OPEN THURSDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS: SCI continues to operate with limited tickets available during two daily timeslots: 9:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00-4:00 pm. Tickets are valid for either the AM or PM timeslot. SCI is closed from 12:00-1:00 pm. Face coverings are required for visitors ages 2 and up. Click below to learn more about our COVID-19 safety precautions and what to expect during your visit.
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From gadgets and gizmos to whosits and whatsits, let your curiosity run wild with these crazy contraptions! We will even dive into the crazy fun world of Rube Goldberg machines.
Register for this Camp (June 7-11)
Register for this Camp (July 12-16)
Imagination rules in this camp focused on building creative minds. As we experiment with tools and the design cycle, what will you make?
STEM Learning Goals: Introduce the design cycle, and gain experience using tools to become confident in building.
Mwahahaha! You’ll be ready to take over the world when you’re finished with this camp. Create mysterious chemical concoctions, learn tricks to fool the human eye, and figure out why science is MAD fun.
Register for this Camp (June 14-18)
Register for this Camp (July 19-23)
STEM Learning Goals: Develop understanding of important scientific principles and the scientists who discovered them. Gain experience with chemical reactions, optical illusions and other discrepant events.
Yuck. Gross. Disgusting! Get ready to get dirty as we make predictions about the science behind stinky smells, slime and more!
Join us for a throwback summer camp in the heart of the city. We will explore nature, create art, play games, get wet and learn how to appreciate the earth around us.
Register for this Camp (June 21-25)
Note: This camp is held offsite. Learn more about iEARTH camps at www.sciowa.org/iearth
From circuits and batteries to screens and buttons, learn about how these everyday electric items work. Get ready for a hair-raising experience!
Register for this Camp (July 26-30)
Simple machines have never been so much fun! Explore the simple side of engineering as we begin at the basics while building some amazing creations.
STEM Learning Goals: Develop a working understanding of the six simple machines through hands-on activities and building projects.
Faster than a speeding train, stronger than an elephant, smaller than an ant… Explore the science behind the powers of your favorite superheroes. Discover your own powers, develop your alter ego and create gadgets to help you save the day!
Register for this Camp
STEM Learning Goals: Create positive science learning experiences through superheroes. Increase interest in the scientific principles behind speed, sound, strength, etc. as it relates to superheroes.
Our robots are fully-charged and ready to go… Are you?! Get ready for hands-on mechanics as we explore the world of robotics.
STEM Learning Goals:Increase interest in robotics. Gain robotics experience and knowledge using gears, basic coding, engineering and more.
From teeny-tiny worms to enormous whales, we'll compare some amazing animals! Test out camouflage, discover how animals communicate and learn how scientists classify the animals around us.
Camps held the week of July 4 are Tuesday-Friday. No camp on Monday, July 5.
Curious about the SOUNDSand SMELLS of SCI? SEE how people and animals use their senses in different ways. Can you can FEEL the excitement? It’s so close we can almost TASTE it.
STEM Learning Goals: Gain experience with and increase knowledge of the five senses (sight, sound, taste smell and feeling).
Ever wonder what makes the weather change? Step into the shoes of a meteorologist as we explore the science behind the weather!
Blast off into this out-of-this-world camp! Discover the different planets of our solar system and gaze into the universe beyond. Experience the Star Theater planetarium, and name your very own constellations.
Who knew you could do so much with food BESIDES eat it? Foods will become our tools, building materials and much more!
What makes a rainbow? How do we know when it’s going to rain? Learn about the water cycle, light, shadows and weather in this camp for future meteorologists.
STEM Learning Goals: Develop an understanding of the water cycle and basic weather patterns. Gain knowledge of how colors and rainbows are formed.
From simple machines to complex motors, experiment with building your very own marvelous machine! Join us as we learn about the exciting world of engineering.
Get ready for a week of puzzles and challenges as we put campers to the test. Fire up those thinking caps, and get ready for some fun!
From board games to video games and everything in between, try your hand at building your very own games! Develop skills essential to any game, such as teamwork and creative thinking, while also discovering the science behind the games.
Grab your magic wand, and join us for this magical camp! Try your hand at potions brewing, learn about transfiguration, and see what else we can "pull out of our hat."
Explore what it takes to become a veterinarian! Get an up-close look at animals from A-Z. Examine x-rays, diagnose “patients,” and meet a veterinarian.
STEM Learning Goals: Gain a basic understanding of the anatomical systems of similar organisms and an awareness of animal-related careers.
