The Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST)

The Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) The mission of CMOST is to instill a sense of wonder and discovery in young minds, inspiring a lifelong exploration of science and technology.
Our founders from the Junior League of Troy decided to create a museum specifically for children. Instead of having a “look but don’t touch” rule to the exhibits like most museums, the Junior Museum encouraged children to please touch its exhibits. True to our beginnings, all of our exhibit experiences continue to be designed with science discovery and play in mind. Why? Because discovery and play aren't just about entertainment, they are essential learning tools. Children learn about themselves, their environment, people and the world around them all through play. Our discovery environment provides children with the opportunity to investigate, observe, analyze, and build in a pressure-free setting. By allowing children to choose the activities and exhibits with which they wish to interact, you motivate them to keep engaging and discovering the world around them, and you help them develop a disposition for learning.
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The Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) is the only science center in the Tech Valley designed specifically for kids and parents to Explore, Discover, and Imagine the world of science together. Don't forget to tag us in your CMOST pics!

Mission: To instill a sense of wonder and discovery in young minds, inspiring a lifelong exploration of science and technology.

Somebunny needs your support...What has four lucky feet, two floppy ears, and one pink nose? Annabelle, the Official CMO...
04/11/2020

Somebunny needs your support...
What has four lucky feet, two floppy ears, and one pink nose? Annabelle, the Official CMOST Assistant to the Easter Bunny! Wishing all our fans, friends, and families a Hoppy Spring from the Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST)!

FUN FACT: Annabelle is one of the only animals at CMOST that doesn't lay eggs. Can you name another one? Click "See More" for the answer.

The care and attention to Annabelle and the dozens of other animals at CMOST is ongoing, as are our efforts to sustain science and technology education through CMOST once the COVID-19 crisis is behind us.

Please help us spread the word through your social media channels that donations of ANY size are greatly appreciated! Donate here: https://78663.blackbaudhosting.com/78663/Individual-Contribution

Answer: African Pygmy Hedgehog

The Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST)'s cover photo
03/18/2020

The Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST)'s cover photo

Might be a fun addition to your at home story time 📚
03/16/2020

Might be a fun addition to your at home story time 📚

With school closures around the country due to #coronavirus, please use our FREE children's literacy resource featuring the world's best storytellers reading books aloud. Each video includes an activity guide with lessons for K-5 students to do at home. www.storylineonline.net

03/10/2020
Our GE Jr. Discovery Room has some new artwork on the wall. Thanks to all of our friends who contributed their own small...
03/06/2020

Our GE Jr. Discovery Room has some new artwork on the wall. Thanks to all of our friends who contributed their own small piece of art in order to create one masterpiece.

03/03/2020
Saturday was our friend Haley's birthday party at CMOST. Haley is a big fan of Peaches the Cockatoo. The kids had a gre...
02/26/2020

Saturday was our friend Haley's birthday party at CMOST. Haley is a big fan of Peaches the Cockatoo. The kids had a great time meeting Peaches and enjoying a "peachy" birthday cake! Thank you to Haley and her family for letting us share this adorable cake!

Elmer had a wonderful first weekend of his retirement. He spent his time moving to his new home, relaxing and eating lot...
02/25/2020

Elmer had a wonderful first weekend of his retirement. He spent his time moving to his new home, relaxing and eating lots of hay. We will be posting more updates as he gets situated. 🐰

02/24/2020
The museum will be open today for Presidents Day from 9:00 - 4:00PM. Join us for some hands on fun!
02/17/2020

The museum will be open today for Presidents Day from 9:00 - 4:00PM. Join us for some hands on fun!

We ❤️ Elmer!Right now he is writing his letter of resignation! Elmer has worked at the museum for a long time, but has c...
02/14/2020

We ❤️ Elmer!
Right now he is writing his letter of resignation! Elmer has worked at the museum for a long time, but has come to the conclusion it is time to retire. Elmer will miss meeting all of the museum visitors, but he is excited to spend his days eating carrots and discovering new hobbies. Visit the museum this week and say good luck to Elmer. You can also write him a retirement card! Elmer's retirement cards and all of your well wishes will follow him to his new home.

