Ten weeks of fun and adventure for ages 3 -16!

Have you got a kid who is totally space-d out, digs geology, has an explosive personality, thinks physics is “phun” or is an absolute animaniac? We make science fun and accessible with hands-on activities and learning adventures for ages 3-16. Register according to your child’s 2009-10 rising grade level or age by start of class where specified.

The very first and last weeks of summer are half-day workshops only.

Join our Power Hours of Science, with hands-on teamwork for you and your little one to share together.

Green Thumbs
Start the summer with a project to sprout and plant. We’ll make a terrarium to keep inside or move to your garden.
Y1: Wednesday, June 17, 10 – 11 am
$12 Member/$15 Non-member child/adult pair

Scales and Tales
Meet a gentle snake, a laid-back lizard and a docile tortoise as we look at how reptiles are alike and different. You’ll take home a scaly craft to remember new friends.
Y2: Wednesday, June 24: 10 – 11 am; $12 Member/$15 Non-member child/adult pair

Twinkle, Twinkle
Learn about those lights we call stars. Create a constellation in a cup and make a stellar work of art to take home. We’ll even take a peek in the OmniSphere to look at the night sky.
Y3: Wednesday, July 1: 10 – 11 am
$12 Member/$15 Non-member child/adult pair

Ani-meals
Fruits and veggies are important – especially for the zoo animals! Take a trip to our animal food prep to see everything from monkey biscuits to anteater gruel, then come back to the classroom and make your own healthy bag of “animal chow” to take home.
Y4: Wednesday, July 8: 10 – 11 am
$12 Member/$15 Non-member child/adult pair

Who Flies?
From bugs to birds and bats, investigate wings. Meet one of our birds and take home a flapping finger puppet.
Y5: Wednesday, July 15: 10 – 11 am
$12 Member/$15 Non-member child/adult pair

Farm Time
No chores on this farm – just fun. We’ll take a look at our sheep’s wool and make a yarn craft, then make butter for a tasty treat on crackers. We’ll end by feeding the goats and sheep in Friendly Farm.
Y6: Wednesday, July 22: 10 – 11 am
$12 Member/$15 Non-member child/adult pair

Rock On!
Our littlest geologists appreciate weight, color and crystals of minerals. We’ll compare samples, learn a few observing tricks and then make a crystal experiment decorate your own pet rock!
Y7: Wednesday, July 29: 10 – 11 am
$12 Member/$15 Non-member child/adult pair

Dino Time
Meet Ducky, the Science Center’s dinosaur mascot. You’ll also meet a modern lizard and make a dino craft.
Y8: Wednesday, Aug. 5: 10 – 11 am
$12 Member/$15 Non-member child/adult pair

Animal Art
From a Hungry Caterpillar to a Busy Spider, Eric Carle brings color and art to nature. In this class you’ll meet some of the animals featured in stories and try your hand at colorful collage art to remember your visit.
Y9: Wednesday, Aug. 12: 10 – 11 am
$12 Member/$15 Non-member child/adult pair

Bubble Trouble
End the summer with a splash! Bring a towel as we explore shapes and sizes of bubbles, make different bubble potions and create a bubble picture.
Y10: Wednesday, Aug. 19: 10 – 11 am
$12 Member/$15 Non-member child/adult pair

Science Sampler
Don’t have a favorite science area yet? We’re serving up five days that highlight the best of biology, chemistry, physics, earth science and paleontology. 
EC1: June 15-19: 9 am – 12 pm
$110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
Note: there is no afternoon session this first week of workshops. Lunch Bunch is available.

Animal Tales
Folklore, stories and crafts set the stage as kids meet the real animal stars of stories from around the world. From Anansi the spider to the three little pigs we’ll explore facts and fun in this creative class.
EC3: June 22-26: 9 am – 12 pm
$110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
EC11: July 20-24: 9 am – 12 pm
$110 Member/ $140 Non-member        

Water World
Cool off with a water play adventure! Experiment with sinking and floating and even high-flying water rockets. Visit the sea lab and aquarium to meet animals that live in the water. We’ll also make the best bubble solution and wands for the end of the week – don’t forget to bring a towel!
EC4: June 22-26: 1 pm – 3 pm
$75 Member/ $95 Non-member
EC12: July 20-24: 1 pm – 3 pm
$75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Mix It Up
Join our science kitchen crew as we whip up creations from ice cream to super slime. We’ll investigate hot and cold, action and reaction, and see why certain ingredients make baked treats rise. Dress for a mess as we guarantee a week of ooey, gooey, fun!
EC5: June 29-July 3: 9 am – 12 pm
$110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
EC13: July 27-31: 9 am – 12 pm
$110 Member/ $140 Non-member        

