DISCOVERY LAB

 

WHAT IS THE LAB?

A LEARNING MOTIVATION ROOM:  The Dr. Charles Fairbanks Memorial Discovery Lab was created by the staff of Ocmulgee National Monument in cooperation with Bibb County teachers and volunteers, with funds donated by the community.  It was designed to provide teachers and other group leaders a hands-on resource to enhance the experience of students, Scouts, the handicapped, etc., while on field trips to the park.  A written guide and video are available for loan to teachers and other group leaders.  The National Park Service presented Ocmulgee's staff the 1988 Freeman Tilden Award, the Service's highest commendation for interpretive and educational excellence,  for creation of the Discovery Lab and Teachers' Guide.

The Lab is divided into stations devoted to archeology, history, nature, and crafts, where students can learn to make pottery, use reproduction Indian tools, weapons and musical instruments or study the environment, etc.  A central area provides chairs for "sit down" group activities.  Videotapes on related subjects are available upon request.  Activities conducted in the Lab are planned in advance to reinforce the groups' current studies and interests.

 

GUIDELINES

To assure that all participants receive maximum benefit, the following rules apply to use of the Lab:

 

1.  All group leaders are required to attend an on-site orientation session.  It is extremely important that they know in advance what is available, since they are responsible for their groups's activities while in the Lab.  Orientations are scheduled periodically throughout the year.  Contact the park for date and time.

2.  Use of the Lab is by reservation only.3.  A maximum of 35 children are allowed in the Lab at one time.  Arrangements can be made to rotate larger groups.4.  At least one adult is required per 15 students 3rd grade and older; two adults to 15 students for younger groups .5.  Group leaders are responsible for returning the Lab to its previsit condition before leaving.

 

RESERVATIONS

It is recommended that reservations be made one month in advance if possible.  A two-week notice is required.  The Lab can be reserved for up to 2 hours per group.Ocmulgee National Monument is open 9 A.M. until 5 P.M. daily except Christmas and News Years Days.  

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