sdp
Monthly Performance Schedule
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
The New Jersey State Museum is pleased to present a diverse slate of professional auditorium-style performances that are not only interactive and educational, but fun!  Our School Day Performances cover a variety of topics including: science, history, world cultures, and fine art.  Each performance is linked to core curriculum content standards and compliments one of the Museum's exhibitions or collecting areas. 
 
Advance registration is required. For reservations call (609) 292-6347.
SEPTEMBER 
 
Philly Zoo:  Who's Who at the Zoo
September 28 at 11:30 am.  Free of Charge.
NEW PROGRAM ~ help the Museum and the Philly Zoo on Wheels develop a new program.  Be one of the first to view this professionally staged program and help-out the traveling naturalists by providing valuable post-show feedback in exchange for free admission. 
 
This exciting program will introduce students to who is who at the Philadelphia Zoo.  Live animals bring this program to life as students learn how animals adapt for survival and about the animal classification systems used by animal scientists worldwide.  Students will be able to meet several live animals through this program that highlight birds, mammals, and reptiles.  The core concepts explored will include: classification, natural systems, endangered species, and adaptations.  Grades: K-6; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4; PA: 1.6, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.3, and 4.5; and DE: (Science) 1, 6, and 7.
 
OCTOBER 
 
Dino-Safari
October 12 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.
National Fossil Day ~  The fascinating world of dinosaurs comes alive in this fast-paced Auditorium program presented by award-winning educator Tony Miskowski, Assistant Curator of Natural History.  The program embarks on a journey through time and stops in the Mesozoic swamp to learn about these so-called "terrible lizards" that dominated the global landscape for some 150 million years.  Throughout the program, traditional scientific views are compared and contrasted with the latest fossil discoveries that are giving rise to new theories.  Grades: 2 - 5; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 5.1, 5.3 and 5.4; PA 1.6, 3.1, 3.3 and 4.1; and DE (Science) 1 and 5.

 

Matheny Medical and Educational Center: Unexpected Art
October 19 at 11:30 am, free of charge. 
NEW PROGRAM ~ You would never expect to see a painting by someone who cannot hold a brush, hear a poem written by someone who has never spoken a word, or see a dance choreographed by a person who has never walked.  Yet that is precisely what occurs at the Arts Access Program at the Matheny Medical and Educational Center, where the unexpected happens every day.  The severely physically disabled artists at Matheny Medical and Educational Center use the unique methods employed by the Arts Access Program to overcome their disabilities and express themselves in multiple artistic disciplines.  Audience members will learn that people with disabilities have unlimited and unexpected artistic abilities.  This is a perfect program to recognize and bring Disabilities Awareness Month into your classroom.  Grades: 4-8 and up; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 1.1; PA 1.6 and 9.1; and DE (Visual Art) 1.

 

Mad Science: Spin, Bop, Boom
October 26 at 11:30 am, $3 per person. 
This 45-minute presentation is designed to introduce science to elementary age children.  In it, the Mad Scientist will use simple but exciting science experiments and demonstrations to involve your group in the discovery process of science. Included in the event will be such experiments as the "Growing Hand", "5 Test Tube Salute", the "Famous, Flaming Didgeridoo" and the "Fantastic Flying Foam Factory".  There will also be some opportunity for members of the audience to participate in a few of the experiments.  Grade: K - 6; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 5.1 and 5.2; PA 1.6, 3.2, 9.1; DE (Science) 1, 2, 3.

 

NOVEMBER

Philly Zoo ~ Conservation Careers: Working with Wildlife
November 2 at 11:30 am, free of charge.
NEW PROGRAM ~ help the Museum and the Philly Zoo on Wheels develop a new program.  Be one of the first to view this professionally staged program and help-out the traveling naturalists by providing valuable post-show feedback in exchange for free admission.
This is a perfect program for Middle School and High School students who want to explore careers in conservation and sciences such as zoology, field research, and environmental education.  In addition to an interactive presentation that brings to life the many unique career opportunities that involve working directly with wildlife, students will be able to meet several live animals.  The core concepts explored will include: conservation and career awareness.  Grades: 6-12; related Core Content Curriculum Standards: NJ 5.1, 5.3, 9.3 and 9.4; PA 1.6, 3.1 and 13.1; and DE (Science) 6.

 

Encore: The American Spirit  November 9 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.