Super Stars
Hang out with the biggest stars in the universe this summer – including the most famous one, our SUN! From comets to constellations we’ll check out the summer night sky. We’ll also investigate solar energy and safely view the sun.
EC6: June 29-July 3: 1 pm – 3 pm
$75 Member/ $95 Non-member
EC14: July 27-31: 1 pm – 3 pm
$75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Outdoor Nuts
So much to explore! We’ll be hiking in different habitats on the Science Center campus to learn about nature, combining “fieldwork” and classroom work. We’ll dig into geology and check out trees and learn how to observe the animals around us like bugs and worms and birds. Sturdy shoes are a must for this week of adventure.
EC7: July 6-10: 9 am – 12 pm
$110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
EC15: August 3-7: 9 am – 12 pm
$110 Member/ $140 Non-member         

Leapin’ Lizards!
Love lizards? Totally into turtles? Silly for snakes? Join us as we learn about reptiles. See firsthand how we feed tortoises, snakes and alligators, and talk to keepers about their care. You’ll meet a diverse crew of Science Center reptiles and learn about others in your own back yard and around the world. 
EC8: July 6-10: 1 pm – 3 pm
$75 Member/ $95 Non-member
EC16: August 3-7: 1 pm – 3 pm
$75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Toy Science
Spin tops, swing pendulums, and fly Frisbees while discovering the science behind everyday toys. Experiment with gyroscopes, yo-yos, raceways and magnets. From wheels to whirligigs, you’ll investigate how toys teach.
EC9: July 13-17: 9 am – 12 pm
$110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
EC17: August 10-14: 9 am – 12 pm
$110 Member/ $140 Non-member        

Mighty Me
Jump start your heart and listen to it beat. Bone up on your skeleton and learn how to have healthy teeth. Trick your nose and surprise your eyes. See some cool x-rays, sing silly songs and discover how your body is really an amazing machine.
EC10: July 13-17: 1 pm – 3 pm
$75 Member/ $95 Non-member
EC18: August 10-14: 1 pm – 3 pm
$75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Sound Science
End summer with a bang! Add a few rattles and twangs as we explore the science of sound and learn how to turn noise into good vibrations. We’ll make individual instruments for a group band and include a few noisy animals in this musical mix.
EC19: August 17-21: 9 am – 12 pm
$110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
Note: there is no afternoon session this last week of workshops. Lunch Bunch is available.

Great Greens
Kick off summer vacation with a summer garden. Working with a Master Gardener your budding green thumbs will study soil, plant their own seeds, learn about different kinds of local plants, and get the real dirt on composting! We’ll also make art inspired by nature.
A1: June 15-19: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
Note: there is no afternoon session this first week of workshops. Lunch Bunch is available.
 
Cookbook Chemistry
Bubbles, fizzes and reactions don’t just happen in the chemistry lab. Make a scientific study of food as we look at acids and bases, yeast and colors. Participants will go home with their own science cookbook at the end of the week.
A3: June 22-26: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
A11: July 20-24: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
Engineer It
Send marbles through a maze that you design, harness the wind, create moving machines and build the strongest bridge. We’ll explore physics concepts and use what we learn to make things work!
A4: June 22-26: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member
A12: July 20-24: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Dinosaur Roar
Future paleontologists will dig this camp! Search for real fossils, uncover fun dinosaur facts and create your own fossil casts. You’ll meet present-day reptiles, make a huge “recyclosaur” and chat with fellow paleontologist, “Indiana Bones.”
A5: June 29-July 3: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
A13: July 27-31: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        

Bug Out
Get down in the dirt with your favorite creepy crawlies! We’ll learn about amazing insect adaptations, create a beautiful bug sculpture and make an insect-inspired treat.
A6: June 29-July 3: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member
A14: July 27-31: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Fun House Physics
Come one, come all to experience the excitement of light, magnets, mirrors and more. We’ll bend and split light, separate colors, and determine the strength of magnets. Step right up for mind-boggling fun!
A7: July 6-10: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
A15: August 3-7: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        

Junior Magicians
Has science cast its spell on you? Uncover the scientific principles behind seemingly magical events, from color changing potions, magnetic attraction and electrical zaps. Watch our resident science wizard at work and come up with your very own magic show on the last day.
A8: July 6-10: date: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member
A16: August 3-7: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Farm Charm
You won’t have to wake at dawn for this class, but we will be trying out farmhand skills. Plant a garden, dye cloth, make butter, bake up some healthy dog treats, feed hay to the sheep and goats and even sweep stalls as we investigate life on the zoo’s Friendly Farm.
A9: July 13-17: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
A17: August 10-14: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        

Aquatic Adventures
Dive into the fun and meet some amazing water critters. From streams to pond we’ll look for life both big and small with a variety of collecting and observing equipment. We’ll also do fun water experiments and cool off with bubble play at the end of the week!
A10: July 13-17: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member
A18: August 10-14: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Animal Antics
Send your ani-maniacs as we take a tour of animals around the world. Each day we’ll look at a different continent and learn about stories and crafts of that region as well as meet animals along the way.
A19: August 17-21: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
Note: there is no afternoon session this last week of workshops. Lunch Bunch is available.

