Discover the invisible world of germs! In this Little Explorer’s Club, we'll explore what germs are, how they can make us sick, and why washing with soap is so important for staying healthy. Through fun activities and experiments, you'll learn how to keep those pesky germs away and protect yourself and others.

Winter will be arriving shortly, and the birds are hurrying to find food before it arrives. In this unique craft activity, you will build your own bird feeder out of everyday materials. All materials will be provided by the MAP. We'll also learn about bird beaks and how different beak shapes can give you clues about its diet. By the end of the JAM, you will leave with some bird knowledge and a feeder you can hang in your own yard!

Discover the invisible world of germs! In this Little Explorer’s Club, we'll explore what germs are, how they can make us sick, and why washing with soap is so important for staying healthy. Through fun activities and experiments, you'll learn how to keep those pesky germs away and protect yourself and others.

Join us for Fall for Science Camp from November 25-27th! Your little explorers will dive into fall-themed science fun, from pumpkin experiments to cozy hands-on activities, all in our state-of-the-art preschool classrooms. Campers must be completely potty trained and will enjoy daily access to our exciting Discovery Room and outdoor play space for extra exploration and adventure!

For ages 3-5

Drop-off for camps is at 8:00 and pick-up at 3:00 (We are happy to offer flexible pick-up time)  

$180 Non-Members

$162 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

How do rivers carve huge canyons? What can form crystals the size of houses? How was Kansas once at the equator? Understanding the forces that shape the planet gives you a new appreciation of the landscapes around you and helps explain how it has changed and continues to change.

In this two-day camp, you will understand the major forces that shape the planet and, sometimes, can lead to catastrophic mass extinctions of entire groups of organisms. Also, you can make your own egg shell geodes to take home.

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$100 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Dinosaurs came in all shapes and sizes but not all of them ate the same things! Some dinos, like T-rex were colossal meat eaters while others, like Triceratops specialized in eating plants. Scientists can learn a lot about what dinosaurs might have been eating by looking at het shapes of their fossilized teeth! Meat eaters usually had pointy sharp teeth while plant eaters had broad flat teeth used for chewing or peg-like teeth used to crush up leaves and ferns.

Join us for Fall for Science Camp from November 25-27th! Your little explorers will dive into fall-themed science fun, from pumpkin experiments to cozy hands-on activities, all in our state-of-the-art preschool classrooms. Campers must be completely potty trained and will enjoy daily access to our exciting Discovery Room and outdoor play space for extra exploration and adventure!

For ages 3-5

Drop-off for camps is at 8:00 and pick-up at 3:00 (We are happy to offer flexible pick-up time)  

$180 Non-Members

$162 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

How do rivers carve huge canyons? What can form crystals the size of houses? How was Kansas once at the equator? Understanding the forces that shape the planet gives you a new appreciation of the landscapes around you and helps explain how it has changed and continues to change.

In this two-day camp, you will understand the major forces that shape the planet and, sometimes, can lead to catastrophic mass extinctions of entire groups of organisms. Also, you can make your own egg shell geodes to take home.

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$100 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Boxing Day, in Great Britain and some Commonwealth countries, particularly Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, holiday (December 26) on which servants, tradespeople, and the poor traditionally were presented with gifts. Explanations for the origin of the name have varied, with some believing that it derived from the opening of alms boxes that had been placed in churches for the collection of donations to aid the poor.

Join us for Fall for Science Camp from November 25-27th! Your little explorers will dive into fall-themed science fun, from pumpkin experiments to cozy hands-on activities, all in our state-of-the-art preschool classrooms. Campers must be completely potty trained and will enjoy daily access to our exciting Discovery Room and outdoor play space for extra exploration and adventure!

For ages 3-5

Drop-off for camps is at 8:00 and pick-up at 3:00 (We are happy to offer flexible pick-up time)  

$180 Non-Members

$162 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Can you tell a meteorite from an Earth rock? Use your power of reasoning and deduction to determine which of the specimens at our SciFun Table is a meteorite and which are rocks made here on Earth.

