Engage your curiosity
Discover over 250 interactive science exhibits to engage your curiosity and explore the world around you.
Exhibits & Animals
Experience hands-on learning with our interactive exhibits! Engage with reptiles and fish in the Animal Room, learn about weather patterns in the Energy Gallery, and explore engineering in the Build Space.
Turtle travels
Turtles and tortoises face threats from habitat challenges and the international pet trade. You can help these reptiles survive and migrate safely!
Upcoming Activities
Math Fun with MathHappens!
Join us for playful, informal math exploration with the MathHappens Foundation! Discover the “M” in STEM through hands-on models and engaging learning experiences.
April 11 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pmScience Connections: World Quantum Day!
April 14 is World Quantum Day! Join Cornell’s Physics Graduate Society at the Sciencenter for activities exploring the quirky world of quantum physics!
April 12 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmWeek of the Young Child Celebration
The Sciencenter is celebrating the Week of the Young Child with a morning of hands-on activities that support early learners in developing their science process skills.
April 15 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
What’s New @ Sciencenter
Bridges to Bioengineering: How Graduate Students and Museums Bring a Science Exhibit to Life for Young Learners
Bridges to Bioengineering will be a 1,500 square-foot bilingual (Spanish/English) traveling exhibition with supporting activities that foster an understanding of biomedical engineering (BME) and the innovative ways that it is used to address issues in medicine and public health. This unique co-development approach immerses Sciencenter staff in BME content while…
Honoring Charlie Trautmann with ASTC Leading Edge Award
The Sciencenter congratulates founding director, Charlie Trautmann as the recipient of the 2025 Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award, presented at the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Annual Conference. The Sciencenter was proud to nominate Charlie for this honor.
Sciencenter Receives Highest National Museum Recognition
The Sciencenter is proud to announce that it has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public.
Sciencenter Receives Racker’s 2025 Community Partner Award
We’re honored to share that the Sciencenter has been awarded Racker’s 2025 Community Partner Award, recognizing our ongoing commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and creating joyful, barrier-free experiences for all visitors.
Sciencenter Hit By Federal Grant Termination
The Sciencenter was notified on April 10th, 2025, that two federally awarded grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), totaling nearly $500,000, have been terminated.
Honoring Our Friend Julian Pompilio
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Julian Pompilio, an Exhibit Fabricator who worked with us for the past 10 years. Through his curiosity, playfulness, and knowledge he brought immense joy to the Sciencenter community.
The Ithaca Voice
Sciencenter receives big funding boosts from state awards to replace the building’s HVAC with a new heating and cooling system.
Challenging Our Assumptions: Front-End Evaluation for Biomedical Engineering Exhibition
When you hear "biomedical engineering," what comes to mind? This question led recent interviews by graduate students from Cornell’s Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering and a professional evaluator, who spoke with families in Ithaca, NY, and Missoula, MT, to help shape the Sciencenter’s upcoming Bridges to Bioengineering exhibit.
Honoring the Legacy of Debbie Levin
With deep affection and profound gratitude, we remember our beloved co-founder, Debbie Levin, who passed away on October 5, 2024, just shy of her 102nd birthday in November.
Science for All
The Sciencenter is committed to creating a welcoming environment that embraces our diverse visitors. Through several access programs, we reduce barriers so that everyone can experience the joy of the Sciencenter.
Fresh From Instagram
Join Cornell`s Physics Graduate Society for hands-on activities exploring the fascinating world of quantum physics.
April 12, 2-3 pm
📍Sciencenter
Q: How do I get over the fear of snakes? 🐍
A: Colin says… very slowly, and with curiosity!
I was terrified of snakes as a kid. Even a tiny garter snake would make my heart race. I knew the fear didn’t quite match the danger, so as an adult, I started small, really small. My first snake was a baby corn snake, no bigger than an earthworm, and at first, I used chopsticks to move it because I was so nervous!
Over time, I learned its behaviors and realized it didn’t want to hurt me; it just wanted to be left alone. That understanding changed everything. Before I knew it, I owned over a hundred snakes and even became a professional snake breeder.
The key? Face your fear at your own pace, learn what snakes are actually like, and remember: most snakes want nothing to do with us.
Curious about our animals? Ask Colin! 👇
