401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy
Des Moines, IA 50309
USA
Pint Size Science (PSS) classes provide stepping stones for early learners to explore science topics and help parents/caregivers feel more confident being a STEM coach for their child.
Workshops are held for children, ages 3–5 years old with a caring adult, from 9:15–10:15 AM on Thursdays in October.
PSS Fall Theme: When Things Get Moving
Our most popular and interactive space is getting a make over! In this year’s fall session we will look at the new and updated exhibit components and the science that not only makes them fun but also educational. During each session we will read a book, explore a hands on activity and sing/dance to a fun song.
October 3 Things that Fall: Shooting a basketball into a hoop and launching a rocket toward the moon both use the same type of motion. Learn how objects move along a curved path under the influence of gravity.
October 10 Things that Swing: Pendulums have been used to keep track of time as well as prove the rotation of the Earth. Learn how the back and forth motion of a swing is based on a pendulum.
October 17 Things that Travel: SCI’s Ball Wall is not only fun and engaging, but it allows for trial and error in trying to understand how objects move based on different types of forces. Experiment with ways to move objects through different paths using various mechanical forces.
October 24 Things that Push: Even though we can’t see air, we can definitely feel the effects of it. Explore the ways the air pressure can cause things to get moving.
October 31 Things that Spin: Spinning and rotating objects are affected by special forces that make them act in very unique ways. Learn about how the sun keeps the Earth rotating around it and merry-go-rounds make you feel like you are going to fly outward.
Cost per student:
- Members = $11
- Non-Members = $19
Cost for parents/caring adult: No additional cost for parents that register for the workshop*
* Only those that are registered, both students and parents/caring adult, can attend the workshop. Children younger than 3 attending the workshop do not need to be registered. Registered participants receive admission to the Science Center of Iowa for the remainder of the day.