WSC Virtual Lab Connections
Book a live virtual session with an Educator/Scientist from the Western Science Center.
The Educator/Scientist will present on one of the programs listed below that you choose for a 30-minute session, with part of the 30-minute session including time at the end for questions/discussions related to the topic presented.
Included is a virtual behind the scenes tour of the Preparation Laboratory of the Western Science Center, where real fossils and artifacts are being cleaned for research purposes.
This area of the museum is not open to the public and only available for viewing virtually through our Virtual Lab Connections program.
Cost and Class/Group Size:
One, 30-minute session of up to 64 virtual attendees (i.e., two classrooms or one group): $50.00 per session
If a classroom or group exceeds 65 or more virtual attendees, additional sessions will need to be booked. Please submit a separate form for each additional group.
For large groups, such as two classrooms, it is advised that the teacher/leader nominate classroom/group representatives to read approximately 5 questions per classroom/group, or that questions are asked and chosen by the lead teacher, scout leader, group leader, activity director etc.
Types of Venues:
Classrooms – in addition to the live session you receive digital coloring pages for students or student worksheets depending on the student age range. Up to two classrooms at a time per session.
Birthday Parties – in addition to the live session you receive birthday themed Max the Mastodon digital coloring sheets and an email birthday invitation for participants. Up to 64 attendees per session.
Scout Troops – depending on type of troop patches can be earned through this program, we are willing to work with troop leaders to ensure criteria is met for the patches. Digital worksheets and/or coloring pages included. Up to 64 attendees per session.
Other Events – Can be tailored to any age group or venue such as senior homes, rehabilitation centers, military/veteran virtual events, etc... Up to 64 attendees per session.
For more in-depth programming for grades K-12, such as a pre-recorded tour of our exhibits, please see our virtual field trip offerings.
If you are NOT a K-12 program and are looking for a more in-depth virtual tour, please contact: wscmuseum@gmail.com. Your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate staff member.
Programs:
Archaeology – learn all about how an archaeologist collects artifacts and cleans them in the lab, discover the differences between archaeology and paleontology, see real artifacts from California and learn how they are made, play the game “Is it an Artifact or Not?”
Dinosaurs Galore - learn all about dinosaurs and how paleontologists collect fossils and cleans them in the lab, play the game “Is it a Fossil or Not?”, learn about the different types of dinosaurs and how they lived
Fossil Basics - learn all about how fossils are formed, the different types of fossils, learn about how a paleontologist collects fossils, see fossil cleaning techniques in action, play the game “Is it a Fossil or Not?”
Mammal Madness - all about Ice Age animals, we will cover some of the many types of fossils found in the Pleistocene of California from giant sloths to mastodons to sabertoothed cats, see up close and personal some of the 100,000 fossils found when Diamond Valley Lake was excavated, learn all about what fossils were discovered in California’s second largest fossil find.
Payment:
By Mail: Checks, Money Orders
Checks should be made out to the Western Center Community Foundation. Please reference the date of your Virtual Lab Connections live session and your organization/venue/event when mailing in your payment.Mail checks/money orders to:
Western Science Center
2345 Searl Parkway, Bldg. #2
Hemet, CA 92543
2. By Phone on Thursdays between 11 am and 3 pm:
If you plan on paying via credit card (Visa or MasterCard only), you can schedule a time on the Virtual Lab Connections Form. We will call you, please do not call the Museum.
Please have your credit card (Visa or MasterCard only) ready for payment if paying by phone.
Due to the current COVID – 19 Pandemic, the Western Science Center is requiring that all payments be made by mail or phone. We will not be accepting in-person payments at this time. We also discourage sending in cash payments via mail. This policy may change at any time. There will be a $25.00 fee for each returned check.
Western Science Center (WSC) is a private, non-profit educational organization operating under the Western Center Community Foundation. Funding comes from earned revenue (admissions, retail store sales, program fees, facility-use fees, etc.), grants, memberships, and donations. While we receive occasional grants from city, county, or state government, we do not receive regular, tax-based funding.
Virtual Lab Connections Request Form