Third Thursday, once-monthly
2:00–3:15 p.m.
$30 ($25 for Members) includes Exhibit Experience
Ages 7–10
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October 18 | Engineering Challenge: Hydraulics
Students will define problems and will then design and evaluate solutions in our Hydraulic Engineering Challenge. Students are introduced to engineering concepts and properties of fluids as they envision and piece together their own hydraulic contraptions.
November 15 | Build, Engineer, Invent! (*2:00–3:30 p.m.)
Step into the shoes of an engineer as you Build, Engineer, and Invent! This hands-on design challenge experience brings out the engineer in everyone. Explore building in two and three dimensions while discovering the design properties involved in constructing sturdy structures, bridges, roller coasters, and more! We supply the building materials; you bring the creativity!
January 17 | Engineering Challenge: Linkages
Students are introduced to engineering concepts as they explore the roles of force and motion in designing moving mechanisms. Using two-dimensional mechanical linkages, they create mechanisms with various inputs and outputs that move in distinct ways.
February 21 | Mystery Festival (*2:00–3:30 p.m.)
Welcome to our giant forensic laboratory! As you enter the room, you will view the scene of a “crime” and begin gathering and analyzing evidence to help “crack the case.” You will step into the shoes of a forensic scientist as you test for chemicals, uncover hidden fingerprints, test fibers, and more!
March 21 | Engineering Challenge: Urban Water
Students will metaphorically dive into the field of water engineering as they design and build their own sustainable city landscape, and then test their city’s ability to retain storm water, prevent flooding, and capture pollutants while considering ecological impacts.
April 18 | Environmental Detectives (*2:00–3:30 p.m.)
The Mystery: Fish and other wildlife are dying. The Investigation: Perform chemical and biological tests to determine what could be causing the die-off. Intriguing hands-on test stations await as you gather clues, analyze data, and research the history of the area, to become an environmental detective.
May 16 | Engineering Challenge: Wind Turbines
Students employ engineering practices as they tackle a targeted design challenge of optimizing a wind turbine that will generate the most electrical current. This experience focuses on students’ defining problems, designing and evaluating solutions, and then taking the time to assess, discuss, and redesign as they innovate.
*90 minute sessions on November 15, February 21, and April 18.
Schedule a program for your group of 12–30 children. You can arrange workshops at times and dates that suit your needs. Learn more about our Programs for Schools and Community Groups. To schedule, call 510-642-5134, Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Review our registration policies for Homeschool Classes and other offerings for individuals.
We are interested to know what you think about our programs and how we can serve you better. Please tell us what you think. Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions!
