Science Alliance Middle School Program

How can technology transform the lives of animals with physical impairments? In this hands-on course, you’ll explore how 3D printing and digital design can be used to create prosthetics for animals in need. Learn how to brainstorm innovative solutions, navigate design constraints, and develop prototypes using tools like Tinkercad, clay, and LEGOs. You’ll collaborate in teams to refine your designs, test them using augmented reality, and ensure they meet the needs of animals. By the end of the course, you’ll have the chance to present your final prototypes during a community showcase, highlighting how creativity and engineering can make a difference.

Dates: Thursdays—4/3, 4/10, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29
Time: 4:30-6:30pm

Cost: $1000

Diamond rain, oceans of lava, endless darkness… these are some of the many discoveries found on exoplanets, or planets that can be found outside of our own solar system. The hunt is on to find as many as possible. Join our astro educators to discover how planets are formed, learn how scientists find and explore exoplanets, and determine if new exoplanets are suitable for life. In this program, you will run experiments, experience the Hayden Planetarium, and create a model of a planetary system that we’ve detected outside of our solar system.

Dates: Thursdays—4/3, 4/10, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29
Time: 4:30-6:30 pm

Cost: $1,000

A universe without minerals can’t exist. Minerals are the building blocks of planets and are essential to all living organisms—including you—not to mention the jewelry you wear and the technology you use. Minerals have shaped our past and our present and will shape our future. And did you know that mineralogy opens doors to fascinating careers? Whether you dream of being a geologist, environmental scientist, or even a space explorer, this course lays the foundation for an exciting future. Join this program to explore the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals and New York City’s geologic features and to learn about the natural processes that make the Earth unique, dynamic, and suitable for life and have shaped human civilizations.

Dates: Fridays—4/4, 4/11, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30
Time: 4:30–6:30 pm

Cost: $1,000

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Biodiversity describes the variety of life on this earth, from the diversity in genomes through the variety of species that make up Earth’s numerous ecosystems. The planet’s health—and our own health—depend on this diversity. In this course, you will design solutions to address ecological challenges we face in the 21st century, from EXAMPLE to SECOND EXAMPLE. We will learn about management strategies for various ecosystems, visit our oyster garden, explore the biodiversity of Central Park’s soil ecosystems, hear from conservation scientists, and biodesign with microbes!

Dates: Fridays—4/4, 4/11, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30
Time: 4:30-6:30 pm

Cost: $1,000

Each week, students will engage in a new theme covering a range of scientific topics, including evolution, ecology, anthropology, astronomy, and Earth and planetary sciences. Students will explore the unique places where science happens by visiting the Museum’s collections and labs and meeting scientists. This academy will nurture students’ innate curiosity while allowing participants to generate new questions about the natural world.

Program Dates: Monday, July 28–Friday, August 22

Program Time: 9 am–3 pm Monday–Friday

Program Cost: $4,500

Member Sale starts on January 31, 2025

General Sale starts on February 5, 2025

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