The Salvaggio Little Learner’s Lab in the STEAM Learning Center at Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion is a vibrant space designed for preschoolers and their parents to explore hands-on STEAM learning.
Through engaging activities led by skilled educators, young children develop crucial skills in a language-rich environment. This lab also serves as a hub for training educators and testing STEAM activities, supporting early childhood education in the region.
Community Drop-Ins are a FREE community program within the Salvaggio Little Learner’s Lab that are centered around parents and their little ones, ages 3-4.
Join in experiences that engage in all things STEAM while promoting exploration and discovery through hands-on activities that are created for early learners. All sessions are facilitated by professional educators and all materials and supplies related to the activity will be included.
Community Drop-in Hours
Days
Hours
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday
10:00 – 11:30 AM
Saturday & Sunday
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Weekly Activities
Week
Activity
Description
Feb. 16 – 22
Count the Hearts
Practice early math skills by counting, sorting, and comparing heart-shaped objects. Explore numbers, patterns, and size comparisons in a playful and developmentally appropriate way that supports number sense and fine motor skills.
Feb. 23 – March 1
STEM Focus: Science & Technology – Force and Motion
Test how different objects respond to wind. By blowing through straws or using gentle air movement, observe which materials move faster or farther, building an early understanding of force, motion, and cause-and-effect.
March 2 – 8
Weather Watchers
Build a simple weather tool (like a windsock or weather spinner) and test outdoors or near a fan to learn about wind and weather.
March 9 – 15
Growing Scientists
Plant bean seeds in clear cups and observe plants grown. Make observations and share what you notice about changes each day.
March 16 – 22
Water Wonders
Explore how different objects sink or float in water by predicting, testing, and classifying items.
March 23 – 29
Motion & Marching
Build ramps using cardboard, blocks, and tubes, then test how cars, balls, and other objects move at different angles.
March 30 – April 5
Spring STEM Favorites
Enjoy a mix of favorites from March – weather tools, planting, sink/float tests, and ramp play.
Drop-in FAQs
How do I get to the Little Learner’s Lab?
To attend Little Learner’s Lab Community Drop-Ins, please enter through the main entrance on W. Hamilton Street and check in at the Visitor Services desk. They will guide you down to the Little Learner’s Lab on the lower level.
Can I drop-in any time during the listed hours?
There are two sessions during drop-in hours. Sessions take place from 10-10:45 a.m. and 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Do parents need to stay with their children during drop-ins?
Yes, parents must stay with their children the entire time during community drop-in hours. One parent can attend per child.
Is admission to the Science Center included?
No, admission to Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion is not included with Little Learner’s Lab Community Drop-in hours. We encourage you to purchase tickets from the Visitor Services desk to explore the science center after the drop-in session.
Do I need to pay for parking if I’m attending drop-in hours?
Parking is not included with community drop-in hours. There are several parking garages located within 1-3 blocks of the science center. For more information on where to park, visit our Directions & Parking webpage.
Can siblings come along if they are outside the age range?
This space is designed specifically for ages 3-4. We ask that no siblings tag along.
Is space limited for drop-in hours?
Space is limited to 24 children at a time on a first-come, first-served basis.
What can we expect to do during drop-in hours?
Young minds can explore different science concepts through exciting, hands-on opportunities with the help of their adult. Our guided experiences include live animal talks, interactive stations, and bilingual activities that provide your child with early exposure to the wonders of science. Please note that this is a learning space, not a play area.
How do I get to the Little Learner's Lab?
To attend Little Learner’s Lab Community Drop-Ins, please enter through the main entrance on W. Hamilton Street and check in at the Visitor Services desk. They will guide you down to the Little Learner’s Lab on the lower level.
Can I drop-in any time during the listed hours?
There are two sessions during drop-in hours. Sessions take place from 10-10:45 a.m. and 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Do parents need to stay with their children during drop-ins?
Yes, parents must stay with their children the entire time during community drop-in hours. One parent can attend per child.
Is admission to the Science Center included?
No, admission to Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion is not included with Little Learner’s Lab Community Drop-in hours. We encourage you to purchase tickets from the Visitor Services desk to explore the science center after the drop-in session.
Do I need to pay for parking if I'm attending drop-in hours?
Parking is not included with community drop-in hours. There are several parking garages located within 1-3 blocks of the science center. For more information on where to park, visit our Directions & Parking webpage.
Can siblings come along if they are outside the age range?
This space is designed specifically for ages 3-4. We ask that no siblings tag along.
Is space limited for drop-in hours?
Space is limited to 24 children at a time on a first-come, first-served basis.
What can we expect to do during drop-in hours?
Young minds can explore different science concepts through exciting, hands-on opportunities with the help of their adult. Our guided experiences include live animal talks, interactive stations, and bilingual activities that provide your child with early exposure to the wonders of science. Please note that this is a learning space, not a play area.
Little Learners: My Grown-Up & Me Workshops
Looking for something more in-depth than Community Drop-in hours?
Little Learners: My Grown-Up & Me is a program for preschoolers ages 3-6 and their adults and offers:
guided instruction from an educator for deeper learning
longer, more immersive activities aligned with STEAM skills
fun projects to take home and continue the learning
smaller group sizes for more personal interactions
Taking place in the Salvaggio Little Learner’s Lab within Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion, learners will investigate, experiment, make observations, and ask questions.
Each session is created to stand on its own, but when attending multiple sessions, your little one will be able to put it all together to see the big picture.
Registration is required for all programs, and adults must remain with their child at all times.
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