Science Alliance Middle School Program
Classes at the Museum for students Grades 6-8.
Learn new skills doing what you love—and meet our scientists. Explore the Tree of Life, our universe, and humankind. Make friends and collaborate on scientific discoveries!
Join Science Alliance
All classes are for students in Grades 6–8. Students can choose the topics they want to explore: anthropology, astrophysics, conservation science, Earth science, and evolutionary biology.
During the school year, Science Alliance runs three sessions: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Classes will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school and Saturdays during the day.
- Tuesday and Thursday classes meet from 4:30–6:30 pm for eight weeks.
- Saturday classes meet from 10 am–3 pm for four weeks.
Daniel Kim/© AMNH
Alvaro Keding/© AMNH
Fall 2026 Sessions
Class:
Tiny-Verse: The World of Microbiology
What if you could see the hidden world that exists all around—and inside—you? In Tiny-Verse, you’ll dive into the fascinating field of microbiology, the study of organisms too small to see with the naked eye. From bacteria and fungi to protists and algae, you’ll discover how these tiny forms of life shape our planet, our health, and our food. Through hands-on investigation, you’ll learn how to grow and study microbes, use microscopes to examine them up close, explore how microbiology helps us solve real-world problems, and gain an understanding of how biologists apply microbiology and genetic techniques in research.
Dates: Saturdays 10/3, 10/17, 10/24, 11/7
Time: 10 am–3 pm
Cost: $1000
Tuition assistance is also available. Please complete this application.
Age Group:
Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Dates & Times:
October 3–November 7.
Saturdays, 10 am–3 pm
Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
October 3–November 7.
Saturdays, 10 am–3 pm
Class:
Animal Prosthetics
What if your design could help an injured animal walk, swim, or fly again? In this hands-on course, you’ll explore how technology and creativity can improve the lives of animals with physical challenges. Using tools like Tinkercad, clay, building bricks, and 3D printing, you’ll work in teams to design and build your own prosthetic prototypes. Along the way, you’ll learn how engineers brainstorm ideas, test designs using augmented reality, and refine their creations to meet real needs. By the end of the course, you’ll showcase your final designs and highlight how compassion and innovation can make a difference.
Dates: Tuesdays 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15
Time: 4:30–6:30 pm
Cost: $1000
Tuition assistance is also available. Please complete this application.
Age Group:
Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Dates & Times:
October 13–December 15.
Tuesdays, 4:30–6:30 pm
Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
October 13–December 15.
Tuesdays, 4:30–6:30 pm
Class:
Astro Explorations
Humans have gazed into the sky for centuries and wondered how our lives are connected to the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars that dot our night view. Through the science of astronomy, we have uncovered not just connections to our own lives, but to the universe at large. This class is designed as an introductory step into astronomy. We will survey the history, scale, and motions of the universe and learn about the ways that humans continue to gain a coherent picture of the cosmos. Along the way, we will also explore how Museum astronomers carry out their observations and other work to make new discoveries.
Dates: Tuesdays 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1,12/8, 12/15
Time: 4:30–6:30 pm
Cost: $1000
Tuition assistance is also available. Please complete this application.
Age Group:
Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Dates & Times:
October 13–December 15.
Tuesdays, 4:30–6:30 pm
Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
October 13–December 15.
Tuesdays, 4:30–6:30 pm
Class:
Human Story: An Evolutionary "Tale"
Why do humans walk upright? Why are chimpanzees so different from us despite sharing 98.8 percent of our DNA? Why do great apes and humans not have tails? Human Story is the dynamic story of us—our evolution, our interactions, and our expansion. Learn how scientists and artists work together to reconstruct our ancient ancestors through explorations of our halls, laboratory experiments, and meetings with Museum scientists. In following this evolutionary “tale,” you will explore our place in the tree of life, investigate the evolutionary processes that shape us, and discuss what makes us human.
Dates: Thursdays—10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10
Time: 4:30–6:30 pm
Cost: $1000
Tuition assistance is also available. Please complete this application.
Age Group:
Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Dates & Times:
October 15–December 10.
Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 pm
Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
October 15–December 10.
Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 pm
Class:
A Universe Without Minerals
Imagine a world without minerals—no jewelry, no cool technology, not even the planet beneath your feet! In this class, you’ll uncover the secrets of minerals, from the dazzling specimens in the Halls of Gems and Minerals to the rocks that built NYC—and even the crystals inside your own body. Along the way, you’ll see how minerals power our phones, shape our cities, and help us explore space. If you love discovery, adventure, and things that rock, this class is for you!
Dates: Thursdays 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10
Time: 4:30–6:30 pm
Cost: $1000
Tuition assistance is also available. Please complete this application.
Age Group:
Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Dates & Times:
October 15–December 10.
Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 pm
Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
October 15–December 10.
Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 pm
Middle School Programming in the Gilder Center is proudly sponsored by the New York Life Foundation.