Sciencenter

Math Fun with MathHappens!
2026-03-28 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-21 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-14 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-07 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-28 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-21 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-14 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Sciencenter, 601 1st Street, Ithaca, NY, 14850, United States
Join us for playful, informal math exploration with the MathHappens Foundation! Discover the “M” in STEM through hands-on models and engaging learning experiences.

Science Connections: Glider
2026-03-28 10:00 - 17:00
How does an airplane without an engine climb thousands of feet and fly hundreds of miles? Join Harris Hill Soaring and the Sciencenter to discover how to fly like a bird! Sit in the cockpit of a real sailplane, try out the controls, and learn about the instruments. Fly a sailplane simulator! Create paper gliders and test them in a wind tunnel to learn about how flying works.

Science Together: Flower Dissection
2026-03-26 15:30 - 16:00, 2026-03-25 10:15 - 10:45
Practice using tools and making observations as we look at all the parts of a flower!
Science Together activities are designed for ages 0-4.

Science Connections: Color & pH Exploration
2026-03-22 14:00 - 15:00
Join the American Institute of Chemical Engineers in an exploration of color and pH!

Science Together: Ice Melting
2026-03-19 15:30 - 16:00, 2026-03-18 10:15 - 10:45
Test out different methods to melt ice with tools like warm water and salt. See if you can rescue an animal trapped in ice!
Science Together activities are designed for ages 0-4.

Science Connections: Make Your Own Popping Boba
2026-03-15 14:00 - 15:00
Spherification is a technique used by chefs to form gels and “spheres” of liquids – think boba bubbles in bubble tea! Join us and Cornell Food Safety Lab as we guide participants through spherification using sodium alginate and calcium solutions to make your own popping boba.

From Ecuador to Ithaca: Hands-on Activities
2026-03-11 15:00 - 17:00
Join us for hands-on activities with student volunteers from Ecuador’s Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ)! The students are part of a bilateral exchange program with the Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy and Office of Global Learning. The program immerses students from both USFQ and Cornell in local field experiences and community service while they learn about and compare approaches to social issues across cultures.

Science Together: Kinetic Sand
2026-03-11 10:15 - 10:45
Explore the different properties of kinetic sand!
Science Together activities are designed for ages 0-4.

Science Connections: Encouraging Young Engineers and Scientists
2026-03-08 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-15 14:00 - 15:00
Encouraging Young Engineers and Scientists (EYES) is excited to bring engaging science and engineering activities to the Sciencenter in order to encourage young students to consider careers in STEM fields.

Science Together: Sink or Float
2026-03-05 15:30 - 16:00, 2026-03-04 10:15 - 10:45
Test and sort items with a water play, sink or float experiment!
Science Together activities are designed for ages 0-4.

Science Together: Roller Coasters
2026-02-26 15:30 - 16:00, 2026-02-25 10:15 - 10:45
Explore ups and downs as you make and test a roller coaster! This 30-minute Science Together activity introduces basic motion and cause-and-effect through playful building and testing—ideal for toddlers and caregivers to enjoy together.
Science Together activities are designed for ages 0-4.

Animal Feeding
2026-02-25 16:00 - 16:30, 2026-02-18 16:00 - 16:30
Join an Animal Keeper to observe snakes, lizards, frogs, and fish snacking on their preferred prey.

Science Connections
2026-02-22 14:00 - 15:00
Join local science experts with hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Playtime with Finger Lakes Toy Library
2026-02-20 10:30 - 11:30
Join the Sciencenter and the Finger Lakes Toy Library for our February playtime designed for families and young children. Drop in on Feb 20, 10:30–11:30 AM to explore curated toys, try hands-on activities, and enjoy relaxed, caregiver-led play in a welcoming museum setting. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to connect with other families and discover new play ideas.

Science Together: Flubber
2026-02-19 15:30 - 16:00, 2026-02-18 10:15 - 10:45
Use a variety of tools to explore and make observations about the fun properties of Flubber!
Science Together activities are designed for ages 0-4.

Animal Encounter
2026-02-17 11:00 - 11:30
Get hands-on with ocean life during this 30-minute Animal Encounter at Sciencenter. Meet marine creatures up close in the Tidepool Touch Tank and learn how they live, move, and survive. A fun, interactive experience for curious kids and families.

Cold Show
2026-02-16 14:30 - 15:00
Get ready for some freezing fun! We’ll explore states of matter and how temperature affects materials as we explore dry ice.
