Education

“Science on Screen” is a project that pairs screenings of films with lively presentations by notable experts from the world of science, education, technology and engineering. Each film is a jumping-off point for a speaker to explore the history, current research and ethics related to a science topic in the film.

An initiative of the COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE, with major support from the ALFRED P. SLOAN FOUNDATION

Hidden Figures

Thursday, March 25th

Doors open at 6:00 PM
Price: $5.00

Join us as we kick off the spring 2021 season of “Science on Screen” at McWane Science Center!

BUY TICKETS

Our first Science on Screen will feature a screening of Hidden Figures. In this award-winning film, a team of African-American women provide NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch the program’s first successful space missions. Guest speakers, Dr. Samantha Elliot-Briggs (Program Director-UAB School of Education) and Dr. Calvin Briggs (Executive Director- Southern Center for Broadening Participation in STEM) will discuss the challenges and opportunities of women and girls — particularly women and girls of color — in STEM and STEM education.

McWane Science Center knows that families continue to struggle as they strive to determine the best educational path for their children during this uncertain time.  Some are choosing to continue with virtual/remote learning options rather than enter the regular classroom at this time.  This can be overwhelming for parents who must balance work and/or the responsibilities of managing their households.  McWane Science Center would like to help relieve some of this stress and provide an option for parents/families that are searching for support.  As such we will be extending our Learning Lab program through the end of December 2020, and this is now open to the general public for registration.

  • Learning Labs available beginning the week of November 2nd
  • Cost per child: $300 per child, per week → Register Below ↓
  • Financial assistance available for those who qualify
    *Scholarships are not processed online
  • 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday (with the exception of a couple of holiday weeks)
  • Supports learning for 1st through 6th grades
  • Grade-based classrooms with less than 12 students per class
  • Virtual learning time to support the educational requirements for each child
  • Afternoon science camps and enrichment experiences to engage students in science, learning, and fun
  • An in-person environment that is safe and supports limited classroom capacity, social distancing, face coverings for all students, and a regimented cleaning protocol
  • Lunch provided daily

Program Weeks Include:

  • Week of November 2nd-6th
  • Week of November 9th-13th
  • Week of November 16th-20th
  • Week of November 23rd-25th (shortened for Thanksgiving)
  • Week of November 30th – December 4th
  • Week of December 7th-December 11th
  • Week of December 14th-December 18th
  • Week of December 28th-December 31st

No lab during the week of December 21st-December 25th

Registration Information

Register Online Now
Release Form
For more information about our Learning Labs and the registration process, contact:

Susan Tipton | stipton@mcwane.org | (205) 714-8305

Scholarship Information

Scholarship Application
Registration Form
For more information regarding available financial assistance, contact:

Susan Tipton | stipton@mcwane.org | (205) 714-8305

McWane Science Center is excited to share a selection of fun and engaging science activities you can do with your kids (of all ages!) from the comfort of your own home.

Please browse the selection of home experiments below, all available for you to download, print, and use freely.

We would love to hear and see what you are doing to keep busy. Email us at stories@mcwane.org and don’t forget to tag McWane Science Center when sharing your Stay Home Science expirements on Instagram and Facebook!

Home Experiments

Hoop Glider

Coffee Fossils

Amazing Polymers

What's the Buzz About?

Rube Goldberg

pH Rainbow

Bread in a Bag

Balloon Rockets

Bubble Objects

Make Your Own Lava Lamp

Milky Color Explosion

Don't Spill the Water

Making Music

Women in Science Worksheets

Tu Youyou

Hope Jahren

Itty Bitty Science Activities

Frantic Friction

Engineering Challenge

Edible Paint

Crater Creation

Music Monday

Tasty Tuesday

Work Together Wednesday

Artsy Thursday

Family Friday

Amaze your students with the wonders of science!

Get connected with McWane on the Web.

McWane Science Center is taking our educational programs and demonstrations online!

