your child is interested in anything from veterinary medicine to marine biology, these camera feeds are a great resource to learn and explore!
If your child has an interest in physics, this is the perfect tour for them! Take a virtual trip to the world's largest particle physics laboratory, CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), located near Geneva, Switzerland. Through their online tours, visitors can explore the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's most powerful particle accelerator, and learn about groundbreaking experiments in the field of particle physics. Gain insights into the mysteries of the universe and the fundamental building blocks of matter from the comfort of your own home.
National Geographic offers a series of virtual field trips that transport viewers to exotic locations and scientific research sites across the globe. Dive into the depths of the ocean with marine biologists, reach for the stars with astrophysicists, or explore ancient archaeological sites with historians. These immersive experiences combine stunning visuals with educational insights, making them ideal and engaging for learners of all ages.
Where Can I Find STEM Programs Near Me?
Virtual and in-person tours of museums and research facilities are amazing, but are you looking to get your child involved in some hands-on STEM activities? Look no further than The Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic County! We offer a variety of STEM workshops, clubs, and research throughout the year if your child is interested in learning and experimenting without the pressure or commitment of a competitive team! For children who are interested in competing, PAL has its own competitive robotics team and hosts STEM competitions throughout the year. With summer right around the corner we also offer STEM summer camps for children in 1st through 12th grade! If you’re interested in learning more about our STEM programs and summer camps, get in touch with us!
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