Join us at the Museum at Prairiefire for SciFun Holidays: Anzac Day celebrated on April 25th each year, a FREE family-friendly event honoring the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served. Engage in hands-on fun at our craft station where you can create your own beautiful poppy flowers, a meaningful symbol of remembrance. Plus, Origami with Archie will offer a special opportunity to learn the art of folding paper into stunning origami creations. Bring the family for an afternoon of creativity and remembrance!

Around 80 million years ago, during the Cretaceous Period, a shallow seaway cut through the middle of North America. Instead of dinosaurs, which were land animals, this seaway was home to huge sea creatures. From large fish like Xiphactinus audax to one of the largest mosasaurs that ever lived, Tylosaurus proriger, there were a lot of massive, toothy predators roaming our oceans.

In this camp, you will learn about the famous (and not-so-famous) animals that once patrolled North America’s waters from around 380 million years ago all the way up to about 34 million years ago.

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$50 Non-Members

$40 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Reindeer are adapted to living in cold environments thanks to their dense layers of fur and a special heat exchange system in their noses that actually warms the air they inhale...but what would happen if a reindeer got a cold? Would they need a tissue? For this month's activity, we'll be putting a holiday spin on the classic slime experiment. Learn how to make your very own reindeer snot with glue and food coloring!

Join us for an exciting celebration of the Korean Harvest Festival, Chuseok celebrated September 16th-18th each year! 🎨 Enjoy a FREE afternoon filled with fun and creativity for all ages. Participate in hands-on activities, including crafting your own beautiful Korean fans, exploring the intricate art of Origami with Archie, and face painting by talented artists. This special event offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about Korean culture through engaging, family-friendly activities. Don't miss out on this unique experience to celebrate tradition and creativity!

Discover the wonder of snowflakes in this engaging Little Explorer’s Club! We'll explore what snowflakes are, how they form in the atmosphere, and why each one is unique. Through hands-on activities, we'll learn about the conditions needed for snowflakes to develop and the science behind their intricate shapes. Perfect for curious minds eager to explore the magic of winter!

Discover the wonder of snowflakes in this engaging Little Explorer’s Club! We'll explore what snowflakes are, how they form in the atmosphere, and why each one is unique. Through hands-on activities, we'll learn about the conditions needed for snowflakes to develop and the science behind their intricate shapes. Perfect for curious minds eager to explore the magic of winter!

Reindeer are adapted to living in cold environments thanks to their dense layers of fur and a special heat exchange system in their noses that actually warms the air they inhale...but what would happen if a reindeer got a cold? Would they need a tissue? For this month's activity, we'll be putting a holiday spin on the classic slime experiment. Learn how to make your very own reindeer snot with glue and food coloring!

Discover the wonder of snowflakes in this engaging Little Explorer’s Club! We'll explore what snowflakes are, how they form in the atmosphere, and why each one is unique. Through hands-on activities, we'll learn about the conditions needed for snowflakes to develop and the science behind their intricate shapes. Perfect for curious minds eager to explore the magic of winter!

Join us at the Museum at Prairiefire for SciFun Holidays: Karneval celebrated November 11th each year and dive into the vibrant traditions of this pre-lent festival celebrated in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria! From 12-4pm on December 14th, enjoy a FREE day full of festive fun perfect for the whole family. Create your very own Karneval celebration hat, bursting with color and personality, and channel the lively spirit of the season! Plus, don’t miss Origami with Archie, where you’ll learn the art of folding paper and take home a unique creation.

Join us December 14th from 1-4pm for an amazing SciFun Saturday: Computer Science Education Week Edition! Dive into the captivating world of computer science and discover its endless possibilities. Engage in a fun and interactive time as we play the Coding Card game, where learning meets excitement! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge and have a blast!

The MAP will be closing at 3:00 pm on Friday, December 20th. We will reopen at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 21st.