CMOST's Homeschool students are getting to the "heart of the matter" in today's Heart Science Program.
02/13/2020

CMOST's Homeschool students are getting to the "heart of the matter" in today's Heart Science Program.

A fun evening at Dorothy Nolan Elementary School STEM Night - teaching about data literacy
02/13/2020

A fun evening at Dorothy Nolan Elementary School STEM Night - teaching about data literacy

Today’s Museum activities will focus upon the accomplishments of women and girls in science.Can’t make it to the Museum ...
02/11/2020

Today’s Museum activities will focus upon the accomplishments of women and girls in science.

Can’t make it to the Museum today? Pop into your library and ask your librarian to help you find a book about a woman in science.

02/10/2020
02/07/2020

Due to heavy snowfall and hazardous driving conditions CMOST will be closing at 2:30 this afternoon. Please drive safely. We will see you soon!

02/04/2020
Delighted to participate in this morning’s Capital Region STEM Hub launch.
01/29/2020

Delighted to participate in this morning’s Capital Region STEM Hub launch.

We're delighted to have our Education Program Manager participating in EEK! (Engineering Education for Kids) training at...
01/28/2020

We're delighted to have our Education Program Manager participating in EEK! (Engineering Education for Kids) training at the University of Michigan. CMOST was thrilled to be awarded an EEK kit and the opportunity to participate in this training. 💫Stay tuned for details on when the EEK! kit will be featured in CMOST's programming 📅

01/28/2020
01/25/2020

From the CMOST Wonder Wall: Why won't my parents let me buy a turtle?

We aren't really sure what your parents' reasons are, but there are several things you should be aware of if you're considering a reptile as a pet. First, some turtles grow very large, and live a very long time (often over 25 years!), so make sure you and your family are ready for a long term commitment, and that you have space for your pet as it grows. Second, like all reptiles, turtles carry salmonella on their skin. This bacteria isn't harmful to them but can make humans sick, so turtle owners need to be careful with hand washing after handling their pets. Third, some turtle species are not legal to have as pets without a special permit from your state. If your parents change their minds about a turtle, please ask them to check your local laws.

Have a question for a Museum Educator? Stop by CMOST and post it to the Wonder Wall!

01/21/2020
The museum will be open today from 9:00AM - 4:00PM for Martin Luther King Day. Join us and learn about some influential ...
01/20/2020

The museum will be open today from 9:00AM - 4:00PM for Martin Luther King Day. Join us and learn about some influential African Americans that have had great impact in their fields. There will be a variety of hands-on activities that will add to our knowledge of these influential people. All activities are free with museum admission.

01/18/2020

From the CMOST Wonder Wall: Why are some phones called "smartphones" and no phones are called "dumbphones"? (Louis, age 9)

So everyone knows that a smart phone is one that can do some of the same things a computer can, like download apps and connect to the internet. How about a phone that can only make calls and send text messages? Believe it or not, some people call these dumb phones. But, you're not very likely to see a commercial or magazine ad for a dumb phone.

Have a question for a Museum Educator? Stop by CMOST and post it on the Wonder Wall!

01/13/2020
Here’s to taking time for discovery. #playmatters
01/13/2020
Hands On! International

Here’s to taking time for discovery. #playmatters

'While the play impulse is one thing, the know-how - the nuts and bolts of playing - is not always so natural and requires careful cultivation.'

Important read in connection with our #CreativeEurope #21stcentychildren project about the current state and threats to childhood in the 21st century.

01/11/2020

From the CMOST Wonder Wall: Where do snakes get their venom? (Akina, age 9)

Good question, Akina! Snake venom is made in specialized organs similar to our salivary glands. Venom is made up of toxic enzymes, which are substances that are designed to cause a biochemical reaction. In the case of venom, this might be paralysis or lowered blood pressure in the snake's prey. The venom glands are located on the sides of the head and the venom flows into the snake's fangs through ducts. Baby snakes, called snakelets, already have venom when they are born or hatched.

Do you have a question for a Museum Educator? Stop by CMOST and post it on the Wonder Wall!