Whether you are teaching on campus, in a virtual classroom, or at home, these science lessons offer a unique, interactive opportunity to engage your students in science. These science lessons are a great fit for virtual classrooms, on-campus learning, or homeschooling.

Virtual learning will be available in multiple formats, Digital Workshops, Live Streams, and On-Demand Videos! For more information about booking a program, contact Lawrence Cooper at lcooper@mcwane.org.

Download the brochure for complete details.

Brochure:

Download PDF

Itty Bitty Magic City is excited to offer daily programming and special classes that focus on science, movement, and creative and constructive play.

Daily Programming Schedule

Itty Bitty Magic City is excited to offer programming and special classes that focus on science, movement, and creative and constructive play. Join us daily for educational programming like Little Labs and Science in the City! See our program descriptions and a link to our monthly calendar to plan your visit. These programs are free and open to all visitors.

Little Labs

Little Lab programs are 20-30 minute of hands on activities that allow your child to experience “STEAM.” “STEAM” is the foundation of learning and stands for learning through science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

Little Lab Program Descriptions

Curiosity Cart

Curiosity Cart programs are short 2-3-minute teaching activities that are presented on the floor of IBMC throughout each day. Times vary.  Activities range from seasonal activities to favorites such as making slime, mini reactions, static electricity, weather bottles, magnets, or sink and float activities.

Itty Bitty Magic City Teacher Guide

Itty Bitty Teacher Guide PDF

This guide will serve to assist you and your class in getting the most out of your visit to the Itty Bitty Magic City. It is a collection of questions, ideas, and activities that can be used to foster children’s exploratory thinking and connect the educational themes found in the Itty Bitty Magic City to your curriculum before, during, and after your visit.

Click here to check out the exhibit!

Our programs support your curriculum and meet the Alabama Course of Study Standards (ACOSS) and National Science Education Standards (NSES). McWane Science Center makes science exciting and inspires exploration in each of the young minds that enter our doors.

Help us continue our mission by booking a field trip and becoming our partner in changing lives through science and wonder.

Educator Advisory Committee

The goal of the McWane Educator Advisory Committee is to foster collaboration and learning among teachers and be an advocate for McWane’s mission to spark wonder and curiosity about our world through hands-on science.
Educator Advisory Committee members will:
1. Be involved in evaluating, piloting and developing educational programs produced by McWane’s Education Department.

2. Help connect McWane’s education programs to state standards and the needs of classroom teachers.

3. Be willing to serve on the advisory committee for a 2-year term.

4. Receive one free McWane on the Go classroom program during the school year.

5. Receive a one-year family membership to McWane Science Center.

6. Meet three times per year at the Museum.
Application deadline: September 6, 2019
Notification: September 13, 2019
The Educator Advisory Committee is open to all classroom teachers, Pre-K to 12th grade, informal educators with teaching experience, and community representatives working directly with children ages 0-18 years.
Applications must be received by McWane Science Center no later than Friday, September 6, 2019.

Application for Educator Advisory Committee

 

2020 Field Trip Guide

Learn what adventures await your class this school year at McWane.

Field Trip Guide

Click to view

Download PDF

 

The Field Trip Guide includes a list of upcoming exhibits, IMAX films and educational programs* for the 2019-2020 school year. It is designed to assist you in planning a field trip to McWane Science Center and learn about the educational adventures that are waiting for your class next year at McWane Science Center.

E-VERIFY AFFIDAVIT

If your school or organization requires a copy of this form, you can download a certified copy of McWane Science Center’s Affidavit and Memorandum of Understanding for E-Verify.

McWane Science Center strives to provide home school students with opportunities to explore science in unique and fun ways! Our Home School Labs meet every Tuesday morning in September and January.

Our Home School Labs are designed to supplement what children are learning at home. Students can use equipment and take part in experiments that are not easily executed in the home classroom.

