Putnam for Preschool

Putnam for Preschool brings the Putnam and all of its treasure to your classroom or daycare center! All of the programs include hands on experiences and activities for the young learners. You will experience fun and motion during the 30-minute program. Topics are sure to spark creativity and encourage exploration long after the program ends. 

For more information please contact the Education Department at 563-324-1933 or email education@putnam.org.

Download the Registration Form.

Additional Information for Educators

Coral Reefs & Beyond

Learn about the beautiful Coral Reefs and their friendly and not so friendly neighbors! Why do Starfish and Sea Urchins have tube feet? See the beautiful sea shells that come from the ocean and meet a crabby friend from the deep blue world! 

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Ocean Experience
Film Connection: Oceans: Our Blue Planet, Last Reef

Dinosaurs

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be a dinosaur? Would you be a carnivore, herbivore or an omnivore? How do scientists know so much about animals they’ve never seen? Let’s explore the ancient world of Dinosaurs together!

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Dino Dig
Film Connection: Flying Monsters, Titians of the Ice Age, Dinos Alive

Earth Warriors

There’s only one planet Earth and it’s our job to take care of it. Students will learn the importance of the 3 R’s; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We will also explore how planting seeds and composting can help. Small people making big differences, that’s what being an warrior for the Earth is all about.

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Black Earth Big River
Film Connection: National Parks, Galapogos, Back From the Brink

Fun With Flight

What is behind the science of flight? Gravity and energy are just a few things that we will explore while learning the basics. Come on: Let’s fly into the big, blue yonder and have Fun with Flight!

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Science Center
Film Connection: Living in the Age of Airplanes, Dream Big

Germs... Friend or Foe?

Have you ever seen a germ? Are they all bad for you? Let’s find out together as we take a journey to discover the small, and sometimes invisible, animals that cause the sniffles and coughs. Can you protect yourself, your family and friends? What can you do?

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Film Connection: Mysteries of the Unseen World

H2WHOA

Hands-on learning is always a blast — especially in water! Together, we will build boats and test their buoyance. Will they sink … or float? Only the element of H2O will know!

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Molecules in Motion
Film Connection: National Parks, Oceans

Innovations of Engineering

How do the skyscrapers stand up so tall? What materials make a bridge stable? As engineers, we will plan, build and rework structures and then put them to the test. This program introduces your young students to the engineering design plan.

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Science Center
Film Connection: Dream Big

Insects: What’s the Buzz?

Crawl into the wonderful world of insects! Learn more about the life of insects and the important roles they play. With the help of our fun hands-on activities you will be able to tell the difference between a bug and an insect.

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Black Earth Big River
Film Connection: Bug 3D

Kitchen Chemistry

We will use ordinary kitchen supplies to make extraordinary chemical reactions that are sure to delight! Enjoy lots of hands-on science experiments perfect for your littles. Have fun while safely exploring the world of a scientist!

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: OMg! Elements of Surprise

Making Sense of Our 5 Senses

Let’s explore the 5 Senses of the human body. We will discover how each sense works. Then, experience each sense as a group by testing our own senses, with an array of items. Can you tell me what you see, smell, hear, taste and touch?

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Film Connection: Mysteries of the Unseen World

Riveting Robots

The Putnam Museum and Science Center have friends we would like to introduce to you. Our “family” of preschool friendly robots is looking forward to showing off their amazing abilities! But they need your help. Are you up for the challenge?

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Science Center
Film Connection: Robots

Weather Rocks!

Have you ever seen a cloud … in a BOTTLE? Clouds play a big role in creating the weather. We will explore different types of clouds and how they relate to weather systems. Students will have a chance to make a “rain cloud,” a “tornado” and discover the science behind them.

Capacity: 30 students
Time: 30 minutes
Cost: $55
Exhibit Connection: Science Center
Film Connection: Extreme Weather 3D, Tornado Ally