Would you, or someone you know like to join our education team? CMOST is currently hiring for two part time educator pos...
01/09/2020

Would you, or someone you know like to join our education team? CMOST is currently hiring for two part time educator positions. We have a great time and it is truly rewarding work. If you are interested please check out the link below. And feel free to share with your friends!
https://www.cmost.org/page/employment-opportunities-10.html

01/07/2020
The Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST)'s cover photo
01/05/2020

The Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST)'s cover photo

01/01/2020

Happy New Year! Sending best wishes for a play-filled, STEAM-tastic 2020 🥳

Address

250 Jordan Rd
Troy, NY
12180

General information

Chartered by the Board of Regents on behalf of the NYS Education Department in 1954, the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) is the Region’s only science center designed specifically for children. In pursuit of our mission, CMOST provides an engaging, child-directed learning environment which enables children to learn and grow through play. Designed for children ages 18 months through the tween years, the Museum enables children to investigate, observe, analyze, and build in a pressure-free environment by pairing innovative educational tools and techniques with engaging exhibits and facilitated programming to support active learning. CMOST offers a unique suite of STE(a)M learning experiences including school and community programs; workshops; summer and vacation day camps; camp-ins; and daily Museum Educator facilitated activities that help children make important connections between science, the world and everyday life. Beyond the Museum, CMOST’s Traveling Programs feature hands-on STE(a)M activities, turning classrooms, libraries and community centers into learning labs.

Telephone

(518) 235-2120

Website

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Contact The Museum

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Videos

Happy New Year! Sending best wishes for a play-filled, STEAM-tastic 2020 🥳

Leash Training Elmer!
Leash Training Elmer!

We are slowing leash training Elmer. As you can see, Elmer is very food motivated!

Last chance for Medieval Mayhem!
Last chance for Medieval Mayhem!

Last chance for Medieval Mayhem!

Weekly camps - STEAM field trips - Daily activities #[email protected]!

CMOST staff members have a lot of patience!

Make it and Taste it - Learn how to make butter.
Make it and Taste it - Learn how to make butter.

Today during Farm to Museum Day visitors got the chance to help our educators make butter from scratch.

Skyline Toolbox Landspeeder
Skyline Toolbox Landspeeder

Visitors were able to build a working landspeeder with Skyline toolbox. Visit our Play Space to see what you can create!

CMOST Staff were joined by students from Susan O'Dell Taylor Middle School for A Day In the Life of the Hudson River. Approximately 5,500 children participated in this event along the length of the estuary. The children performed a variety of experiments to determine water quality, measure tides and currents, and observe the river. We even saw some awesome fish and a bald eagle. What a great day!

Campers got their cool science demo. #scienceyoucaneat.

CMOST on Spectrum News
CMOST on Spectrum News

VP Catherine Gilbert had a fun chat with Julie Chapman on Spectrum News Capital Region this morning

Engineering challenge!

CMOST will be open 10-5 everyday during Spring Break week 4/17/17-4/23/17!

Chemistry fun during this morning's Science Cart activity.

Time Warner Cable News: Students explore Hudson River Ecosyste...
Time Warner Cable News: Students explore Hudson River Ecosyste...

We had a great day yesterday exploring "a Day in the Life of the Hudson River" with students from Abram Lansing Elementary school at Schodack Island State Park.

A sneak peek into our #DayofPlay activity
A sneak peek into our #DayofPlay activity

Join our educator, Allison, as she shows you her technique for looping rubber bands to attach dowels together in this really fun and creative building activity. Join us at The Musuem on Friday for our #DayofPlay activity and we'll all build great structures together as we put on our engineering hats!

We're enjoying our Sunday #tinkering with #littleBits powered Lego cars. Check out what our visitors made!

Join us Saturday at 1:00 PM for #MakeItTakeIt LED stickers and make your own #DIY circuit drawings.

Our camper are putting their #stem skills to the test. They'll be doing a live demo in The Museum today at 3:30 PM. Consider stopping by to check them out and all that they're learning this week.

Ed staff is busy prepping for Thursday's #homeschool #science enrichment program "Earth Science Investigators." There's still time to sign up! Call us at 518-235-2120.

We love #reptiles around here, it's just who we are. If you do too, then visit Operation WILD and check out all the different reptiles in our living animal collection. http://cmost.org/exhibits/nature_space.php. Also, check out this super neat 3D dinosaur the CNSE CMOST education team made! If you'd like to see this as an activity, let us know!