Get ready to ring in the Scottish New Year a little early at our SciFun Holidays: Hogmanay celebrated on December 31st each year! On December 21st, from 12-4pm, join us at the Museum at Prairiefire for a FREE family-friendly event packed with festive fun in the Great Hall. Craft your own Hogmanay noise makers, enjoy Origami with Archie, and get your face painted to embrace the Scottish celebration spirit! This afternoon of creativity, culture, and hands-on activities is perfect for all ages. Gather your loved ones and experience the excitement of Hogmanay with us—an afternoon filled with joy, tradition, and fun!

Earlier in the year, we learned about the big objects - ranging from planets all the way up to galaxies.  Galaxies, of course, can be incredibly massive and contains hundreds of billions of stars.  Their scales are difficult for humans minds to comprehend.

What about the smaller objects?  Did you know there are small pieces of material raiding down on Earth constantly?  Most of these things are very small, even the size of pebbles.  Of course, there are also the large asteroids and comets that can, potentially, leave huge impacts when they hit planets.  In this camp, we will learn about these small space objects.

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$100 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Earlier in the year, we learned about the big objects - ranging from planets all the way up to galaxies.  Galaxies, of course, can be incredibly massive and contains hundreds of billions of stars.  Their scales are difficult for humans minds to comprehend.

What about the smaller objects?  Did you know there are small pieces of material raiding down on Earth constantly?  Most of these things are very small, even the size of pebbles.  Of course, there are also the large asteroids and comets that can, potentially, leave huge impacts when they hit planets.  In this camp, we will learn about these small space objects.

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$100 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Have you ever wondered if you could design your own roller coaster?  If you’ve been on one before, think about what made the ride fun (or not so fun), and what design elements it had.  Were there loops?  Were there lots of turns?  

In this engineering JAM, you will work as part of a team to design and build a model roller coaster track using insulation tubing and a marble.  The objective is to not just come up with a working design, but to gain an understanding of potential vs. kinetic energy and how the two are related.  As your team adds a new component to the track, you will test for fail points so you can improve on your design where needed.

Step back in time to learn about the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex! In this exciting class, we'll uncover how the T. rex lived, what it ate, and just how massive (or tiny!) it was as a baby. Through fun facts and interactive activities, join us on the Little Explorer’s Club as we discover what made this fierce predator one of the most fascinating dinosaurs of all time.

Step back in time to learn about the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex! In this exciting class, we'll uncover how the T. rex lived, what it ate, and just how massive (or tiny!) it was as a baby. Through fun facts and interactive activities, join us on the Little Explorer’s Club as we discover what made this fierce predator one of the most fascinating dinosaurs of all time.

Have you ever wondered if you could design your own roller coaster?  If you’ve been on one before, think about what made the ride fun (or not so fun), and what design elements it had.  Were there loops?  Were there lots of turns?  

In this engineering JAM, you will work as part of a team to design and build a model roller coaster track using insulation tubing and a marble.  The objective is to not just come up with a working design, but to gain an understanding of potential vs. kinetic energy and how the two are related.  As your team adds a new component to the track, you will test for fail points so you can improve on your design where needed.

Step back in time to learn about the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex! In this exciting class, we'll uncover how the T. rex lived, what it ate, and just how massive (or tiny!) it was as a baby. Through fun facts and interactive activities, join us on the Little Explorer’s Club as we discover what made this fierce predator one of the most fascinating dinosaurs of all time.

You’ve probably learned about the colors that make up a rainbow, but do you know how those colors appear in the first place?  To answer this question, we’ll replicate one of the most famous scientific experiments in history, performed by perhaps the most famous scientist in history.  

Of course, knowing the science of how color works means you can be creative and come up with all kinds of uses for color.  You can make your own color pigments from rocks, separate colors from candy, understand why some color combinations look better to our eyes than others, even learn why different colors can put you in different moods, and so much more! 

