From binary mathematics to robotics, explore the world of computers, engineering and technology through these hands-on programs!

All About Computers

In this program, your students get hands-on experience to understand how information moves through a computer. They learn about the computer's basic language through binary games, how microchips are made, and how to write computer instructions by "programming a friend". Students will also try out different input devices and have a chance to design their own!
Program length: 1 hour
Maximum: 20
Grade: 4-8
Cost: $120

Digital Dilemmas - Story Time

In Digital Dilemmas, your students will help Little Red Riding Hood and other fairy tale characters solve their problems with today's new technology! At the beginning of the hour, a Science Center staff member will demonstrate useful technology tools, like GPS units and how they work. During story time, the children will be challenged to figure out which technology tool will help their favorite fairy tale character escape a wolf or find their way home.
Program length: 1 hour
Maximum: 32
Cost:$120
Onsite Only in our Cyberville Gallery

Furby Autopsy

Not just a talkative plush toy, the Furby is considered a marvel in engineering, with its sophisticated electronics, sensors and the ability to "learn." Your students can help our autopsy "doctor" analyze the innards of this popular toy. See why even computer specialists and robotics engineers are fascinated by its complexity.
Program length: 15 to 30 minutes
Maximum: 20
Cost: $65
Onsite Only in our Cyberville Gallery

Furby and the World of Sensors

Not just a talkative plush toy, the Furby is considered a marvel in engineering, with its sophisticated electronics, sensors and the ability to "learn." Your students can help our autopsy "doctor" analyze the innards of the popular toy. This session includes Furby Autopsy and a special tour of Sensor Lane. Also included are special activities that allow the students to become "sensors".
Program length: 1 hour Maximum: 20
Cost: $120 Onsite Only in our Cyberville Gallery

Internet Search Adventure

The internet is a vast network that links millions of computers together. Even the most experienced users sometimes find searching the Internet a challenge. During this 15-30 minute activity, participants learn the basics and some tricks of Internet searching through a fun challenge. In the Cyberville Gallery.
Program length: 15-30 minutes
Maximum: 24
Grade: 4-8 Cost: $40 per group

This extended, one-hour version of the Internet Search Adventure includes basic and advanced searching and fun activities such as "Find Yourself on the Web" and "Stupid Web Tricks". In the Cyberville Gallery.
Program length: 1 hour
Maximum: 24
Grade: 4-8 Cost: $100 per group

LEGO Mindstorms

To do any action, a robot must have a set of instructions, known as a program. Using LEGO software customized for the Science Center; participants work together to learn how to program a LEGO MINDSTORMS robot. Please call 314.289.4659 to discuss your LEGO session options.
Program Length: 45 minutes
Maximum: 8
Cost: $3 per person
Onsite Only in our Cyberville Gallery

Little Thinking: The Science of Nanotechnology

Come explore the "Science of Small". Learn how scientists are working on an incredibly small scale. Through hands-on activities, this program will help students understand the basics of nanotechnology as well as the challenges scientists face working with objects on the nanoscale. Students will have the opportunity to try to move "atoms" experiment with how chemistry plays an important role in the manipulation of objects on the nanoscale, and experiment with nanotechnology-based products.
Program length: 1 hour
Maximum: 25 per session
Cost: $100

This deluxe edition of LEGO MINDSTORM Robotics Adventure includes the basic adventure session, plus other programming activities. Please call 314.289.4659 to discuss your LEGO session options.
Program Length: 2 hours
Maximum: 24
Cost: $165
Onsite Only in our Cyberville Gallery

Math Games

The basic "language" computers speak is math, specifically the binary number system. Participants learn binary basics through two simple games: "Pegboard" and "Binary Secret Code."
Program Length: 15 to 30 minutes
Maximum: 16 per session
Cost: $40

Programming

How smart are computers? They can only do exactly what they're told to do. This demonstration is a mini-intro to computer programming through a fun activity. Your students "program" a Science Center staff member to perform a supposedly simple task, such as making a peanut butter sandwich.
Program length: 15 to 30 minutes
Maximum: 20
Grades: 4-8
Cost: $65

Robotics

Walking, talking, sensing, responding...when is a machine really a robot? Explore the world of robotics by thinking and acting like a machine. We'll learn a robot language to crack computer codes, go through the task of programming a friend and even restrict our senses to find out just what it's like to see through the "eyes" of a robot. More advanced students could get into calculating gear ratios.
Program length: 1.5 hours
Maximum: 30 students

For a full listing of all our on-site and off-site programs, check out our complete program guide. Call (314)289-4439 for more information or to book a program.