Home School S.T.E.M. Labs

Check back soon for information about dates, programming, and registration.

Click here

McWane on the Move

McWane Science Center

Can’t come to McWane? Order science to go!

McWane on the Move provides hands-on, interactive programs that meet or supplement curriculum objectives and spark students’ scientific curiosity. Our programs are perfect for classrooms, assembly programs, libraries and community events.

Questions? Email us!

Programming

Sun Blocks

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: Pre-K–K
PROGRAM: Classroom
Students will learn about white and UV light as they build structures to block the negative effects of our sun.
APKS: S.P.1.2, 4.5
SCIENCE: K:7, 8; Grade 1:3

Matter Mysteries

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: Pre K-2
PROGRAM: Classroom
Can you identify and classify the three states of matter? Working in teams, students will make observations and create hypotheses to solve our matter mystery.
APKS: S.P: 1.2, 2.2
SCIENCE: Grade 2: 1, 2, 4

Mad Scientist

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: Pre-K-2
PROGRAM: Classroom
Meet McWane’s mad scientist and explore the bubbling world of chemistry. From silly experiments to amazing tricks of science, students will observe the scientific method up-close and in action.
APKS: S.P. 1.1, 1.2, 2.2
SCIENCE: Grade 2:1

Fossil Finders

DISCIPLINE: Earth Science
GRADES: PreK-3
PROGRAM: Classroom
Grab your magnifying glass as we travel back in time to the prehistoric period and uncover the footprints of ancient plants and animals.
APKS: S.P.1.4
SCIENCE: K:3, Grade 2:8; Grade 3:9

Hungry, Hungry Codapillar

DISCIPLINE: Technology
GRADES: K-2
PROGRAM: Classroom
Ready, set, CODE! Students will create command patterns to help our robotic caterpillars eat their way through several technological challenges, Large open area (10 ft. x 12 ft.) required.
APKS: T.P. 1.1, 1.2
DIGITAL LITERACY STANDARDS: Grade K: 2, 12; Grade 1: 3, 19; Grade 2: 2, 3

Amazing Animals

DISCIPLINE: Life Sciences
GRADES: K-12
PROGRAM: Classroom
Bring animals right into your classroom! Students will learn about each animal’s natural habitat, diet, adaptations and what makes them different from other living things.
SCIENCE: K: 3,4; Grade 1: 6, 7; Grade 2: 6, 7; Grade 3: 5, 7, 10, 11; Grade 4: 9, 11; Grade 7:6, 8, 10
BIOLOGY: 9-12

Enlightening Electricity

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: 2–6
PROGRAM: Classroom
It’s electric! Students will explore circuits and how they work in order to create a functioning electrical system.
SCIENCE: Grade 4: 2,4

STEM Expeditions

DISCIPLINE: Earth and Space Science
GRADES: 2-6
PROGRAM: Classroom
Move your students beyond the limitations of the classroom! The new STEM Expeditions program combines virtual reality technology and hands-on experiences to explore Earth and beyond! Choose between a tour of the Solar System or exploring Earth’s features.
SCIENCE: Grade 2:8; Grade 3:14; Grade 4: 12 & 16; Grade 5: 12 &14; Grade 6: 2, 3, 4,5,7, 13 & 14
DIGITAL LITERACY STANDARDS: Grade 3:12 & 21; Grade 4: 20 &19

Reactions in Action

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: 3–8
PROGRAM: Classroom
Students will get fired up about science as we explore combustion and dazzle them with color-changing liquids. These fascinating experiments teach students all about chemical changes in matter!
SCIENCE: Grade 2: 1, 2, 3, 4; Grade 4: 4; Grade 5: 1, 3, 4; Grade 8: 2, 3a, 4, 5