Gerald Fiest, one of America's foremost storytellers, gives life to his characters and paints pictures with his words.  In this performance, eye-witness accounts of the men and women who shaped our world are brought to life.  Experience the pageant of American history through folklore and historical events involving George Washington, Chief Sequoyah, Sojourner Truth, the Wright Brothers, Dr. Martin Luther King, and more.  Grades: K - 8; Related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 6.1; PA 1.6, 7.3, and 8.3, 9.1; DE (History)1 and 4. 

 

Bash the Trash: Found Sound Science
November 16 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.  

NEW PROGRAM ~ As part of America Recycles Day, the Museum is pleased to bring back Bash the Trash to explore how recycled and reused materials can be turned into cool and weird musical instruments.  Students will be captivated as scientists  explore the musical classification of instruments within the four instrument families - percussion, strings, brass, and woodwinds.  In addition students will dig deep into issues of sustainability and find out where stuff comes from - and where it goes!  For over 20 years this group has been building, composing, and performing on musical instruments made from recycled and reused materials.  Also, check-out the Museum's Rising Tide: Climate Change and New Jersey web page - with interactive games and information at:

Grades: K - 8; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 1.1, 1.2, and 5.2; PA 1.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.5, 9.1, and 9.2; DE Science 1, 2, and 3 and Music 6, 7, 8, and 9.

 

Anne Pasquale: Liberty Bells 

with Young Audiences of New Jersey
 
November 30 at 11:30am, $3 per person.
 
Inspired by her grandmother's tales, Anne Pasquale has created a program based on the stories of female immigrants.  Through story, song and characterizations, the audience meets immigrants of different nationalities. Students emerge with a newfound appreciation for the nation's cultural diversity and common heritage.  Grades: K-9; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 6.1 and 6.3; PA 1.6 and 8.1, 8.3, 8.4, 9.1 and 9.2; DE Social Studies3 and 4. 
 

DECEMBER

 

The Seventh Principle:  Share the Kwanzaa Spirit

with The Young Audiences of New Jersey

December 7 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.
This program is an excellent introduction to the December holiday which celebrates African-American values, traditions, community, and history.  Song and dance, together with an understanding of Kwanzaa's symbols and customs, allow everyone to share in the holiday spirit.  Grades: Pre-K - 12; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 1.1, 6.1 and 6.2; PA 1.6, 7.1, 7.2, 8.3 and 8.4, 9.1, 9.2; DE  Social Studies 3 and 4 as well as Geography 4. 

 

 

Mad Science:  Winter Holiday Show

December 14 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.
 
This 45-minute presentation will have your audience gasping and laughing at the Mad Scientist's exciting and merry science experiments.  Through a mixture of science and magic the children will see a playing card vanish only to reappear again neatly gift-wrapped!  Kids will hear how Eggbert became Santa's helper and will help the Mad Scientist get Eggbert through a chimney using science.   Watch as our special Snowman is de-frosted right before their eyes!   The audience will also discover how Jack Frost can fill an eight-foot air bag with one breath.   Then, as a grand finale, the Mad Scientist will introduce the audience to a mysterious North Pole rock that turns out to be Dry Ice.   Using the Dry Ice, the Mad Scientist will make bubbling potions, popping corks, shivering quarters and clouds of fog.   All will have an evening of giddy goodness and festive fun!  Grades: K - 6; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 5.1 and 5.2; PA 1.6 and 3.2, 9.1; DE (Science) 2 and 3. 

 

JANUARY 

Linda Humes: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King
with The Young Audiences of New Jersey

January 18 at 11:30am, $3 per person.

NEW PROGRAM ~ The life of Rosa Parks - four professional actor/singer/dancers, inventive staging, and an inspiring score by Jonathan Luks - using jazz, blues and gospel styles - create a powerful theatrical experience for young audiences. We follow the struggles of a young girl through the indignities of prejudice to discover her strength of conviction, as a simple act of civil disobedience gives birth to the civil rights movement.  An intriguing backdrop, which evolves from black and white to an intricate mosaic, enables us to take "Rosa's Ride" to a new dawn.  Grades:  K - 8; Related New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: 1.1, 1.2, 3.4, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4. 