Girl Power
Join us for a week of hands-on fun created especially for girls. We’ll conduct amazing experiments as we explore different science themes, including geology, biology, chemistry and physics. The science is the same but strategies and teamwork are geared to promote science and let this group shine!
B1: June 15-19: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
Note: there is no afternoon session this last week of workshops. Lunch Bunch is available.

Wonders of Wetlands
Field days, both at the Science Center and off-site, introduce different aquatic habitats as you explore living and physical parts of water habitats. Be sure to wear field clothes and sneakers for this active class.
B3: June 22-26: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
B11: July 20-24: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        

Amazing Animals
Explore adaptations of the five vertebrate groups – fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. We’ll meet them all and learn about each group through activities, fieldwork and zoo observations.
B4: June 22-26: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member
B12: July 20-24: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Science Mysteries
Intrigued by puzzles and problems? Try to figure out some of our challenges using physics, forensics, engineering and chemistry. We’ve got the tools, you bring the creativity! Our best solutions will be showcased at the end of the week.
B5: June 29-July 3: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
B13: July 27-31: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        

That’s Disgusting!
From mucus-makers to owl puke, gross out your friends with some simply nasty science! Learn about body odors, creepy creatures and things that make you go . . . yuck! It will definitely be a week you’ll never forget!
B6: June 29-July 3: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member
B14: July 27-31: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Wing It
Birds, bats, bugs – they all have wings. Explore the world of flight as we learn bird calls, meet a bird of prey and dissect an owl pellet. Create a bird journal and learn how to watch our own backyard feathered friends. You’ll also make your own cool flying creations during this “uplifting” week!
B7: July 6-10: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
B15: August 3-7: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        

Rock Stars
Become a geologist! Start your own rock and mineral collection, find out what equipment you will need, pan for semi-precious stones and learn mineral folklore. Observe beautiful crystals, and even grow your own in this gem of a class.
B8: July 6-10: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member
B16: August 3-7: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Magical Mysteries
No tricks here – we’re discovering the scientific principles behind “magic.” Optical illusions, color change, levitation, even things that disappear, can all be explained in this fun class. Create your own science magic show and check out our resident wizard’s tricks at the end of the week.
B9: July 13-17: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
B17: August 10-14: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        

Astronomy Adventures
The universe is ours to explore, from stars and their stories to the planets, moons and asteroids. Learn the parts of a telescope and how to look for stars. We’ll mix planetarium work with safe solar viewing and mix up meteors. This class is out of this world!
B10: July 13-17: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member
B18: August 10-14: 1 pm – 3 pm; $75 Member/ $95 Non-member

Record Breaking Science
Dive into the world of Guinness as we explore the science behind some amazing records set throughout history. Perform exciting hands-on experiments to test the probability of these occurrences. Who knows . . . you might even break some records of your own!
B19: August 17-21: 9 am – 12 pm; $110 Member/ $140 Non-member        
Note: there is no afternoon session this last week of workshops. Lunch Bunch is available.

The Natural Science Center science program features many exciting topics and activities. Our age-appropriate programs stress hands-on learning that is active and fun.

Pre-registration is required. Full class fees are due at time of registration. Membership may be purchased/renewed with class registration.

In Person: Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

By Mail: Full payment must be included with the completed registration form. Send to: Natural Science Center Summer Classes, 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27455. If class enrollment is full, you will receive a phone call and a full refund.

By Phone: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at (336) 288-3769 ext. 315. Registration accepted with VISA and MasterCard.

Participants should register according to their rising grade level (2008-2009 year) unless otherwise specified. Please do not ask to register your child for a class that he/she does not qualify. Preschoolers must be the required age by the first day of the workshop. All students in morning workshops (9:00-12:00) should bring a snack and drink). Refunds for withdrawals will be made if the Museum is notified at least 14 days in advance. A service charge of $5 per participant per workshop or supervision session will be charged. The Museum reserves the right to cancel a class due to insufficient enrollment.

Have questions or need additional information? Contact our Education Department at (336) 288-3769 ext. 315 or click here to send an email.

Lunch supervision is available to Summer Science Exploration participants. Please be sure that your child brings a bag lunch that does not need to be refrigerated. Children must keep up with their own lunches, so be sure to label your child’s container. Cold beverages are available from the lunchroom vending machines. During this time NSC staff will be providing supervision only. There is no planned activity, but play materials will be provided to entertain the participants. Children will be brought to their afternoon sessions or readied for pickup in the lobby. Register for lunch supervision as you would a workshop.

Lunch supervision sessions are $10.00/week. June 30-July 3 week is $8.00.

L1: June 16-20                      
L2: June 23-27                      
L3: June 30-July 3 (4 days)
L4: July 7-11                         
L5: July 14-18
L6: July 21-25
L7: July 28-Aug 1
L8: Aug 4-Aug 8
L9: Aug 11-Aug 15
L10: Aug 18-22