A-MAZE-ing Robots

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: 3rd and up
Experience the world of computer coding using Ozobots, one of the world’s smallest programmable robots.
TECHNOLOGY: Grade 3rd- 5th 3, 7
DIGITAL LITERACY: Grade 3: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 18, 19; Grade 4: 2, 3, 4 & 7; Grade 5: 2, 4, 5, 6; Grade 6: 6, 15, 21, 30; Grade 7: 5; Grade 8: 5

Sun Blocks

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: Pre-K–K
PROGRAM: Classroom
Students will learn about white and UV light as they build structures to block the negative effects of our sun.
APKS: S.P.1.2, 4.5
SCIENCE: K:7, 8; Grade 1:3

Matter Mysteries

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: Pre K-2
PROGRAM: Classroom
Can you identify and classify the three states of matter? Working in teams, students will make observations and create hypotheses to solve our matter mystery.
APKS: S.P: 1.2, 2.2
SCIENCE: Grade 2: 1, 2, 4

Mad Scientist

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: Pre-K-2
PROGRAM: Classroom
Meet McWane’s mad scientist and explore the bubbling world of chemistry. From silly experiments to amazing tricks of science, students will observe the scientific method up-close and in action.
APKS: S.P. 1.1, 1.2, 2.2
SCIENCE: Grade 2:1

Fossil Finders

DISCIPLINE: Earth Science
GRADES: PreK-3
PROGRAM: Classroom
Grab your magnifying glass as we travel back in time to the prehistoric period and uncover the footprints of ancient plants and animals.
APKS: S.P.1.4
SCIENCE: K:3, Grade 2:8; Grade 3:9

Hungry, Hungry Codapillar

DISCIPLINE: Technology
GRADES: K-2
PROGRAM: Classroom
Ready, set, CODE! Students will create command patterns to help our robotic caterpillars eat their way through several technological challenges, Large open area (10 ft. x 12 ft.) required.
APKS: T.P. 1.1, 1.2
DIGITAL LITERACY STANDARDS: Grade K: 2, 12; Grade 1: 3, 19; Grade 2: 2, 3

Amazing Animals

DISCIPLINE: Life Sciences
GRADES: K-12
PROGRAM: Classroom
Bring animals right into your classroom! Students will learn about each animal’s natural habitat, diet, adaptations and what makes them different from other living things.
SCIENCE: K: 3,4; Grade 1: 6, 7; Grade 2: 6, 7; Grade 3: 5, 7, 10, 11; Grade 4: 9, 11; Grade 7:6, 8, 10
BIOLOGY: 9-12

Enlightening Electricity

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: 2–6
PROGRAM: Classroom
It’s electric! Students will explore circuits and how they work in order to create a functioning electrical system.
SCIENCE: Grade 4: 2,4

STEM Expeditions

DISCIPLINE: Earth and Space Science
GRADES: 2-6
PROGRAM: Classroom
Move your students beyond the limitations of the classroom! The new STEM Expeditions program combines virtual reality technology and hands-on experiences to explore Earth and beyond! Choose between a tour of the Solar System or exploring Earth’s features.
SCIENCE: Grade 2:8; Grade 3:14; Grade 4: 12 & 16; Grade 5: 12 &14; Grade 6: 2, 3, 4,5,7, 13 & 14
DIGITAL LITERACY STANDARDS: Grade 3:12 & 21; Grade 4: 20 &19

Design and Construct

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: 3-6
PROGRAM: Classroom
Students become design and construction crews as they build tornado-proof structures. We will explore how people use science to deal with the powerful forces of nature.
SCIENCE: Grade 3:15, Grade 4:17

Reactions in Action

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: 3–8
PROGRAM: Classroom
Students will get fired up about science as we explore combustion and dazzle them with color-changing liquids. These fascinating experiments teach students all about chemical changes in matter!
SCIENCE: Grade 2: 1, 2, 3, 4; Grade 4: 4; Grade 5: 1, 3, 4; Grade 8: 2, 3a, 4, 5

