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Learning @ 11: Growing Things

6/2/2020 to 8/11/2020 | Missouri State Museum | Jefferson City, MO

From June 2 through Aug. 11, the Missouri State Museum is hosting a fun twist on summer programming. "Learning @ 11" is a series of interactive programs that explores various aspects of Missouri's cultural and natural history, specifically focused on age groups 4 to 7 years using more activity-based programming.

 

For similar-themed programming for older children, please see our regular "Tuesday @ 2" programs for age groups 8 to 12. The broad theme for both programs is "Growing Things." The series will explore how people, plants and animals grow in Missouri. Details on the individual programs are provided below.

 

June Programs:

 

June 2: Farm Children Growing Food

 

Come learn about how German immigrant farm children helped grow food for their families. Enjoy planting some of their favorite vegetables, potatoes, corn and beans, just as they planted them in the 1920s.

 

June 9: The Wild and Cultivated Foods of Missouri's Native People

 

Join us for a look at Missouri’s wild and cultivated native foods, and learn how our local American Indian tribes used them in their daily lives.

 

June 16: The Plant Doctor

 

You may know him as the “Peanut Man.” No peanuts will be present as we interactively learn about an amazing person from Missouri’s history, George Washington Carver.

 

June 23: The History and Legacy of the Missouri Mule

 

What is a mule? A horse, a donkey, or both? What makes a "Missouri Mule" special? Why and what jobs made this animal so important? Learn facts and much more about the animal that bears the name "Missouri Mule.”

 

June 30: Pigs in the Cities

 

Did you know that in the 1800s pigs ran wild in the streets of Missouri's cities? People living in towns loved to own pigs. They could be let free to roam the city during the day to rummage through the garbage for food. At night, they were trained to come home to sleep. Once a year, the town would have a butchering day to prepare hams, bacon and other pig products. Come learn about pigs in cities and make your own tussy-mussy so you won't have to smell them.

 

July Programs:

 

July 7: The Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the country. Did you know that they Missouri Botanical Garden even has the largest Japanese Garden in North America? Come learn about this unique garden that attracts guests from all around the world!

July 14: The Wooliest Animals

Have you ever wondered what roles sheep can play on a farm? Have you ever wondered if there are other benefits to sheep’s wool? Do you know the name of the first sheep to be cloned? All the answers to these questions and more will be presented to you. Come out and enjoy the wonderful world of sheep. 

July 21: Johnny Appleseed

Who was Johnny Appleseed? Why did he wear his tin cooking pot on his head like a hat?  What did he share with people? Have you ever herd of John Chapman? Or James Hart Stark? Can you name a fruit developed in Missouri that grows all over the world?

July 28: Exotic Farming

When Missourians think of farms, they often think of large fields of corn, soybeans, and wheat. But did you know that one can grow almost anything in Missouri? Join our interpreter for a look at some of the more unusual agricultural crops grown in Missouri.

August Programs:

 

Aug. 4: Magic Beans

What’s the most useful bean in the world? It just might be the soybean. Cooking oil, biodiesel fuel, cleaning products, animal food . . . The list goes on and on! Soybeans are one of the most important crops grown in Missouri. Come experience the “magic” of soybeans and learn about this versatile legume by participating in a variety of fun experiments and activities.

Aug. 11: Snakes Alive!

Join us on Aug. 11 for an exciting program on Missouri’s native snakes and the benefits they provide us. Get hands-on with live nonvenomous rat snakes, hold shed snake skin, and learn how you can help Mother Nature’s very own pest control.

Program Times: 11 a.m. - Noon
Location: Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, 100 Jefferson St.

The Missouri State Museum is located at:

First Floor, State Capitol, 201 W. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO | 573-751-2854

Associated activities

  • Interpretive Programs