Overview

REAL AND MYTHICAL CREATURES
Wednesday, January 27 - April 28 (no class Feb 17 and Apr 7; 12 weeks)
9:30-10:45am
Ages 8-10

Through investigation, observation, engineering, and problem solving, students explore the science used to determine if odd, mysterious animals are real or just a myth. All lab costs are included in registration fee. Course enrollment is limited to 12 students.

Instructor: Suzanne Law, BA, RN
Location: Science Center (suite 5)
Course fee: $220 OR $20/lab
10% sibling discount

LAB SCHEDULE:
Wooly Mammoth and Cyclops
- Wednesday, January 27
This week, we investigate the myth of the cyclops, learn how paleontologists believe wooly mammoth fossils, and discuss how fossils of wooly mammoths may have formed.

Giant Squid and Kraken – Wednesday, February 3
Students investigate the adaptations, behavior and habitat of the giant squid and how it resembles the legendary Kraken.

Himalayan Brown Bear and Yeti - Wednesday, February 10
We explore how scientists determined that “evidence” of a Yeti was actually a hair of a Himalayan brown bear as we learn about genetics and DNA sequences.

Manatees and Mermaids - Wednesday, February 24
Students learn about manatees and how they may have inspired the myth of mermaids based on their anatomy and habitat.

Narwhals and Unicorns - Wednesday, March 3
Narwhals might be considered to be unicorns of the sea, but we learn about what narwhals really are and adaptations they have to survive in their environment.

Dragons and Thorny Devils - Wednesday, March 10
Although they may look like dragons, thorny devils are lizards with a “false” second head, and we simulate how they collect water through tiny tubes in their skin.

Vampires and Musk Deer - Wednesday, March 17
We learn about the unusual traits of the Musk deer from fang like canines that make it look like a vampire deer, to a scented Musk gland used for perfume.

Goblin Sharks and Megalodon - Wednesday, March 24
Students learn about the rare goblin shark and the extinct megalodon as we study shark adaptations for feeding, and explore marine food webs.

Puss Caterpillars - Wednesday, March 31
In mythology, moths were often considered symbols of death, so we investigate the venomous larval form of the Southern Flannel Moth, and discuss the life cycle of moths and butterflies.

Water Monsters - Wednesday, April 14
From a wide grin and feathery gills, we study our own resident axolotl, or Mexican salamander, and discuss their specific habitats and adaptations.
 
Basilisk and Snakes - Wednesday, April 21
We study the biology and anatomy of snakes to learn about the legendary king of the serpents, the basilisk.

Real-Life Pokemon - Wednesday, April 28
Many fictional creatures are inspired by real organisms, so this week, we learn about animals that may have been the inspiration for Pokemon, and get creative to invent our own.

Cancellation Policy
Photos
From Provider (1)
Reviews
4.7 (463)
Been here? Write a review and earn points.
(Girl Scouts: Composting 101)
November 4, 2025 - Deborah Lois joan lubbe
Verified Purchase
My daughter, Maggie, had a wonderful time learning at the Discover Science Center this past weekend! Thank you for being attentive, welcoming, and encouraging! She's already attended two sessions, and I am sure will be back for even more.
Discover Science Center
November 4, 2025
Dear Ms. Lubbe, We are delighted to hear that your daughter had a wonderful time! We had a blast teaching her, and hope to see her soon!
(Online Girl Scouts: Halloween Potions)
October 27, 2025 - Ilene Reilly
Verified Purchase
It was really great! We had 4 girls from our troop together and were able to assist the smaller one. There were 2 items that were called for that weren’t on the list of supplies: marker and scissors—so we had to scramble for them at the end. We made it work and have no real complaints!
Discover Science Center
October 27, 2025
Dear Ms. Reilly,
I'm so glad that your troop had a blast! And ma'am I'm sorry for that inconvenience, we will make sure that is updated on our supplies list, thank you for letting us know!
(Online Girl Scouts: Marine Mammals)
October 13, 2025 - Jamie Johs
Verified Purchase
My daughter has really enjoyed the classes she’s taken over the past couple of weeks through Activity Hero! She has a big love for all ocean creatures, and these classes have been both engaging and fun for her. The instructors do a great job keeping kids interested and excited to learn more. We’re so happy to have found something that fuels her curiosity and passion.
Discover Science Center
October 13, 2025
Dear Ms. Johs,
We are so glad she loved the workshop, we enjoyed teaching her!
Questions & Answers
Help pls we totally missed the time I thought It was at 3pm! Pls help any way that we can get the video to still do it pls
asked on Apr 05, 2020
Apr 06, 2020 - Tonya Shearer
Verified Purchase
So sorry you missed the workshop. Your registration is being refunded. Unfortunately, to protect the privacy of the students that were recorded during the meeting, we can not distribute the recorded meetings. Hope to see you in a different workshop! -
Can adult attend session with shy youngster in younger groups?
asked on Jan 24, 2020
Jan 24, 2020 - Tonya Shearer
Verified Purchase
Hi Deborah, Thanks for your message. It depends on which program you are inquiring about. Our Young Explorers classes (3-5 year olds) require parent participation during class. Parents sometimes stay for the first week of homeschool classes, and during Girl Scout workshops as well. Parents do not stay for after-school programs, Parents' Night Out or our camps. Hopefully, I covered the program you are interested in. If not, please let me know so I can clarify. Thanks for your interest, Tonya -
About Discover Science Center
Discover Science Center is an informal science education enrichment lab whose purpose is to supplement the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and…
Usually responds within 1 business day
Related Categories

Press Mentions

Life Hacker logo Forbes logo VentureBeat logo SF Gate logo TechCrunch logo CBS News logo Good Housekeeping logo Common Sense Media logo