 

Philly Zoo ~ Predators in our Neighborhood
January 25 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.
NEW PROGRAM ~  New Jersey is home to amazing wildlife including owls, snakes, black bears, and even the American Bald eagle!  Learn about the predators that live among us and the ways that we can help save wildlife.  Students will be able to meet several live animals.  Core concepts explored will include: natural resources, ecosystems, adaptations, and endangered species.  Grades: K-6;related Core Content Curriculum Standards: NJ 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4; PA 1.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.3, 4.5 and 9.1; DE Science 1, 6, and 7, as well as Geography 1 and 2.
FEBRUARY

 

Charlotte Blake Alston: Stories and Songs in the Griot Tradition
with Young Audiences New Jersey
February 8 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.
Her contagious energy, creativity, and ingenuity make Charlotte Blake Alston one of the most sought-after storytellers anywhere.  Breathing life into ancient and contemporary tales, she draws on the rich source of stories, songs, games, and rhythmic elements within the African and African-American oral tradition.  Grades: Pre-K - 12; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 1.1, 1.2, 6.1, and 6.2; PA 1.6, 7.1, 7.3, 8.3, 8.4,  9.1, 9.2; DE (Social Studies) 4. 

 

Encore: Mr. Fish's Phenomenal Physics 
February 15 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.
Mr. Fish, a renowned circus performer, presents astounding tricks that actually have scientific explanations.  Using everyday objects that kids can find at home, and audience participation, Mr. Fish gives a humorous and exciting performance that presents "kid-friendly" demonstrations of the principals of aerodynamics, friction, inertia, velocity, sound, air pressure, and more.  Grades: K - 8; related Core Content Curriculum Standards: NJ 5.1 and 5.2; PA 1.6, 3.2 and 9.1; DE (Science)2 and 3.

 

Mad Science: Up, Up, and Away
February 29 at 11:30 am, $3 per person. 
"Is it a bird?" "Is it a plane?" "No, it's Mad Science!" "Up, Up and Away" will capture the audiences' interest and show how exciting science can be with a variety of eye-popping demonstrations and experiments that involve the concept of air. There will be plenty of opportunity for hands-on audience participation in this event with demonstrations that include giant smoke rings, a hot air balloon, the Mad Science Hovercraft, and finally the Big Sneeze demonstration. Who could pass up a chance to ride a Hovercraft?  Grades 3 - 8; related New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: 5.1 and 5.2; PA 1.6, 3.2 and 3.3, 9.1; DE (Science) 1, 2, 3.

MARCH

 

Patrick Garner's History's Alive: Ben Franklin

March 7 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.

NEW PROGRAM ~ Ben Franklin is America's First Citizen; your students are introduced to one of America's greatest figures.  They will follow Ben through his youth as an apprentice, his life as a prominent Philadelphia entrepreneur, the contributions to science which made him the most famous American in the world and the extraordinary diplomatic service he gave the fledgling Unites States of America.  Grades: K - 8; related New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: 1.1, 1.2, 6.1, and 6.3; PA 1.6, 5.1, 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3; DE (Social Studies) 3 and 4. 
 

 
Billy B. The Science Song & Dance Man: The Rainforest Chorus

with The Young Audiences of New Jersey

March 14 at 11:30 am, $3 per person. 
With humorous parodies of popular songs, Billy B. sings about more serious matters like rainforest depletion, photosynthesis, and the greenhouse effect.  With catchy lyrics and memorable movements, Billy B. recreates the rainforest world in a way that children totally get. Students learn about this precious ecosystem as represented by the Brazil nut tree, an agouti's teeth, and stalking panthers. Billy B. plants seeds that blossom into a lifelong appreciation and respect for nature.  Grades: K - 6; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 5.1 and 5.4; PA 1.6, 7.1, and 7.3; DE  (Science) 6, 7, and 8.
 
Anne Pasquale: Deborah Sampson

with The Young Audiences of New Jersey

March 28 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.
Deborah Sampson was the American revolution's only acknowledged female combat veteran.  She wore her own military uniform, enlisted in the Continental Army in 1782, and served for 18 months, pretending to be a man.  Sampson fought honorably, was wounded, fell ill, and was examined by a surgeon, whereupon her secret was discovered and she was given an honorable discharge.  Nine years later, she received payment and official recognition as a veteran of the Revolutionary War.  "Deborah Sampson" is a high-energy play that employs the art of quick-change, participatory reenactments, and touch of stage combat.  Grades: 3 - 9; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 6.1; PA 1.6, 8.3; DE (History) 4 .
APRIL

 

Museum of Interesting Things: Can you hear me now?  The Communication Show
April 4 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.