Calling all future astronomers: Let's learn about all things space! From stars to nebulae and even the black holes in between, this camp will be out of this world.
If you like science and creating, this is the camp for you! This camp will explore different ways to create, combining conventional crafting with science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
STEM Learning Goals: Using the engineering design process and build creations to expand engineering skills and knowledge of the design process.
Your boat sank, you've made your way to a remote island, and NO ONE is coming to your rescue! Camers will work together to create an island society and complete challenges with limited resources, learning about survival and human nature in the process.
Create a city complete with streets, buildings and much more! Discover the world of city planning, and combine it with building. We can't see what you construct!
This camp is designed to mess with the ultimate supercomputer: your brain! Campers will be introduced to the basics of neuroscience and will participate in hands-on activities and experiments to learn how our brains process information as well as how things might not always be what they seem.
How do computers work? Learn the basics of coding and beyond in this computer science camp. It’s great for beginners and experienced coders alike!
STEM Learning Goals: Gain an understanding and appreciation for computer science. Develop coding skills through basic drag-and-drop blockly-based coding and line-by-line coding.
Becoming a spy requires a lot of different skills. Practice observing, fingerprinting, camouflage and much more as you work to become a master of espionage!
Take your love of animals to the next level in this career exploration camp! Use microscopes, x-rays and dissection to expand your animal knowledge and discover how organs, muscles and bones work in your favorite animals.
STEM Learning Goals: Increase understanding of anatomical systems, and gain awareness of the animal world and various animal-related careers.
Learn how to survive the "wilds" of Gray's Lake during this throwback summer camp in the heart of the city. Explore nature, create art, swim, fish and bike. Canoeing will be a big part of this camp. Discover some of Des Moines' greatest waterways and culminate the week with a full-day float trip on the river.
Register for this Camp (August 2-6)
Note: This camp is held offsite. Learn more about iEARTH camps, including biking requirements and canoeing details, at www.sciowa.org/iearth
Who doesn’t like a field trip? We will be on the road all week exploring Des Moines’ treasures, including parks, lakes and museums. This camp is always on the move!
Explore the universe outside the Milky Way! Investigate nebulae, learn myths and reach for the stars in this out-of-this-world camp.
Calling all aspiring directors, actors and behind-the-scene techs: Learn about the science behind movie-making and produce your own film using what you learned. On Friday during the open house, we will have a screening of all our work!
Who doesn’t love making a mess? We’ll get messy as we explore the three states of matter: solids, liquids and gases. (Parents, don’t worry: we’ll handle the clean-up!)
Register for this Camp (August 9-13)
Rewrite your favorite fairytales using science, technology, engineering and math. Help your favorite storybook characters find solutions to their problems!
Leave Earth behind and explore distant galaxies during this space-themed camp. Build your own rover, create a robot to take home on Earth and learn how to live on the International Space Station!
What does it take to be an astronaut? Can you do it? Are you prepared to pilot a rocketship, sail through zero gravity and eat food out of pouch? Come join us and see if you have what it takes!
Combine art and science! This camp is all about creating things using materials found in nature. Make your own paintbrush, then put it to use!
Calling all nature-lovers! Journey into the great outdoors as we explore the science of camping. We’ll investigate animal tracks, observe fireflies to discover the science of bioluminescence and create the perfect s’more.
Welcome to the construction site! Learn about the tools and materials construction engineers use, and take a trip to see a real worksite in action.
What does it take to be a farmer? Learn about the animals that live on the farm. Explore how farmers take care of their animals and how we can protect our favorite furry friends.
Journey to the land before time during this prehistoric adventure! Dig for fossils and create your own. You never know what dinosaur discoveries you’ll make!
What has six legs and three body parts? Go on a bug hunt and uncover what insects are up to in the world around us.
What makes food so tasty? Explore the chemistry behind your favorite recipes. Then put that knowledge to the test and bake some delicious treats!
Explore the world of music! Make your own instrument, and use melody, rhythm, pitch and dynamics to create music of your own.
Have you ever wanted to know why polar bear fur is white or why tree frog feet are sticky? Discover why animals have special traits to help them survive in their habitat. Try out some of those traits on your own body, and create your own animal from all you learn!
Let your imagination run wild in this camp designed around creativity! We’ll use tools and learn techniques to take your tinkering to the next level.
Beep, beep, boop! Explore the world of coding and the basics of electricity while building your own robot in this technology-focused camp.
