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Programs Offered for 11th Grade
Read course information carefully for size limits and which programs are available at MNS or at your school. For pricing, please visit the Pricing and Reservations page.
2010-2011 Programs at a Glance 
Biotechnology | TEKS
Biology: 112.34.1ab, 112.34.2dfgh, 112.34.5ab, 112.34.6abgh, 112.34.9a
Thanks to biotechnology, students can now learn about themselves on the molecular level. Using cutting-edge methods and applications, students will conduct a series of hands-on inquiry lab activities to discover how fascinating this science can be. They will explore the structure of the DNA molecule and demonstrate that DNA exists in cells by locating it in dividing cells of an onion root tip. They will use PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to amplify a specific segment and analyze it by gel electrophoresis to reveal genetic differences among individuals. A discussion session will highlight applications of this technology: DNA fingerprinting, gene therapy, genetically modified foods, genetics, and others.
Duration: Premium 3-hour Classroom Program with a follow-up visit to the school to analyze PCR results.
Class Size: 15-30 students
Available at MNS or your school.
Diagnosis: The Body in Question | TEKS
Biology: 112.34 1a, 2fgh, 3a, 10a
We are the sum of all our parts. Take a tour of some human body systems and learn how they interact. This program is taught from the perspective of a patient brought into a hospital emergency room to provide your students with a real-world experience unlike any other.
Duration: Standard 50-minute Classroom Program
Class Size: 15-30 students
Available at MNS or your school.
Electric Theater | TEKS
IPC: 112.38 1a, 3ef, 5bcg
Physics: 112.39 1a, 3e, 5acdeg
Explore the world of electricity and magnetism through this exciting (and “shockingly” cool) demonstration led by one of our educators. Student volunteers will join our presenter on stage to demonstrate the workings of Van der Graff generators, electromagnets, step-down transformers, Tesla coils and more!
Duration: 50 minutes
Class size: 15-175 students at MNS, 30–250 as outreach
Available at MNS or your school.
Fire and Ice | TEKS
Chemistry: 112.35 1a, 3e, 4ac, 9ac, 11ab
IPC: 112.38 1a, 3e, 5abe, 6a, 7ab
This explosively entertaining program teaches about the states of matter in a unique way. Student volunteers help the presenter explore how temperature affects matter. Both physical and chemical changes are demonstrated using fire and liquid nitrogen.
Duration: 50 minutes
Class Size: 15-175 students at MNS, 30–250 at your school
Available at MNS or at your school.
Ice Age: Last Extinction | TEKS
Biology: 1a, 2fgh
Chemistry: 1a, 2dfhi
Earth/Space Science: 1a, 2dgl, 13d
IPC: 1a, 2cde
Physics: 1a, 2dfhk
Earth’s last major extinction event affected large mammals during the Pleistocene Era, some 12,900 years ago. The possible causes of this event are currently under debate. Students will explore evidence for one hypothesis by conducting hands-on investigations, collecting and comparing data, and reaching a conclusion on the validity of the hypothesis.
Duration: Premium 90-minute Classroom Program
Class size: 15-30 students
Available at MNS or your school.
Incredible Machine: Human Body Structure and Function | TEKS
Biology: 112.34 1a, 2fgh, 3a, 4ab, 10a, 11a
Have you ever taken a real ECG, analyzed your heart beat and compared that to your blood pressure? Or perhaps mapped your sweat glands on your skin and measured how active they become when you work? The human body is a dizzying array of systems designed to interact with one another and keep you functioning at your best. Select one of the following topics to study with your class, and we’ll provide a menu of activities to choose from. All programs will utilize the technology of a PowerLab ®, a physiology data acquisition system found typically at the university level.
- Cardio-pulmonary Physiology
- Musculo-skeletal Physiology
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
- Sensory Physiology
Duration: Premium 90-minute Classroom Program
Class Size: 15-30 students
Available at MNS only.
Roller Coaster Physics! | TEKS
IPC: 112.38 2bcde, 3a, 4abcdef, 5ab
Physics: 112.39 4abcd
Have you ever wondered why you lose your stomach, don’t fall out of your seat on loops and get stuck against the side of a roller coaster car while riding your favorite ride? Join us in building your own mini coaster to find out why you don’t really need to wear a seat belt on roller coasters! Using Vernier data logging sensors, find out how much force it really takes to have some fun!
Duration: Premium 2-hour Classroom Program
Class size: 15-30 students
Available at MNS only.
Spend the Day with DNA | TEKS
Biology: 112.34 1a, 2efgh, 3a, 5c, 6abdh
Explore the fascinating and rapidly expanding world of forensic science as your students perform hands-on DNA isolation and separation using gel electrophoresis. Each student will have an opportunity to isolate a spool of actual DNA during the class, and applications of DNA technology such as criminal forensics and gene therapy will be discussed.
Duration: Premium 3-hour Classroom Program
Class Size: 15-30 students
Available at MNS or your school.
StarLab | TEKS
Astronomy: 1a, 3abcd, 4abcd, 5abc, 6abc
We will bring the stars to you with our state-of-the-art digital portable planetarium. Students will be guided through their discovery of constellations to the immense size of the universe. They will explore star movement, color and brightness, and learn how to locate stars and constellations. This program is well suited for both cultural and scientific studies.
Duration: 50 minutes
Attendance: 10-30 students (depending on students’ age)
Requirements: large air-conditioned indoor room with dimensions of at least 25 ft. X 25 ft and 13 ft. overhead clearance; 110 V electric outlet
Available at your school only.
Urban Nature Walk | TEKS
Aquatic Science: 1a, 4a, 5d, 7ac
Biology: 1a, 12b
Environmental Science: 4b
Join one of the Museum Naturalist for a guided walk in our own backyard! With the aid of field guides and binoculars, students will identify and learn about urban wildlife, explore various habitats and learn about the diversity of life within the confines of the Metroplex. This program can be adapted for all grades and helps to reinforce food webs, pond ecology, adaptations and biodiversity. The nature walk is available any season, please dress accordingly.
Duration: Standard 50-minute outdoor program
Attendance: up to 25 students
Available at MNS only.
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