We have summer fun down to a science!

During July and August, the Science Museum of Virginia offers exciting science and technology classes for children age 4 through seventh grade. Classes meet Monday through Friday. All groups are led by experienced, enthusiastic teachers, aided by qualified assistants. Register now! For more information call (804) 864-1400 or 800-659-1727, press 2.

Junior Science Explorers
Rising kindergarteners, 9:30 am–11:30 am.

Children in this introductory science program explore a world of theme-based science activities. A light snack is provided. Group size is limited to 12 children per session, so please register early.
Fee: $90 ($80 for Science Museum members)

Session 1: July 7–11

Junior Backyard Explorers

What’s living in your backyard? Take a trip to the great outdoors and meet critters of all shapes and sizes. Then record your adventures in a nature journal.

Session 2: July 14–18

Pyramids, Pharaohs & Fun

You’ll feel like you’ve traveled to a distant land and taken a journey back in time! Join us on an archaeological dig for artifacts. Learn about the ancient art of papyrus making and let your artistic skills shine as a hieroglyphic scribe. Learn about the "purrfect" Egyptian pet and discover some of the many methods and tools used to create the great Pyramids.

Session 3: July 21–25

Sensational Stories & Science

Join the sensational stories and science club this week. Listening ears, an inquisitive mind, a love of science and books are all you need!

Session 4: July 28–August 1

Junior Backyard Explorers (repeat of Session 1)

Session 5: August 4–8

Pyramids, Pharaohs & Fun (repeat of Session 2)

Session 6: August 11–15

Sensational Stories & Science (repeat of Session 3)

Science Explorers
Rising 1–3 graders, 9:00 am–noon

Out-of-this-world science adventures and exploration await students who are entering first through third grade! An experienced educator guides explorers through a wide variety of educational hands-on experiences designed to make science fun. Each session focuses on three science topics.
Fee: $115 ($105 for Science Museum members)

Session 1: July 7–11

Backyard Explorers

Become an ecologist for the week and discover what crawls, swims and flies through your backyard! This adventure will have you visiting live corn snakes in the museum labs, identifying various plants and animals and learning to “go green” to protect our precious environment.

Ancient Egyptian Explorers

Dig into archaeology! Learn how to write, dress and build like an ancient Egyptian. Find out how and why mummies were preserved. Travel back in time to ancient Egypt and see what it was like to be a kid 5,000 years ago.

Passport to Science

Explore places where discoveries, inventions and other amazing scientific contributions have happened. This class will definitely open your eyes to the rich variety of knowledge contributed by many cultures.

Session 2: July 21–25

Fizz, Bubbles & Goo

Have you ever wanted to be a scientist and make great, gooey substances and weird, bubbling concoctions? Here's your chance to become a chemical scientist and watch the reactions!

Once Upon a Science

What’s your favorite science storybook? "Stellaluna"? "Who Sank the Boat?" Sit back, relax and hear some great storytelling. Afterward, discover the science behind the story as you dive into some incredible activities.

Is it Art or is it Science?

Leonardo da Vinci and John James Audubon — were they artists, scientists or both? Explore the links between art and science as you create your own works of art.

Session 3: July 28–August 1

Backyard Explorers (repeat of Session 1)

Ancient Egyptian Explorers (repeat of Session 1)

Passport to Science (repeat of Session 1)

Session 4: August 4–8

Fizz, Bubbles & Goo (repeat of Session 2)

Once Upon A Science (repeat of Session 2)

Is it Art or is it Science? (repeat of Session 2)

Senior Science Explorers
Rising 4–7 graders, 1:30 pm–4:30 pm.

Older explorers enjoy sessions focusing on two intriguing science topics.
Fee: $115 ($105 for Science Museum members)

Session 1: July 14–18

Future World Explorers

Zoom into the future to explore some techniques and inventions that might change the way we live. Ride on an invention that will turn move forward or backward by sensing your body movement. Visit the museum’s new Energy House and learn about the greenhouse effect by building a model solar-house of your own. Discover great ways to preserve our beautiful environment and more.

Toying with Science

Whirr! Buzz! Kaboom! Toys and science are the dynamic duo in this workshop. Play with lots of toys and discover the many scientific principles involved in the way they work. Explore the techniques toy designers use to design and sell a toy. Plus, learn about a national middle school toy-design competition.

Session 2: July 28–August 1

Future World Explorers (repeat of Session 1)

Toying with Science (repeat of Session 1)