For Educators

We are the champions of play.

Play isn’t killing time. It’s creating character.
Everything we want from our children is already in them. And play is how they unlock it.

For Educators

We are the champions of play.

Play isn’t killing time. It’s creating character.
Everything we want from our children is already in them. And play is how they unlock it.

Change Starts with YOU!

Do you ever look around and think, “I wish the world was more ____________”? Well, here is your chance to do something about it! In this lesson, students will read a selection of texts (both fiction and nonfiction) about changemakers, identify the thought process those people underwent in order to make changes in their communities, then design their own item that will enact change in the world.

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Blast from the Past

Time-travel back to ancient times and imagine what it was like to live in the past! How did ancient people engage with the world around them? What ideas and tools were important in ancient cultures?

In this lesson, students will prepare for a unit on ancient cultures by imagining themselves living in the past and creating objects that they think might have existed back then to make life easier. Students can then compare tools of the past to the tools we use today, and make inferences about the similarities and differences between societal needs over time.

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Miniature Monuments

As part of the Visual Arts Curriculum students periodically participate in design challenges where they are given a design problem and a limited amount of time and materials to solve that problem.

Design Problem: Can you create a model of a monument to be installed in the city of Pawtucket using two styrofoam cups and given thirty minutes?

In this lesson, students will briefly discuss what a monument is, where monuments may be located and what types of monuments they have seen in person or through various media.

At the end of thirty minutes, students will “install” their miniature monuments on the map and present their ideas to the group.

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Homes Around the World

Homes Around the World

Around the world people have different access to tools, availability of materials and endure a variety of types of climates.

Students will learn about different types of houses there are in the world. They will learn what materials are used and why they use these materials. With this knowledge students will write about their house and build a 3-D model of it.

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Creating Characterization

Creating Characterization

In this lesson, students will demonstrate their understanding of characters, setting, and plot by developing their own animal story with a main character, setting, and plot.

Students will demonstrate their understanding of overall story structure by telling an animal story that includes a beginning, middle, and end.

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Building an Array of Houses

Building an Array of Houses

In this lesson, the classroom will create a neighborhood of houses. In order to visualize math concepts, students will practice using arrays and their corresponding repeated addition equations to create a house displaying at least three arrays.

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Modern Maypoles

Modern Maypoles

Weaving is always a popular art activity for students learning about patterns, but young artists often struggle with the alternating pattern of over/under required to be successful.

In this lesson, students will learn about Maypoles and participate in a Maypole Dance. To weave the Maypole, the same over/under pattern that is used in traditional weaving is employed.

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Building Stability Challenge

Building Stability Challenge

Students will be engaged in a design process that involves imagining and being inspired, asking questions, researching, planning, creating, and improving their models.
This process supports students’ ability to apply important concepts and gain skills in design thinking and making; engineering and physical science.

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About Us

Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning for all through play, creativity, and exploration.

Hours and Admissions

Wednesday - Sunday
9:30am to 12:30pm and 
1:30pm or 4:30pm

Reservations are available online. Reserve your ticket now, or purchase walk-up tickets when you arrive.

Masks are optional for most activities at PCM.

Group Visits

Providence Children's Museum is the ideal place for school field trips, camp outings, homeschool and community group trips and Scout excursions.

For Families

We’ve collected an extensive resource of creative activities that will engage kids and their caregivers wherever you may be.

About Play

While society often overlooks and undervalues play, we are here to celebrate and elevate it. Because we know play isn’t frivolous. It’s foundational.

PCM Lesson Plans

Check out our library of lesson plans for teachers and families. PCM has created a variety of lesson plans for teachers by teachers for children pre-k through early elementary.

Become a Partner

PCM has brought the magic of learning to life for over 40 years. As a trusted resource for families and children in southern New England, PCM is an anchor in our community.

Become a Partner

PCM has brought the magic of learning to life for over 40 years. As a trusted resource for families and children in southern New England, PCM is an anchor in our community.

More than a Museum
PCM is committed to serving the children of southern New England – regardless of their financial ability. 40% of the Museum’s budget is dedicated to welcoming one-third of the Museum’s total audience free of charge or at greatly reduced rates through a variety of outreach programs.