Arizona Challenger Space Center

Rendezvous with a Comet 

Take part in a daring trek of exploration as, once again, comet Encke travels close to the Sun and Earth. This time, human space travelers, as well as space probes, will undertake scientific missions to the great comet. Years of planning and hard work have been invested to get to this vital moment. Team members in both the Spacecraft and Mission Control must work together to rendezvous with the comet's tail, and successfully launch a scientific probe. Along the way, team members will also encounter many important tasks that need to be performed. Journey with us on this important mission; the great comet awaits! 

Recommended for 5th through 6th Grade

I took my daughter to the Space Challenger Center where she embarked on a 2 1/2 hour mission in space. While her team was in one realistic-looking spacecraft, another team was in an adjoining classroom Mission Control, back on Earth. The team members must work together to collect and share information to solve problems - sometimes under "pressure" of spacecraft system malfunctions.

Not only did she have fun while learning, she actually asked to go back for another mission.

To go to the museum just to look around is ...... ok - there are some interesting historical displays to look at but not a lot else to do so be sure to sign up for an activity.  There are different activities designed for different grade levels between 4th and 12th, so we only experienced the one activity for 6th grade students.


http://www.azchallenger.org/home

This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own.

Arizona Opera

Arizona Opera, originally called the Tucson Opera Company, was founded in 1971 and since then it has moved to downtown Phoenix and produced over 170 productions. Recently I was able to attend a dress rehearsal of "Rigoletto" - the classic opera by Giuseppe Verdi about why it's a bad idea to pick up an assassin in a dive bar. 

I am so pleased to say that I have finally experienced the opera. I LOVED it. The stage, the costumes, the amazing talent of the opera stars absolutely thrilled and astounded me. 

Don't speak Italian or French? - No worries - The story and lyrics are projected above the stage so you can easily follow the story without losing out on the action. Don't know much about opera or the production you are about to see? - No worries - Learn about the stories  by attending a free, pre-opera lecture. Arrive one hour before curtain to learn about the show you are about to see!

Check out the website to find upcoming shows,and special nights / prices to take your students.  Have your school sign up to be put on the mailing list for appropriate upcoming performances.

I hope to go back to the opera soon and to take my 11 and 14 year old too. There are so many reason to expose your children to the theatre and the opera. 

http://www.azopera.org/watch-listen-learn/community-events

Playing with Fire Level 1

Soldering copper pipe

One of the best parts of being a Girl Scout is the ability to experience and have adventures outside a normal field trip.

Playing with Fire Level 1 was a day of working with pvc pipe, soldering copper pipe and pipe fitting.
The men of AZ Pipe Trades in downtown Phx welcomed a large group of girls and taught them skills that will serve them a lifetime. Until that day I  never knew how to remove a pea drain and clear a clog. My daughter even removed and installed a garbage disposal. My husband has always had our daughter help with maintenance around the house, but now she is able to  lend an experienced voice to the chores.

To say that she is excited for Level 2 is an understatement.  To say that I am enjoying these childhood years with her is also an understatement. I know all too well that one day she will not need or want me to accompany her.




This weblog does not represent the thoughts, intentions, plans or strategies of anyone / any business / any organization. 
It is solely my opinion.This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own and no one else. 

LEGOLAND

For fall break I took my children age 14 and 11 to Legoland, Ca. 

Everyone told me that we were too old. They said that Legoland is for small kids and we would be bored.  Gosh, they were wrong. 

Miniland USA was amazing. Seeing all those land marks built out of thousands of legos was inspiring. They also have the Lego Movie set for display.  There was so much to see and do and be amazed by. Even the food in the Marketplace was good!

As for the rides, we found plenty of scream worthy ones.  We opened and closed the park that day, and we still did not get to see everything. We need to go back, and we will. 

http://california.legoland.com

Museum of Making Music

In Carlsbad, Ca there is a small museum hidden in a business park. The Museum of Making Music is a real gem. 

Here you will find  instruments on display from classic and ground breaking artists. It is also a venue for student recitals, concerts  and a wonderful venue for corporate events.

My children really enjoyed the hands on area.

I hope to take my GS Troop there someday.

Admission  prices are $8 for adults and $5 for children.
http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org

First Tee of PHX

http://www.thefirstteephoenix.org/club/scripts/public/public.asp


I stumbled upon a great program! First Tee of Phoenix teaches children age 6-18 the sport of golf.  For an annual fee of only $60.00 they are able to enjoy 2 lessons a week and eventually participate in tournaments But wait, this is much more than just  golf. The First Tee program teaches honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

Golf clinics taught by PGA professionals is also a plus. Don't worry about equipment. You may borrow theirs or purchase a full set of clubs and a bag for between $30-$45.00. 

Palo Verde Nuclear Visitor Center

I took my GS Troop down to learn a bit about nuclear power. It was very technical, but fascinating all the same. 

600 Airport Road

The building is all by itself just south of the I-10 on Airport Road

Ages: ability to grasp a little bit of what's said, usually 6th grade and above.

NO CHARGE