Check out one of our White Catfish swimming around in our Living Hudson River exhibit. Do you know what an estuary is? It is a body of water where fresh water and salt water meet. However, the White Catfish in this tank is from a freshwater estuary, which does not contain saltwater. #hudsonriver #fish

Can anyone guess what the State fish is? We'll give you a couple of hints: we have them here at The Museum as part of our Living Hudson River exhibit and you can watch them in this video (they just got fed so they're pretty excited.) http://www.cmost.org/exhibits/nature_space.php

Mealworms anyone? Actually, I think we'd just stick with the lettuce, but that's not the only staple in the diets of the animals in our Operation WILD collection. Watch as Jamie, a museum educator, explains feeding time at our museum. Stop by for a visit and learn all about plants, animals and natural resources in our Nature Place - we'll have an Animals Live! show today at 11:30 AM: http://www.cmost.org/exhibits/nature_space.php

Our museum educators frequently get asked if snakes drink water & in fact, they do! Watch our Honduran Milk Snake down some. Fun fact about the Milk Snake: it gets its name from a myth that they can milk cows! The truth is that they just like to hang out in barns. Come meet this snake, who is part of our living animal collection in Operation WILD. http://cmost.org/exhibits/nature_space.php

Did you spot the snake?! If you're looking for something to do this weekend, stop by on Sunday at 1PM for our Animal Spotlight program at Operation WILD and participate in activities to learn more about our interesting inhabitants. http://cmost.org/exhibits/nature_space.php

Today's Make It & Take It-Mini-Bots was a lot of fun. Twenty-five boys and girls joined me to build their very own little robots, that they took home with them. Check it out:

Think like an engineer and rev up your problem-solving skills! Our Magnetic Ball Wall allows you to construct pathways that intersect and have ball races with siblings and friends, all while challenging yourself to create new configurations. Fun for all ages!

Watch our Box #Turtles munch on one of their favorite meals! You might be surprised to learn they enjoy some of the same foods as us. Join us this Sunday (4/12) at 1:00 PM for our Animal Spotlight to find out more about Box Turtles. Our daily schedules can be found here: http://cmost.org/plan_a_visit/detailed_calendar.php

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Our Story

2019 marks CMOST’s 65th year of engaging the Capital Region’s children, inspiring curiosity, growing self-efficacy and fostering little hands, doing real science. In 65 years, much has changed, but true to our beginnings play is in our DNA! We are grateful for those who founded CMOST, the visitors we have welcomed over 65 years, and the many children that have been inspired to be creative thinkers.

CMOST serves 70,000 children and their grown-ups each year; we engage children from all 11 counties within and surrounding the Capital District; as well as kids who visit the region. Every day CMOST provides STEAM based programs conducted both within the Museum and throughout the Capital Region. Sessions might include chemistry, physics, engineering, animal awareness, Hudson River ecology, magnets, or electricity, to name a few. Our animal experts are here 7 days a week feeding, cleaning habitats, and caring for the animals who make their home here at CMOST.

Each year CMOST works to create interesting and outstandingly relevant educational opportunities, we work in partnership with parent’s as first teachers and formal classroom educators supporting and expanding their capacity to provide an entrée into scientific discovery through hands on STE(a)M learning experiences.

Don't forget to tag us in your CMOST pics!

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Comments

Planet Parker & CMOST camps are now open for summer registration!
Can you share info about your programs for homeschoolers? TIA!
Where can I buy this kit?
Do you have an ETA when the movies/animations from end of summer camp will be posted?
Another great, amazing, fantastic visit. Thanks for everything you do for the community. 💞
Thanks for organizing such a great day. My son sometimes has difficulties achieving adult expectations while attending an event with lots of people. The low key atmosphere of the staff, your capped numbers, and flexible activity scheduling was so instrumental in having us feel welcome despite his tendency to run from activity to activity. We’ve always been fortunate to have great visits at CMOST. But in particular today’s special event created a really special memory for us. Your hard work is so appreciated and I wish your facility so much success in 2018. ❤️
Had a fun morning exploring static and gravity!
I have a membership to MiSci - are you included in the museum pass?