Exploring the Wonders of Science: Chicago With Your Grandchild
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At a Glance
What You'll Learn
- Explore some of Chicago’s most iconic museums and learn about the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
- Build your very own robot and see it in action at the end of the workshop.
- Explore Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry with fun and engaging activities included for all ages
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please check in with your Group Leader. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Children are never to be left unsupervised. Transportation will be provided by motorcoach. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; about 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking and standing at museum according to personal choice. Sitting, bending, and assembling Robots for 3 hour workshop.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will take the motorcoach to the Museum of Science and Industry, where we will take a closer look at some of our planet’s natural forces at work. As we explore we will consider the relationship between humans and their environment while observing chemical, physical, and mathematical principles.
Lunch: At the museum.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, we will learn about robotic and engineering concepts as we build robots of our own! Exercise critical thinking and spatial awareness skills while considering how robots may be helpful in learning more about the planet.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; about 30 min. total riding time. 1.5 hours on boat. Walking 2+ miles; city streets, sidewalks, nature trails. Walking and standing at museum according to personal choice.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will head to the Chicago River for a scenic and science-filled cruise out onto Lake Michigan. We’ll be joined by Professor Mercury who will introduce us to the Scientific Method and conduct cool experiments right in front of our very eyes! Upon our return we will stroll over to Millennium Park and enjoy a boxed lunch beside some of Chicago’s most famous sculptures.
Lunch: Boxed lunch.
Afternoon: We will board the motorcoach and head to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. A Museum Educator will lead us as we wander the museum grounds which include prairie, wetland, and urban woodland ecosystems. We will observe living and non-living things and consider how both interact and rely on each other to create a healthy system.
Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; about half hour total riding time. Walking and standing at museum according to personal choice.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Get ready to unleash your wild side as we venture into the Lincoln Park Zoo for a day filled with wildlife! We’ll get the chance to see more than 200 species from all over the globe and learn about the Zoo’s current conservation efforts.
Lunch: At the zoo.
Afternoon: After lunch we will meet with a Zoo Educator who will teach us about animal care, welfare, and what it takes to make a good home for a zoo animal. We will apply this knowledge into designing a habitat of our own for one of the zoo’s most popular residents: The African Lion!
Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach, about half hour total riding time. Walking and standing at museum according to personal choice.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Our morning will be spent exploring the Field Museum. We will have the opportunity to explore an immersive exhibit that will shrink us to 1/100th of our size to learn about soil science and the animals and plants that make our soil so dynamic. The coach will then depart for Navy Pier for lunch options.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon: At your leisure. Take this opportunity to explore the city. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner: At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!