A-MAZE-ing Robots

DISCIPLINE: Physical Science
GRADES: 3rd and up
Experience the world of computer coding using Ozobots, one of the world’s smallest programmable robots.
TECHNOLOGY: Grade 3rd- 5th 3, 7
DIGITAL LITERACY: Grade 3: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 18, 19; Grade 4: 2, 3, 4 & 7; Grade 5: 2, 4, 5, 6; Grade 6: 6, 15, 21, 30; Grade 7: 5; Grade 8: 5

Pricing Plans

Schools

Classroom Program

30 Student Maximum
$ 150
  • In-person, on-location live science programming
  • Interactive experiences with hands-on learning
  • Choose from a variety of programs to suit your students' needs
  • $25 add-on program discount*
REQUEST BOOKING
Requests must be received 30 days prior to program date to be considered

Assembly Program

150 Student Maximum
$ 300
  • In-person, on-location live science programming
  • Interactive experiences with hands-on learning
  • Choose from a variety of programs to suit your students' needs
  • $75 add-on program discount*
REQUEST BOOKING
Requests must be received 30 days prior to program date to be considered

Libraries / Communities

Small Group Program

< 30 Participants
$ 125
  • In-person, on-location live science programming
  • Interactive and engaging science learning for all ages
  • Choose from a variety of programs to suit your community's needs
REQUEST BOOKING
Requests must be received 30 days prior to program date to be considered

Large Group Program

≥ 30 Participants
$ 175
  • In-person, on-location live science programming
  • Interactive and engaging science learning for all ages
  • Choose from a variety of programs to suit your community's needs
REQUEST BOOKING
Requests must be received 30 days prior to program date to be considered

Educational Scholarship Fund

Financial assistance for qualifying groups

 McWane Science Center’s Education Scholarship Fund can be utilized to assist with the cost of field trips and outreach programs. Funds are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis for Title I and other qualifying schools and organizations in Alabama. To see if your school or organization is eligible, please fill out the application and our scholarship administrator or reservation specialist will contact you.

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Mileage charge of 51 cents/mile applies to ALL Alabama counties except Jefferson or Shelby.

*Add-on programs must be same as original program, scheduled for same day and location. Student maximum of original program applies to all discounted add-on programs.

Field Trips

McWane Science Center is committed to making each field trip the most worthwhile experience for you and your students. Every one of McWane Science Center’s programs is aligned with the Alabama Course of Study Standards as well as the National Science Education Standards.

Field Trip Guide

The Field Trip Guide includes a list of upcoming exhibits, IMAX films and educational programs for the 2020-21 school year. It is designed to assist you in planning a field trip to McWane Science Center and learn about the educational adventures that are waiting for your class next year at McWane Science Center.

Click to view
Download PDF
FT-ReqForm-Scsht
Field Trip Request Form

Reserve Your Field Trip Today!

Please complete the request form to begin scheduling your field trip. Afterwards, a reservation specialists will send you a confirmation e-mail to confirm your trip. If you have any questions, please e-mail our reservations department at reservations@mcwane.org.

Educational Scholarship Fund for Field Trips

Financial assistance may be available for qualifying groups.

McWane Science Center’s Education Scholarship Fund can be utilized to assist with the cost of field trips and outreach programs. Funds are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis for Title I and other qualifying schools and organizations in Alabama. McWane Science Center’s Education Scholarship Fund will cover the cost of admission into the Adventure Halls for students, as well as an optional education program (subject to availability). Education Scholarship Funds will NOT cover transportation, parking, bus costs and other McWane Science Center options such as IMAX films, group lunches, concessions, etc. To see if your school or organization is eligible, please fill out the application and our scholarship administrator or reservation specialist will contact you.

Scholarship Application Form

Educator E-Newsletter

If you would like to receive email updates for educators about the latest workshops, exhibits and happenings at the center, please click here and send us your contact information.

Spring Break Camps

Registration is now open!

Learn More

Summer Camps

Registration is now open!

Learn More