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$40 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

We are coming up to the middle of winter, and chances are we will have had some snow by now.  We all know that snow is made of water, and that snowflakes are tiny ice crystals.  You may have also heard that no two snowflakes are exactly alike - is this true?  

In this winter-themed JAM, you will learn about physical and chemical properties of snow and ice, and what makes the solid state of water (ice) so unique compared to other solid objects.  You will also conduct friction tests on ice using different objects to determine which one slides the best.

Step back in time with our Little Explorers as we uncover the mystery of dinosaur extinction! Through fun stories, hands-on activities, and imaginative play, we’ll learn about the events that caused the dinosaurs to disappear millions of years ago. Perfect for curious minds ready to explore the prehistoric world!

Step back in time with our Little Explorers as we uncover the mystery of dinosaur extinction! Through fun stories, hands-on activities, and imaginative play, we’ll learn about the events that caused the dinosaurs to disappear millions of years ago. Perfect for curious minds ready to explore the prehistoric world!

We are coming up to the middle of winter, and chances are we will have had some snow by now.  We all know that snow is made of water, and that snowflakes are tiny ice crystals.  You may have also heard that no two snowflakes are exactly alike - is this true?  

In this winter-themed JAM, you will learn about physical and chemical properties of snow and ice, and what makes the solid state of water (ice) so unique compared to other solid objects.  You will also conduct friction tests on ice using different objects to determine which one slides the best.

We learned about some huge objects out there in space - some of which span tens of thousands of light years across!  What about the world of the small?  Are tiny things a big deal?  Well, tiny things we commonly call “germs” have had a huge impact on humans since at least the veg innings of our civilization.

In this first-ever microbiology camp, we will learn about tiny organisms called microbes.  It turns out that these things are everywhere on our planet - there are microbes living in deep sea vents at the bottom of the ocean, and there are microbes living in our eyebrows.  Most of them, by the way, don't harm us.  In this camp, we will learn about these tiny organisms.

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$40 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Step back in time with our Little Explorers as we uncover the mystery of dinosaur extinction! Through fun stories, hands-on activities, and imaginative play, we’ll learn about the events that caused the dinosaurs to disappear millions of years ago. Perfect for curious minds ready to explore the prehistoric world!

Do your parents tell you not to play with your food?  Most of the time, that is good advice!  Sometimes, though, there are activities and experiments you can do that encourage you to do the opposite…like building a vehicle out of food!  You’ve probably done friction experiments with moving objects before, but this experiment is pretty unique.

You will design and build your own racing “cars” using different kinds of fruits and vegetables.  You get to choose which ones you think will work best for different components of your car.  What would work best for wheels?  How will you make an axle?  Finally, you will test your cars on ramps with different surfaces.   

Get ready for a fun adventure as we explore how the surface of the Earth moves! In this hands-on class, young explorers will learn about mountains, valleys, and the amazing forces that create them. Through exciting activities, we'll discover how Earth's folds and faults shape our world.

What’s your favorite sci-fi movie?  Did you ever wonder if the gadgets and advanced technologies you see in the movies could exist one day, or even already exist?  Well, it turns out some of these technologies featured in movies actually went on to become real...or at least somewhat real.  

While we haven’t invented time travel (yet?), there are some cool sci-fi technologies we can explore and experiment with in this camp.  Learn how to control magnetic fields, hover objects above ground, and make a certain glowing sword.  Even the things and ideas that have so far not come to pass - think telepathy, teleporting humans, bending space and time and traveling through a wormhole, bringing back dinosaurs - are interesting and fun to think about!

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$100 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Get ready for a fun adventure as we explore how the surface of the Earth moves! In this hands-on class, young explorers will learn about mountains, valleys, and the amazing forces that create them. Through exciting activities, we'll discover how Earth's folds and faults shape our world.

Do your parents tell you not to play with your food?  Most of the time, that is good advice!  Sometimes, though, there are activities and experiments you can do that encourage you to do the opposite…like building a vehicle out of food!  You’ve probably done friction experiments with moving objects before, but this experiment is pretty unique.

