Charlottesville Educational Resources

The Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia is one of Central Virginia’s leading musical ensembles. Explore the many facets of the world of music through their online library of resources. While there are no concerts currently scheduled, recent small ensemble performances may be viewed on the Symphony's Facebook page.

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Dark Skies, Bright Kids is a primarily volunteer-run program seeking to enhance science education in Virginia elementary schools, primarily in underserved areas. Operating out of the UVa Astronomy Department, the program seeks to foster the natural curiosity of children in the surrounding community by helping them to explore the Universe in a social setting with fun, hands-on activities. Complete lesson plans from bottle rockets to making comets are available online.

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Bring the Virginia Discovery Museum home! Although VDM is currently closed for general admission visits due to COVID-19, the learning and fun does not have to stop. With live, Virtual Programs offered via Zoom for families with children 2 and up and contactless VDM @ Home activity resources for all ages, there are so many ways to enjoy the Museum from home. Virtual Programs provide opportunities for kids to explore a range of STEAM-focused topics; gain confidence through engaging, hands-on projects; and interact with other kids in a safe, monitored online setting. VDM's fall lineup of Virtual Programs includes free Drop-Ins, like StoryZoom (Ages 2+) and A-B-STEAM (Ages 4+) as well as pre-registration classes with pre-packaged activity kits like the multi-week Tot Box program (Ages 2-4), after-school Discovery Workshops (Ages 4+), multi-week STEAM Series (Ages 4+), and multi-week Chess Mates classes (Ages 6+). VDM @ Home is a collection of activity resources created by VDM's education staff, including a free archive of activity ideas and walkthroughs using common household items, Discovery Detectives collaborative mysteries, print-at-home activity kits, and weekly themed Box Kits available for delivery or contactless pickup.

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The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia encourages the spirit of curiosity and promotes diversity of thought through the study, care, and celebration of art. Although the museum is currently closed, Fralin from Home offers educational workshops, videos and activity sheets.

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This interactive glass art studio offers walk-in glass making sessions for ages 5-adult, classes such as stained glass and various fused glass techniques for adults, as well as glass art parties. Or, choose a glass kit to go and make a frame, dish, suncatcher or other one-of-a-kind item.

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Discover Highland, home of James Monroe, the 5th President of the United States. Tickets include access to exterior spaces including gardens and lawns, with exterior views of buildings, and a focus on the landscapes of the historic property as well as the outdoor Interpretation Station for interactive learning about Highland’s history. There's also a scavenger hunt for children and families.

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The Hive is an arts and crafts bar that serves creative projects and artist led workshops, to inspire makers in a fun and comfortable atmosphere. Their expansive craft menu includes everything from sensory kits and fun paint projects to jewelry and fiber art kits. Reserve your table or order craft kits to go.

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The IX Art Park is a free outdoor mural-festooned wonderland open daily for all ages, designed to spark creativity and inspiration in everyday life. Indoors, the Looking Glass is the first immersive art museum in Virginia, featuring interactive, larger than life installations created by over a dozen local artists. Every corner of this enchanted forest is packed with light, sound, and color to ignite your senses and capture your imagination. Online, kids ages 6 to 12 can follow along with the sculpture and illustration tutorials of The Daily Creature, a video series filled with animals both real and imaginary.

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The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection is the only museum outside of Australia dedicated to the exhibition and study of Indigenous Australian art. The museum is open by reservation only; children’s scavenger hunts are available for in-person visits. Online educational opportunities include an introduction to aboriginal art, two virtual tours and Kiki's Kangaroo Kit, a series of activities designed for 1st and 2nd graders.

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Ever dream of traveling to space? We're excited to partner with Club for the Future, a nonprofit whose mission is to inspire youth to pursue careers in STEM and help visualize the future of life in space to benefit Earth. Kids are invited to pick up a blank postcard from the Front Desk and draw their image of why Earth needs space on the front. Once completed, the child can give it to the Front Desk. We'll add the stamp and send it to Club for the Future then they'll send it to space and back on a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket. The best part? The postcard is then mailed back to the child for an out-of-this-world keepsake.

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Visiting Thomas Jefferson’s estate engages the senses, stimulates the mind and provides a rewarding experience for all ages and interests. Visitors can take a self-guided or private guided tour, walk the Saunders-Monticello Trail, or enjoy a family scavenger hunt. Several virtual tour experiences are also available.

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Wildrock is a nonprofit Nature Play and Discovery Center in the Blue Ridge foothills.  Wildrock is currently offering three programs to support families during the pandemic. The Nature Nook Self-Guided Educational Trail Walks. Pick from five themes for play-based learning in the nature nooks along Wildrock’s trail. “Quaranteam” groups of up to 15 may reserve a 90 minute slot. Quaranteam Days on the Playscape:  Have Wildrock's nature playscape to yourself!  Quaranteam groups of up to 15 may reserve 2.5 hours to explore over ten play zones on the playscape — including a stream and giant log oak  salamander.  Wildrock School Days:  Choose from two field trip options for quaranteam groups for up to 15.  Learn about Wildrock’s animals and the woodland ecosystem. 

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