We are off on an educational girl's trip to Nashville.
Two days of action packed hands-on learning and fun.
Obviously that implies that an iPad was a huge hit or distraction to ignore mom's singing for hours in the car.
Adventure 1:
Adventure Science Center
44,000 square feet of nearly 175 hands-on exhibits
focused on biology, physics, visual perception, listening, mind, air and space, energy and earth science
Megalodon is the largest shark that ever lived!
This traveling exhibit was all Megalodon, which is estimated to be approximately 60 feet in length and occupied the world’s ancient oceans 17-2 million years ago.
We both enjoyed the exhibit and walking through the giant jaws pretending to be a tiny Megalodon snack.
And while we are talking dinosaurs... watch out Bean!
Hug mom. Give mom "that look".
Adventure Tower is packed with exciting scientific exploration! I mean it is multiple stories of climbing, fun, and interactive learning.
She even lifted a car all by herself... time to talk levers...
Wonders of the Universe was a two story exhibit that examines the visible and the invisible, using a hands-on approach that includes a mix of multi-touch technology, gaming, imaging and other media.
My little non-risk-taker originally walked away from Moonwalker, but then made her way back to try this simulation of walking on the moon. And she loved it!
This section still had more. I was impressed by an amazing solar system exhibit where you can walk through our solar system and discover the relationships between the planets and their moons... and grasp how very small and large it is.
BodyQuest presents a day in the life of your body with a number of interactive exhibits. From a giant brain to sliding down the digestive track... the exhibits are appealing to kids.
Here she was working a giant robotic arm to see how much effort goes into catching a ball.
We even played an actual laser game, Body Battles, where Lieutenant Lymphocyte leads a team of “good guys” in battle against Private Pathogen’s soldiers. The entire laser target gallery replicates the immune system.
Mom: Before and After
We happened to stop here first because it was raining and I am glad we did. There is more than just what was posted. I would recommend visiting and playing as a field trip or family trip too!
Adventure 2:
The Parthenon
a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition
The Parthenon functions as an art museum in downtown Nashville's Centennial Park.
The main reason for our trip was to explore one of our current studies, ancient Greek history. The outside of the temple was decorated with sculptures and friezes, depicting these Greeks defeating the Amazons, centaurs and the giants, as well as the Trojan War. The building's decorations were polychromed (painted in colors) under the belief that it was done so with the originally.
The Parthenon was considered to be the most perfect example of Doric architecture ever built... and just look at those Doric columns:
Inside is the statue of Athena Parthenos, from which the Parthenon takes its name.
Athena stands 42 feet high, weighing over 12 tons, and holds a six foot tall statue of Nike, goddess of victory in her right hand. In the other hand is a shield, with a more than 20 foot tall cobra rearing it’s head between the shield and her body. The inside of the shield depicts the three great battles that are also on the outside of the building.
The Parthenon also contains reproductions of the originals 24 foot tall and 6.5 feet wide doors, made of bronze one foot thick and weighing 7.5 tons each. They are thought to be the largest pair of matching bronze doors in the world.
It's a shame you don't use them...
but you would need Heraclean strength!
(Heracles : Greek :: Hercules : Roman)
The inside of the building offers interesting facts and information on the building and Greek myths. It was wonderful to see that our previous lessons and stories were actually applicable. She was very proud when she could explain some of the myths, such as Athena's birth (from Zeus' mind) and the story of how Poseidon and Athena both wanted Athens to worship them.
What a great way to explore and experience ancient history!
Adventure 3:
Frist Center for the Visual Arts
an art-exhibition gallery, exhibitions in the Art Deco building rotate every 6 to 8 weeks
There was plenty to see and do even though part of the museum was inaccessible (setting up a new exhibit).
However, we walked through Phantom Bodies: The Human Aura in Art which included provocative artworks addressing trauma, loss, and transformation, while considering the possibility of an animating spirit that can exist independently of the body.
The exhibition includes a selection of paintings, photography, videos, sculpture and installations by a variety of contemporary international artists.
I appreciate that she is getting exposure to so many unique things, like this exhibit.
At one of the works she quietly asked, "How is this art?"
A great time for a conversation about what art is...
Martin ArtQuest Gallery is on the Upper Level and provides interactive stations where you can make a print, paint a watercolor, and create even more works! And did I mention it is all free with the gallery admission. And did I mention you it all goes home with you too!
ArtQuest was one of the best hands-on create your own art experience I have been to. I wish we had something this creative where we lived.
They even have rotating art stations that go with the exhibits... smart idea!
If this gallery was in my hometown, I would be there regularly as part of our art class.
Adventure 4:
Rainforest Cafe
We were so busy we really did not officially eat. The snacks in the car were helpful, but not a meal. Let's just say it we used our meal as an opportunity to make our previous lesson on habitats come to life.
Adventure 5:
Gaylord Opryland Hotel
hotel with 600,000 square feet of dining, shopping, recreational activities and entertainment
By this point I was half dead and my camera was fully dead. Yet, my little adventurer refused to quit.
Our night consisted of watching both of the Waters Fountain Shows (Delta & International). The shows are located in the Delta section of the hotel where water and light are choreographed to music. (Nightly shows: one at 6pm & 8pm and one at 7pm & 9pm).
Not only did we barely stay awake for the water shows, we rode the Delta Riverboat Flatboat Tour. While it's a bit pricey, it is an informational boat ride through the hotel.
It was not until the next day that we really got to enjoy the hotel. There are multiple walking paths and scenic views within the very large hotel.
Usually we have more time at the hotel and can take advantage of everything it has to offer. It is expensive and worth it if you are only going to spend your trip at the hotel where you can walk the wonderful gardens, swim in the pool, watch the water shows, linger in the small shops, and just experience all the hotel has to offer.
But be prepared for a hefty parking fee on top of the already hefty hotel cost/fees.
Adventure 6:
American Girl
Nashville has a store and she really wanted to go, so we went. It was packed. Children (and adults) were all shopping for various things. And even though it was crowded we were fortunate to arrived when we did. After browsing/shopping we left the store to see a long line outside (with it's own rope). Seriously... it had a rope and a long line!
We did so much more on this trip than what is here. We not only had fun, but we enjoyed our first educational get-a-way.
And it was definitely jammed packed of activities... leaving us exhausted, but happy.
Museum Information:
Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Price (Combo Tickets Available):
Adults $14
Children (2-12) $11
(ASTC Passport Program - FREE admission)
Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00am-4:30pm
Sundays 12:30 -4:30 pm
Price:
Adults $6.00
Seniors & Children (4-17) $4.00
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Thursday and Friday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (Martin ArtQuest closes at 5:30 p.m.)
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00–5:30 p.m.
Price:
Adults $12.00
Visitors 18 and younger FREE
(Accepts various museum programs - FREE admission)
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