You will design and build your own racing “cars” using different kinds of fruits and vegetables.  You get to choose which ones you think will work best for different components of your car.  What would work best for wheels?  How will you make an axle?  Finally, you will test your cars on ramps with different surfaces.   

What’s your favorite sci-fi movie?  Did you ever wonder if the gadgets and advanced technologies you see in the movies could exist one day, or even already exist?  Well, it turns out some of these technologies featured in movies actually went on to become real...or at least somewhat real.  

While we haven’t invented time travel (yet?), there are some cool sci-fi technologies we can explore and experiment with in this camp.  Learn how to control magnetic fields, hover objects above ground, and make a certain glowing sword.  Even the things and ideas that have so far not come to pass - think telepathy, teleporting humans, bending space and time and traveling through a wormhole, bringing back dinosaurs - are interesting and fun to think about!

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$100 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Get ready for a fun adventure as we explore how the surface of the Earth moves! In this hands-on class, young explorers will learn about mountains, valleys, and the amazing forces that create them. Through exciting activities, we'll discover how Earth's folds and faults shape our world.

If you’ve come to any nature-related camps before, you know that a walk around our wetlands usually involves seeing insects.  They are very common animals - in fact, one quarter of all described species.on the planet is a beetle!  But what about the other invertebrates?  Spiders, mites, isopods (“rollie pollies”) and other invertebrates deserve attention too.

In this camp, we will learn about the “non-insects”.  Many of these little animals are also predators of insects, which helps keep their populations from getting too large and overwhelming their environment.  This makes them important for biocontrol, which we will do an activity for.

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$40 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Do you play a musical instrument?  Do you sing?  Each instrument (and voice) produces a unique sound that can usually be differentiated from one another.  For example, the sound of a bassoon is very different from a flute, which is very different from a violin.  This is partly due to how high or low a sound is (pitch), but also the sound quality (timbre) and other factors.

In this JAM, you will learn what sound is at the most basic level.  With this foundational understanding, we will explore the different ways in which sound can be produced and why these variations result in the huge varieties of sounds we encounter in our everyday lives.

Discover the marvelous world of minerals and how we use them every day. Through interactive activities, stories, and hands-on exploration, children will learn about different types of minerals, their unique properties, and how they impact our lives—from the food we eat to the toys we play with. Get ready for a colorful and educational experience!

Do you play a musical instrument?  Do you sing?  Each instrument (and voice) produces a unique sound that can usually be differentiated from one another.  For example, the sound of a bassoon is very different from a flute, which is very different from a violin.  This is partly due to how high or low a sound is (pitch), but also the sound quality (timbre) and other factors.

In this JAM, you will learn what sound is at the most basic level.  With this foundational understanding, we will explore the different ways in which sound can be produced and why these variations result in the huge varieties of sounds we encounter in our everyday lives.

Discover the marvelous world of minerals and how we use them every day. Through interactive activities, stories, and hands-on exploration, children will learn about different types of minerals, their unique properties, and how they impact our lives—from the food we eat to the toys we play with. Get ready for a colorful and educational experience!

Think about the activities you do in a day, or even just in the morning when you get ready for school.  What senses do you use?  If you made a list of all the things you encounter even before arriving at school, how late ng do you think it would be?  Our senses are incredibly important to us, and it’s easy to forget how much we rely on them to navigate our day.

In this camp, we will learn about the five senses.  You’ve heard of them before, but we will conduct experiments that let us explore how they actually work.  As a bonus, we will also learn how our sense of sight can trick us by checking out brain illusions.

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$40 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Discover the marvelous world of minerals and how we use them every day. Through interactive activities, stories, and hands-on exploration, children will learn about different types of minerals, their unique properties, and how they impact our lives—from the food we eat to the toys we play with. Get ready for a colorful and educational experience!

