Distance Learning

Our educators use videoconferencing to engage your students in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Program kits sent to classroom teachers include nearly everything you need for experiments. Kits are yours to keep! All programs address National Science Education Standards and align with Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations.
For a list of current Distance Learning Programs, click here.
Download the Distance Learning brochure
To Register for a Distance Learning Program
- Dates and times for the Distance Learning programs are scheduled by request
- Programs should be scheduled 3 weeks in advance in order for your kits to be mailed
- Book through the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration at www.cilc.org
- To register by phone, contact the Distance Learning Manager at 734.995.5439 and have the following information available:
- Address and phone number of contact person
- Mailing address for Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum materials kit
- Number of students and grade level
- Date(s) and time(s) your class would like to participate
- Technical contact information
- For more information please contact the Distance Learning Manager at 734.995.5439 or use our Contact Us form.
SAVE! Multi-program discounts!
- Book 5 or more programs at one time and receive $10 off the price of each program.
- Book 10 or more programs at one time and receive $20 off the price of each program.
Programs must be scheduled with the same school or site. Programs may be scheduled for any time during the same school year, but all requests eligible for discount must be submitted, received and approved at the same time.
Distance Learning Scholarships and Grants
Limited scholarships are available to those who qualify through our Discover Science Assistance Fund. There are also many grants available to schools and organizations to help pay for Distance Learning programs. Click here for more information about grants.
Payment and Cancellation Policies
Reservations must be paid in full or guaranteed by a purchase order at least 2 weeks in advance of the program. Checks, money orders, or credit cards are also accepted. Reservations are subject to cancellation if payment is not received 2 weeks in advance.
Cancellations made up to 72 hours prior to your scheduled program will be refunded (less a $25 administrative fee.) The $25 administrative fee is waived if you reschedule. If a cancellation is made less than 72 hours before the scheduled program, no refund will be issued.
Severe Weather Policy
In the event of weather-related school closings or power outages, programs will be rescheduled. If you choose not to reschedule your make-up distance learning program, payment will be refunded less a $25 administrative fee. In the case of program cancellation, the participating site is responsible for rescheduling and/or returning the provided kit materials.
Time to Move
Distance Learning: Time To Move
What can a person accomplish in an hour? Experience time through movement, song and working with clocks that you make. Students will learn when to use A.M. and P.M. and relate it to their daily activities. See what activities our friend Joe does in one day and visit us in our special clock room with our animated time pieces.
- Grade level: 1 – 2
- Program length: 45 minutes
- Cost: $125
- Available: November 2012 through May 2013
Each Distance Learning program includes
Water Wonders
Distance Learning: Water Wonders
Why does water behave in certain ways? Go inside a drop of water and examine the structure and behavior of water molecules. Students will explore why things float or sink, how water pressure works and more through a series of hands-on experiments. Register today!
- Grade level: 1 – 4
- Program length: 45 minutes
- Cost: $125
- Available: November 2011 through May 2012
The Fossil Record
Distance Learning: The Fossil Record
Together we’ll take a look at actual fossils and discuss how you can find the clues that they hide and how to interpret their stories that unfolded millions of years ago. Invent your own prehistoric animals, follow along in the story of fossilization, and discuss fossil finds like real paleontologists.
- Grade level: 3 – 5
- Cost: $150
- Available: January through May 2013
Each Distance Learning program includes
Fraction Interaction
Distance Learning: Fraction Interaction
It’s the fraction game show! Students will find out how much they know about fractions as they work together to survive three rounds while constructing, observing and dancing to solve math problems. Fractions can be fun! Register today!
- Grade level: 3 – 5
- Program length: 45 minutes
- Cost: $150
- Available: March through May 2012
Each Distance Learning program includes
Owls from the Inside Out
Distance Learning: Owls From the Inside Out
Get up close to owls as an avian expert from Leslie Science and Nature Center (Ann Arbor, MI) uses live birds to compare and contrast the characteristics of different owl species. Learn how owls have adapted to a predatory way of life. Dissect real owl pellets to investigate the diet of a barn owl. Learn about food chains and the role of avian predators in an ecosystem. Gain an introduction to skeletal anatomy and prey identification.
Dissecting a Cow's Eye
Distance Learning: Disecting a Cow Eye
Get your goggles on! Dissect a cow's eye to understand how each structure works together to provide the sense of sight, just like your human eye. After the program, work with your class on a series of optical illusions to see how your eyes and brain work together to bring you visual messages.
Museum provides cow eyes, gloves and safety glasses (yours to keep); school must provide its own dissection tools.
Halloween Slime Time
Distance Learning: Halloween Slime Time
We will explore our smoky cauldron and mysterious concoctions as we make two types of slime with students. Younger students use their slime to investigate three states of matter. Older students investigate the properties of polymers. Gooey concoctions are perfect for Halloween fun!
- Grade level: K – 8
- Cost: $125
- Available: October 2012
Each Distance Learning program includes
Critters in the Cold
Distance Learning: Critter In The Cold
Students will learn about animal adaptations to extreme weather with hands-on experiments and even take a virtual trip to Antarctica. Join us as we learn how animals such as penguins live and have babies during extreme weather.
- Grade level: K – 2
- Cost: $125
- Available: January through March 2013
Each Distance Learning program includes


