Calendar of Events

Schedule subject to change. Please call 434-791-5160 to confirm date and time. All events are included in regular Science Center admission unless otherwise noted.

Now Showing	Too Small to See. All Ages. Zoom from the macro-world to the nano-world. Build molecules, walk through a silicon crystal and climb on carbon nanotubes, all to scale. Experience everyday things at progressively smaller scales and discover amazing facts about atoms and molecules. Work like a scientist to shrink patterns and move atoms. Head upstairs to see tiny works of nature – snow crystals! Totally Random Science. All Ages. The Science Center is adding to the summer experience with its very own exhibit! The forces will be with you as you fire an air cannon, fly through a simulation and wing your way through an air stream. Use your eyes and mind to illuminate the science behind illusion and to balance the force of gravity. It is a summer of science fun.
Through mid October	Butterfly Station and Garden; All Ages. The smells and sights of spring beauty lay the foundation for another stunning season in the garden. Each week holds a unique display of butterflies and blooms. Bring your camera or your sketchbook to capture the artistry of nature. The Butterfly Station and Garden is open and free to the public during regular Science Center hours through mid October. Free of charge.

Now Showing

Too Small to See. All Ages. Zoom from the macro-world to the nano-world. Build molecules, walk through a silicon crystal and climb on carbon nanotubes, all to scale. Experience everyday things at progressively smaller scales and discover amazing facts about atoms and molecules. Work like a scientist to shrink patterns and move atoms. Head upstairs to see tiny works of nature – snow crystals!

Totally Random Science. All Ages. The Science Center is adding to the summer experience with its very own exhibit! The forces will be with you as you fire an air cannon, fly through a simulation and wing your way through an air stream. Use your eyes and mind to illuminate the science behind illusion and to balance the force of gravity. It is a summer of science fun.

Through mid

October

Butterfly Station and Garden; All Ages. The smells and sights of spring beauty lay the foundation for another stunning season in the garden. Each week holds a unique display of butterflies and blooms. Bring your camera or your sketchbook to capture the artistry of nature. The Butterfly Station and Garden is open and free to the public during regular Science Center hours through mid October. Free of charge.

June and July 2008

June 24	Polliwogs; Ages 3 to 4. Stop! Go! Push! Pull! Everything you do uses something called energy. Find out what energy is and how it moves us and moves our world. Make a craft showing energy. Tuesday, June 24, 1–2 p.m. Members $3; Non-members $6. Pre-registration requested. Science Stars; Ages 5 to 7. Learn about potential and kinetic energy as we make our very own windup whirligig. The more you wind it up, the faster it goes! Wheeee! Tuesday, June 24, 3:45–4:45 p.m. Members $3; Nonmembers $6. Pre-registration requested.
July 4	July 4 at the Crossing; All Ages. Ready for the rockets’ red glare? Before fireworks, spend your day designing, building and launching water rockets as you experiment with the forces of flight. Return for music and fireworks at the Carrington Pavilion beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, July 4. Science Central will offer extended hours with free admission from 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m.
July 7-11	Summer Science Adventure Camps - Dan River Life (ages 8–12) Monday–Friday, July 7–11; 9 a.m.–noon You’ve seen it, crossed it and enjoyed it. Now, it’s time to explore the plants and animals that depend on the river for survival. Play games, take hikes and investigate the river through hands-on activities. Campers will learn about the river life right in the Science Center’s backyard. A snack is provided each day. Class sizes are limited. Call (434) 791-5160, Ext. 0, for more information. Fee: Members: $75; nonmembers $85
July 17	Hiking the Banks of the Banister; Ages 8 and above. The Banister River is the setting for this journey of discovery. See the remains of a Native American fish weir and examine a nearby rock outcrop as you enjoy the beauty of nature. Dress for light hiking. Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m.–noon. Members $4; Nonmembers $7 (includes admission to the Science Center for the day). Pre-registration and payment required by Thursday, July 17.
July 14-18	Summer Science Day Camp - Sensational Science Monday–Friday, July 14 –18. Ages 3–5 meet 9:30 a.m.–noon. Ages 5–7 meet 1:30–4 p.m. See it! Hear it! Touch it! Smell it! Taste it! Our five senses help us learn about our surroundings, stay safe, and enjoy things. Focus on a sense a day as you use your senses to experience the world around you. Make a kaleidoscope to create a new view. Listen to and identify sounds down by the river; feel the slippery "slime" you make; enjoy the fragrance of the many blooms in the Butterfly Station and Garden; and decide whether you like a sweet, sour or salty taste as you become more aware of your senses. A snack is provided each day. Class sizes are limited. Call (434) 791-5160, Ext. 0, for more information. Fee: Members: $65; nonmembers $75
July 21-25	Summer Science Day Camp - Backyard Explorers Monday–Friday, July 21–25. Ages 3–5 meet 9:30 a.m.–noon. Ages 5–7 meet 1:30–4 p.m. Exploring far away places is exciting and fun, but exploring your own backyard can be an adventure too! Design a visor to protect you from the sun as we explore the sky and things that might fly by us. You will need your hiking shoes and a collecting bag for the treasures you find as we explore the ground. There is even a river in our backyard. Count the turtles, watch the water flow, and feed the ducks and geese as you gather ideas to create a collage about life on the river. A snack is provided each day. Class sizes are limited. Call (434) 791-5160, Ext. 0, for more information. Fee: Members: $65; nonmembers $75 Summer Science Adventure Camps - Survivor Science (ages 9–13) Monday–Friday, July 21–25; 1–4 p.m. Inspired by the reality television series, “Survivor,” campers team up to work their way through daily challenges, including bridge building, riddle solving and treasure finding all in hopes that they can endure the week with flying colors.Which team will survive to become the winners? A snack is provided each day. Class sizes are limited. Call (434) 791-5160, Ext. 0, for more information. Fee: Members: $75; nonmembers $85
July 28 - Aug 1	Summer Science Day Camp - Camp Cover Up Ages 3–5 meet 9:30 a.m.–noon. Ages 5–7 meet 1:30–4 p.m. What do fish, snakes and butterflies have in common? They all have scales! People are the only animals that buy clothes, but all animals cover up whether they use shells, scales, feathers, fur or skin. Make a feather mask, race like a turtle, investigate hermit crabs, and go on a scavenger hunt as you learn about animal coverings. Camouflage a katydid, a walking stick and a moth. Animal Cover-Ups are very useful, and you'll find out why! A snack is provided each day. Class sizes are limited. Call (434) 791-5160, Ext. 0, for more information. Fee: Members: $65; nonmembers $75 Summer Science Adventure Camps - Science of Sports (ages 8–12) Monday–Friday, July 28–Aug. 1; 9 a.m.–noon Have you ever wondered how science fits into sports? Whether you are smacking a baseball out of the park or kicking a soccer ball across the field, there is science involved. Campers will discover the science behind some popular warm-weather sports and apply their knowledge first hand as they challenge each other to a game or two. A snack is provided each day. Class sizes are limited. Call (434) 791-5160, Ext. 0, for more information. Fee: Members: $75; nonmembers $85