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.

Select lesson plans were created with support from Verizon Innovative Learning and NYU Tandon School of Engineering. For more learning standards-aligned lesson plans and access to free AR and VR edtech apps, visit Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

 

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.

Water Works!

Water Works!

Students will make a water delivery system reusing recyclable materials that will deliver water to the roots of their plants by conserving water and slowing down the rate of delivery.
How can you make a water delivery system that will deliver water to the roots of your plant and deliver it slowly?

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Ice Cream in a Bag

Ice Cream in a Bag

In this lesson, students will act as scientists and develop their understanding about the properties of matter, especially two elements of matter- solid and liquids. They will develop their understanding of the scientific process, plan and lastly experiment in changing matter from its liquid form to a solid form by changing the temperature. They will realize that energy can cause matter to change, and that matter is all around us.

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Catch Me If You Can!

Catch Me If You Can!

The Leprechaun is on the loose! Let your creativity shine as you write a step by step plan and put your plans into action to build a trap to catch a Leprechaun! As engineers, you will approach the design process using everyday household items to create an inviting masterpiece. Then WHALA! the Leprechaun will come visit, find himself trapped leaving behind all of his gold, and allow you the great opportunity of practice setting up an experiment and testing your trap.

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Painting Rainbows with Natural Materials

Painting Rainbows with Natural Materials

Rainbows and colors are a huge motivator for learning! Children can learn about these science concepts during the creative process by designing their own rainbows. Students will problem-solve how to extract colors from natural materials, explore the color spectrum, mix primary colors to make secondary colors, and find natural or cooking materials that work well for this task.

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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, & Recreate!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, & Recreate!

Understanding the role we can all play in taking care of the earth is important. Prompt students to think creatively by reusing materials that will be thrown out or recycled. Students will transform materials, develop problem solving skills and be able to explain what they created and how it can be reused in a different way.

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Shaping the Sand

Shaping the Sand

Students need an understanding of the movement of sand with air and water in order to understand the concept of erosion and how the forces of wind and water can shape the earth. Rather than trying to mimic the concepts after studying them, playful exploration before studying these concepts can help to deepen students’ understanding.

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Greenhouse Growing

Greenhouse Growing

How do fruits and vegetables grow in the cold weather? Many farmers use large greenhouses to plant seeds and begin the growing process when it is still too cold outside. We can use a mini greenhouse to begin our own vegetable seeds and watch as the seeds sprout seedlings and grow into plants that will produce vegetables. All we need are seeds, soil and an enclosure that keeps the warm air in and the cold air out.

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Our Town

Our Town

This lesson is a great way to begin a unit on communities. The class discusses what a community is and how we are all important to different communities. Students consider what is important to include in our neighborhoods such as our school, grocery stores, and medical facilities, then they work together to create “Our Town” taking into consideration every member’s needs. It pulls the class together right at the beginning of the year.

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Features to Sounds

Features to Sounds

All animals make different kinds of sound. All animals have different and unique characteristics that produce different kinds of sound. How do animals use their unique features or characteristics to make sound?

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Save The Plants

Save The Plants

Living things needs water. Humans need it, animals need it, plants need it! Our plants need water every few days. What happens when we are at home? How will our plants get water? How can we make sure our plants get watered during the weekends and vacations?

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About Us

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

Hours and Admissions

Open 7 Days a Week

9:30am to 12:30pm and
1:30pm or 4:30pm

Reservations are available online. Reserve your tickets 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.