Interactive Sciencenter Programs

Engaging, educating and empowering programs are available for families, school groups and children of all ages.

Programs for Kids & Families:

Preschool Programs

Science Together

Join us with your little ones (2 – 5 years old) for hands-on science discovery!

Engage with your toddlers and preschoolers as you investigate science processes through stories and self-guided, hands-on activities. Enjoy a new story and hands-on activity each week.

Summer Schedule:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am through August

Beginning September 5:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am
Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:00 pm

Living Lab with Cornell Researchers

Take part in exciting research about child development with the Cornell Early Childhood Cognition Lab, Cornell Infant Studies Lab, and Development of Social Cognition Lab.

Interactive Presentations

Saturday Showtime

Join us Saturdays at 2:00 pm to experience family-friendly science-in-action with special guest scientists and members of the community.

Sunday Science Demonstrations

Local high school students demonstrate awe-inspiring science with colorful chemical reactions, fun with physics, and more! Sundays, October through May, see calendar for dates and times.

Interested in volunteering for any of these programs? Contact Michelle Kortenaar, Senior Director of Engagement and Learning, at mkortenaar@sciencenter.org

Hands-on Activities

Weekly Wonders

Weekdays in summer 2:00 – 3:00 pm, participate in hands-on activities led by our Future Science Leaders. New activity each week.

Summer Camp

Future Science Leaders (Grade 6 - 8)

Future Science Leaders

The Future Science Leaders (FSL) program focuses on leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills for middle school aged participants. These Future Science Leaders learn about various areas of science and communicate science with Sciencenter guests through four different strands: hands-on activities, digital media, scientific research, and exhibits. Take a look at some of the projects our Future Science Leaders have been working on. You must be a current Sciencenter member to participate in this program.

The Sciencenter also offers special summer internships for science enthusiasts entering grades 7 – 9. Summer camp programs for grades 7 – 9.

Interested in becoming a member of the Future Science Leaders, or want to learn more about this program? Contact Lauren Van Derzee, Educator, at (607) 272-0600 ×148 or lvanderzee@sciencenter.org.

Programs for Groups & Schools:

School Field Trips & Group Visits

Afterschool Enrichment

Science Surprises

The Sciencenter’s popular Science Surprises afterschool enrichment program provides engaging, hands-on activities for students grades K-5 at your school or organization. Activities are always changing, but some favorites include launching rockets using chemistry, stirring up polymer “slime”, and making ice-cream. The Sciencenter can tailor the activities to meet the needs of your program and students.

Afterschool enrichment activities are approximately one hour long, and are led by a Sciencenter educator. The Sciencenter typically offers six-week sessions, but we can adjust our schedule to fit your program.

Cost

Six-week session (meeting one afternoon per week): $480
Limited to 10 children per session. Travel fees apply outside of Tompkins County.

Questions and Registration

For more information and registration, please contact Michelle Kortenaar, Director of Education at (607) 272-0600 ×124 or mkortenaar@sciencenter.org.

Starlab Portable Planetarium

Experience the night sky indoors with the Starlab. The Sciencenter will bring this portable planetarium to your school or organization and take your students on an exciting tour of the constellations. Programs can be tailored to specific grade levels. Topics include: astronomy, earth science, history, and mythology.

Capacity: Seating for up to 25 people.
Space Requirements: The Starlab requires a 22 by 22 foot space with a ceiling height of 12 feet
Cost: $175 for the first show and $75 each additional show.
Maximum of five shows per day.

Call (607) 272-0600 ×124 for detailed pricing and to make reservations.