How many animals do you think you can spot on a nature walk?  Of course, it will depend a lot on where you are.  You’ll likely find more things at a state park than you will in your backyard.  Still, there are probably a lot of things to see in seemingly unlikely places…but those things are more likely to see you first because they blend into their environment!  

In this JAM, you will learn about camouflage.  You may know what camouflage is, but what makes certain patterns work so well in one environment and so poorly in another?  Something else to think about: what happens when you take a camouflaged object from land and move it into the water?  You will look at different camouflaged specimens, make your own camouflage animal patterns, and explore what makes them unique. 

Join us on a fun adventure to learn all about rocks! In this hands-on class, young explorers will discover the three types of rocks—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic—and how the rock cycle transforms them. Through interactive activities, we’ll uncover the secrets of how rocks are made and changed over time.

How many animals do you think you can spot on a nature walk?  Of course, it will depend a lot on where you are.  You’ll likely find more things at a state park than you will in your backyard.  Still, there are probably a lot of things to see in seemingly unlikely places…but those things are more likely to see you first because they blend into their environment!  

In this JAM, you will learn about camouflage.  You may know what camouflage is, but what makes certain patterns work so well in one environment and so poorly in another?  Something else to think about: what happens when you take a camouflaged object from land and move it into the water?  You will look at different camouflaged specimens, make your own camouflage animal patterns, and explore what makes them unique. 

Join us on a fun adventure to learn all about rocks! In this hands-on class, young explorers will discover the three types of rocks—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic—and how the rock cycle transforms them. Through interactive activities, we’ll uncover the secrets of how rocks are made and changed over time.

Think about all of the machines you use on any given day.  How do you think you would do without them?  Our automated/electronic machines are pretty new, but there are a lot more objects that don’t require batteries or electricity that humans have relied on for hundreds of thousands of years.

In this camp, you will learn about different types of machines that humans have used and how they work - dating all the way back to the first hand tools made from rocks. 

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$50 Non-Members

$40 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Join us on a fun adventure to learn all about rocks! In this hands-on class, young explorers will discover the three types of rocks—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic—and how the rock cycle transforms them. Through interactive activities, we’ll uncover the secrets of how rocks are made and changed over time.

Do you like to know how machines work?  Even our most intricate modern machines boil down to a handful of basic simple devices, such as the lever and pulley.  You encounter these simple machines in your daily lives, such as when you open a car door (lever) to hop in and go for a ride.

On the first day of this multi-day camp, we will learn about all of the simple machines and how to construct them.  From then on, you will use this knowledge to construct a Rube Goldberg Machine.  These contraptions use multiple simple machines chained together to accomplish a task, and you will work as a team to create a machine to perform a special task!

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$250 Non-Members

$200 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Do you like to know how machines work?  Even our most intricate modern machines boil down to a handful of basic simple devices, such as the lever and pulley.  You encounter these simple machines in your daily lives, such as when you open a car door (lever) to hop in and go for a ride.

On the first day of this multi-day camp, we will learn about all of the simple machines and how to construct them.  From then on, you will use this knowledge to construct a Rube Goldberg Machine.  These contraptions use multiple simple machines chained together to accomplish a task, and you will work as a team to create a machine to perform a special task!

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$250 Non-Members

$200 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Do you like to know how machines work?  Even our most intricate modern machines boil down to a handful of basic simple devices, such as the lever and pulley.  You encounter these simple machines in your daily lives, such as when you open a car door (lever) to hop in and go for a ride.

On the first day of this multi-day camp, we will learn about all of the simple machines and how to construct them.  From then on, you will use this knowledge to construct a Rube Goldberg Machine.  These contraptions use multiple simple machines chained together to accomplish a task, and you will work as a team to create a machine to perform a special task!

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$250 Non-Members

$200 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Do you like to know how machines work?  Even our most intricate modern machines boil down to a handful of basic simple devices, such as the lever and pulley.  You encounter these simple machines in your daily lives, such as when you open a car door (lever) to hop in and go for a ride.

