Junior Labsters

For Grades K to 2

In this interactive program, young learners and their grown-ups team up to tackle exciting STEAM challenges and unleash their creativity through hands-on art and science activities. Together, they’ll explore the wonders of the world around us—building, experimenting, and imagining side by side.

Any questions or concerns can be directed to education@whitakercenter.org.

Junior Labsters  is designed for children and participating adults. At least one adult must stay with the participant at all times while in Whitaker Center.

Please Note: Science Center exploration before your workshop is NOT included in the price of your workshop.  You will be able to purchase a discounted Science Center ticket  for the participating child(ren) at check out or at our box office on the day of the program. 

Plan Ahead & Secure Your Spot! We’re thrilled to offer engaging programs at the Science Center — and we want to make sure you don’t miss out! To help us prepare and ensure the best experience for everyone, we kindly ask that tickets be purchased in advance. Tickets are not refundable, but can be moved forward to a future Junior Labster program upon request if one is available. 
Please note: Programs require a minimum number of participants. If minimum enrollment is not met, we will notify participants two days before the scheduled date that the program is canceled. Early registration helps us keep these opportunities available! Consider adding a ticket for a friend or sibling!

Dates and Times

Junior Labsters occurs one Saturday per month from 11AM-noon. More details below!

Pricing

$10 per child non-member
$5 per child member

Tickets are nonrefundable.

Each ticket includes the child and their accompanying adult. Tickets need only be purchased for participating child(ren).

Attendees may purchase a discounted ticket to the UPMC Science Center ticket for the participating child(ren) using the link at check out.

Registration

Pre-registration is required. Registration will stay open until the start of the program.

Please Note: UPMC Science Center exploration before your workshop is NOT included in the price of your workshop.  UPMC Science Center hours are 10AM-5PM and tickets can be purchased at the Box Office the day of your workshop.

Register Here

2025-2026 Workshop Schedule

Spider Web Wonders
Oct. 4

What has Eight Legs, 4 sets of eyes and is ready to make a web? …… 4 Labsters at our first Junior Labsters of the school year! Come create a web of learning as we explore some different patterns webs are created in, learn more about the spiders who create them and conquer any fear of spiders you may have!

Apple Investigators
Nov. 1

Did you know there’s often a hidden star inside an apple? Or that apples can have wildly different flavors and textures? What will your investigations into this fall fruit uncover? We’ll be tasting, experimenting, and using apples to create unique pieces of art!

Bake With Me!
Dec. 6

Have you ever had something you’ve baked come to life?!? Hopefully not, or you might have to run and catch it like in the story of the gingerbread man! This week we’ll make our own Gingerbread creations to take home while also exploring some STEAM challenges related to the Gingerbread Man Story.

Farm Fresh Fun
Jan. 3

What’s it like to be a farmer? Milking the cows, driving around a tractor, harvesting crops, what a life! Come learn the science behind how a farm works, and get to experience some of what a farmer does first hand! This is the perfect precursor to the PA Farmshow! 

Read It, Build It!
March 7

Did you know the first week of March is always Read Across America Week? Come help us celebrate by exploring some fun STEAM challenges inspired by some childhood classics such as “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “Cat in the Hat,” “Chicka, Chicka Boom, Boom,” “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs” and more!

Chromatic Quest
April 4

Have you ever seen a real rainbow? All those colors up there in the sky inspired Sir Issac Newton to discover more about color and light. Maybe it can inspire you to come to Junior Labsters this month to discover more about color, light and how they work together!

Beaky Bite Effect
May 2

Do you think birds are the only animals with beaks? Let’s look back in time to see what other animals roamed the earth with beaks. We’ll compare, contrast and explore the differences between beaks, past and present, and find out more about birds’ prehistoric pals, raptors.