NEW PROGRAM ~ The Museum of Interesting Things traces the evolution of inventions involving communication including telegraphs, box wooden telephones, teletypes, wire recorders, pigeon post, cell phones, and computers.  Audience members experience interactive demonstrations and the history of each item. Grades:  4-6 ; related Core Content Curriculum Standards:  NJ 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2, and 8.2; PA 1.6, 3.2, 3.4, 8.1, 8.3, and 8.4; DE Science 1 ; History 1, 2, 4 ; and Engineering and Technology Education Standards Statements M1, and M5. 

 


Philly Zoo: Remarkable Rainforest
 
April 18 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.  

More than half of Earth's species live in tropical rainforests.  The Philly Zoo is helping to save animals that live in rainforests across the globe, like golden lion tamarins, amphibians, and orangutans.  Rainforest animals and artifacts highlight the hot issue of deforestation throughout the world.  Students will be able to meet several live animals.  Core concepts explored will include: natural resources, ecosystems, adaptations, and endangered species.    Grades: K-6; related Core Content Curriculum Standards: NJ 5.1,  5.3, and 5.4; PA 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.3, 4.5, and 9.1; and DE Science 1,6, and 7 and Geography 1 and 2.
 

Piccirillo Sciencetellers: The Jungle of Jersey

with The Young Audiences of New Jersey 

April 25 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.
This a wonderful program to help teach students about the complexity of New Jersey.  When Doug, the dog, decides there might be a better place to live than the pet store he lives in, he sets out through the jungle of Jersey.  With Smoke rings, disappearing water, flying eggs, and sound effects, your students will help Doug survive the trip and they learn about the wonders of our magical State.  Grades: K - 6; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 6.1; PA 1.6, 4.5, 7.1, and 7.3; DE (Geography) 1 and 2.

 


MAY 

 

Seth Reichgott: The Appalachian Tale 
with Young Audiences New Jersey
May 2 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.
Come on in - set down by the fire and hear an amazing tale!  Join the popular Seth Reichgott and journey to the heart of the Appalachian Mountains where the rich heritage of America still lives in story and song. Through unparalleled storytelling, catchy music and lively audience participation, The Appalachian Tale explores the unique history, vibrant culture and amazing creativity of this distinctive region of the United States. Grades: K - 6; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 1.1, 5.3, and 6.1; PA 1.6, 3.1, 7.1, 7.2, 8.3, 9.1 and 9.2; DE History 4 as well as Geography 1 and 2. 

 


Patrick Garner's History's Alive: Lewis & Clark: A Celebration of Teamwork
May 9 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.

NEW PROGRAM ~ Witness historic events, hair's-breadth escapes, chance reunions, ferocious animals, comic mishaps, scenic splendor, new born babies, and ancient natives in one of America's greatest real-life adventures!  The audience is cast in the roles of Lewis & Clark's "Corps of Discovery" to illustrate the mission to explore the newly-acquired Louisiana Purchase.  Grades: K - 8 ; related New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: 1.1, 1.2, 6.1, and 6.3; PA 1.6, 7.1, 7.3, 8.1,  8.3; 9.1 and 9.2; DE History 3 and 4, and Theatre 1 and 2.

 

 

Mad Science:  Sounds Like Science 

May 30 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.

This  45-minute presentation  is designed to introduce  children to the world of science, highlighting the sense of sound.  Through a combination of demonstrations and audience participation we bring the science of sound to your audience.  Among the experiments the students will witness how sound waves travel using both the audience and a Slinky.  They'll participate in creating a rainstorm complete with rain, thunder and lighting.  We'll use some heat to make a metal pipes 'sing'.  And for a finale we'll get to hear the quack of duck, the growl of a tiger and the roar of a T-Rex.  This is a very fun, and engaging show.  Grade: K - 4; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: 5.1and 5.2; PA 1.6, 3.1, and 9.1; and DE (Science) 1, 2, and 3.

JUNE

 

Philly Zoo: Habitats in the USA
June 6 at 11:30 am, $3 per person.

Discover habitats and wildlife across New Jersey and North America while meeting amazing live animals from the Philadelphia Zoo.  Learn how our choices can help protect endangered species and places in our own backyards!  Students will be able to meet several live animals.  Core concepts explored will include: ecology, ecosystems, endangered species, sustainability.  Grades: K-6; related Core Curriculum Content Standards: NJ 5.1, 5.3, and 5.4; PA 1.6, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.3, 4.5,and 9.1; and DE Science 1,6, and 7, and Geography 1 and 2.