On the first day of this multi-day camp, we will learn about all of the simple machines and how to construct them.  From then on, you will use this knowledge to construct a Rube Goldberg Machine.  These contraptions use multiple simple machines chained together to accomplish a task, and you will work as a team to create a machine to perform a special task!

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$250 Non-Members

$200 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Do you like to know how machines work?  Even our most intricate modern machines boil down to a handful of basic simple devices, such as the lever and pulley.  You encounter these simple machines in your daily lives, such as when you open a car door (lever) to hop in and go for a ride.

On the first day of this multi-day camp, we will learn about all of the simple machines and how to construct them.  From then on, you will use this knowledge to construct a Rube Goldberg Machine.  These contraptions use multiple simple machines chained together to accomplish a task, and you will work as a team to create a machine to perform a special task!

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$250 Non-Members

$200 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

If you dig in a patch of dirt, what do you find?  Depending on where you dig, you will likely find different living things crawling in and around your sample.  What would you expect to find in a sample of wetland soil vs, say, a sample of sandy soil?  If you think about what all living things need to survive, this can give you clues to answer this question.

In this JAM, you will look closely at samples of soil collected from different habitats.  While we often barely notice what is living under our feet, the tiny soil invertebrates play a huge role in the diversity and health of the habitats we interact with everyday. 

What powers objects to move?  We rely on a lot of devices that use energy in some form.  Energy is everywhere around us, and humans have figured out how to utilize energy in its different forms to power our societies.  In this camp, we will learn what energy is and how it can transfer from one form to another. 

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$40 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of crystals! In this fun, hands-on class, little explorers will discover how crystals form and grow through exciting experiments and playful activities. We'll explore the process of crystallization and watch as sparkling shapes come to life.

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of crystals! In this fun, hands-on class, little explorers will discover how crystals form and grow through exciting experiments and playful activities. We'll explore the process of crystallization and watch as sparkling shapes come to life.

If you dig in a patch of dirt, what do you find?  Depending on where you dig, you will likely find different living things crawling in and around your sample.  What would you expect to find in a sample of wetland soil vs, say, a sample of sandy soil?  If you think about what all living things need to survive, this can give you clues to answer this question.

In this JAM, you will look closely at samples of soil collected from different habitats.  While we often barely notice what is living under our feet, the tiny soil invertebrates play a huge role in the diversity and health of the habitats we interact with everyday. 

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of crystals! In this fun, hands-on class, little explorers will discover how crystals form and grow through exciting experiments and playful activities. We'll explore the process of crystallization and watch as sparkling shapes come to life.

Do you know our state reptile?  State amphibian?  What makes reptiles and amphibians different from other groups of animals, and what makes the two different from each other?  In this camp, we will try and spot some reptiles out in our wetlands as well as learn about the reptiles and amphibians from our Discovery Room.

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$40 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

The weather is warming up, and plants and animals everywhere have emerged from their winter slumber.  You may know that April 22nd is called Earth Day.  It is a day to celebrate nature and learn how to protect the planet’s habitats.  It is our one home, and we all need to look after it.

In honor of Earth Day, you will learn how to care for natural habitats and why they are important.  We will tour our wetlands and investigate different habitats and the plant/animal interactions that are important for their health.  We will watch for unique wetland wildlife, such as the Red-wing blackbird.  In the afternoon, weather permitting, we will spend even more time outside and have the chance to get a little dirty and work on our butterfly garden! 

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$40 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)

Have you ever thought about making things with some objects you find while walking in nature?  Plant parts like stems, leaf blades, even seed pods can be used for some interesting creations.  In this camp, we will walk around and look for natural objects we can use to make whatever decorative creations you like, and you will have examples to help inspire you.  Also, we will learn how to weave use cattail reeds and blackberry canes (stems).  As always, you can take these items home!

For elementary school ages

Drop-off for camps is from 8:00-8:20 and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00.  

$40 Non-Members

$50 Members (please sign in to your account and use the discount code emailed to you)