Our Philosophy on Summer Learning
This summer, we’re offering both in-person and virtual programs that begin on July 12th.
Learn with us in person at our Herndon location, or meet us online and let our instructors help you do your own hands-on science learning at home.
We think the most exciting research advances happen when scientific disciplines overlap. We emphasize multi-disciplinary learning in all of our programs. Each week of camp has an overall theme. Within that theme, students will explore basic biology, chemistry, physics, math and engineering concepts. They will also have the opportunity to work with a variety of robotic systems.
Every day includes both structured learning and free-learning time when children are encouraged to try various activities and choose which centers they want to spend their time at. This allows them time to pursue larger scale projects over several days if they are so inclined.
Of course our research team has to be physically fit for space and undersea exploration! We make time everyday for athletic activities and set aside time for relaxing and reflecting in our "quiet room" .
In Person Summer Programs
Our summer programs are open to children ages 4 (if they are potty-trained) through 15.
How Does It Work?
In-person programs:
-
Register online
-
Choose between 1 week, 2 or 3 day programs as well as full or half day options
In-Person Program Pricing:
-
Half day programs: 1 Week $300 / 3-Day $180 / 2-Day $120
-
Full Day programs: 1 Week $450 / 3-Day $270 / 2-Day $180
-
10% discount for siblings or multiple week bookings
New In-Person Location
Summer 2021 Science Place programs will be held at
520 Herndon Pkwy Suite D,
Herndon, VA 20170
703-277-3400
Program Hours
Half Day Morning: 9 AM - 12 PM
Half Day Afternoon: 1 PM - 4 PM
Full Day: 9 AM - 4 PM
Ocean Expedition
July 12-16
Explore the world’s oceans from coral reefs to deep sea hydrothermal vents. Learn the physics behind a tsunami, experiment to see how rising levels of carbon dioxide change water chemistry and meet some of the most amazing animals on our planet. Try out underwater research tools like SCUBA gear, underwater cameras, and ROVs.
Space Odyssey
July 19-23
Explore our solar system and beyond. Compare our sun to other stars, visit gas giants and make your own glow-in –the- dark Saturn to take home. Try out our human gyroscope to see how astronauts move in zero gravity. Explore the latest research on how life might exist on other planets, pick a planet and design your own alien life form adapted to extreme conditions.
Earth Explorers
July 26-30
Environmental science in action! Analyze soil and water samples to measure ecosystem health. Learn how nutrients move through ecosystems and how people can have a positive impact on the environment. Track energy from the sun as it moves through different ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to ocean food webs. See how plants and animals interact, compete for resources and adapt to survive in different habitats. Build and monitor your own biome, then take it home to care for.
Spy Academy
August 2-6
Learn the science behind spying! Try to defeat a laser security grid. Learn how night vision gear works and try it out. Learn code-writing and breaking and how satellite surveillance is used not just for spying, but also for scientific research. Make your own invisible ink to take home and learn chemistry that will save the day when you test for "poison" at an embassy party!
Forensics Academy
August 9-13
Put your scientific and detective skills to use solving mysteries! Try out forensic science techniques like fingerprinting, DNA analysis, blood-typing and fiber analysis. Learn how to process a "crime scene" and calculate the location of a shooter by analyzing bullet holes left in a wall. Test your powers of observation and see how accurate your eyewitness testimony is after a real-world incident.
Explore The Pacific Northwest With Us!
Join Dr. B on a science expedition to the Pacific Coast! We'll get live updates from the field as we explore the kelp forests, tidepools, temperate rainforests, volcanoes and rainshadow deserts of Washington State, Oregon and California! Some highlights will be:
-
Whale watching off the San Juan Islands
-
A guest lecture from The Whale Museum on the resident and transient orca of the area and their different cultures and dialects
-
Exploring tidepools and kelp forests
-
Visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute which specializes in deep sea exploration.!
-
Visit the La Brea tarpits to see fossils of Ice Age animals
-
In-depth learning of the geology and paleontology of the Pacific Coast!
-
And much more! Dr. B will be giving Zoom lectures with hands-on labs to illustrate what we're learning, and there will be downloadable maps and Biology Bingo cards you can fill in as you get updates from the field!