Lab Explorer Sessions are Now Open for Registration for Grades 3-8!
Curiosity meets creativity in this immersive STEAM experience! These two-hour lab workshops invite students in grades 3–8 to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through hands-on challenges rooted in the real world. Whether they’re constructing prototypes, analyzing data, or solving problems, students will leave inspired, empowered, and ready to take on the next challenge.
Any questions or concerns can be directed to education@whitakercenter.org.
Please Note: Science Center exploration before your workshop is NOT included in the price of your workshop. You can purchase a discounted Science Center and/or Digital Cinema ticket(s) for the day of the workshop at our box office.
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.
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
Tech Explorers occurs on Saturday afternoons monthly from 1-3PM. All sessions will be held in STEM Lab A.
Please Note: Other than during our Drop-In Sampler Sessions, Science Center exploration before your session is NOT included in the workshop. Science Center tickets can be purchased at the Box Office the day of your workshop.
Pricing & Registration
$12 per session non-member
$8 per session member
Tickets are nonrefundable.
Attendees may purchase a discounted ticket to the UPMC Science Center or the Select Digital Cinema for the day of their workshop at our box office.
Discounted tickets for UPMC Science Center are $10.
Discounted tickets for Select Digital Cinema are $6.
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!
2025 – 2026 Workshop Schedule
FREE: Drop In and Try It Out
Let’s Dig It!
Sept. 27 & 28, 2025
Learn about all the -ologies of the past in this Lab Explorers workshop! Lab Explorers will learn about the similarities and differences between Paleontology, Archaeology, and Geology. They’ll put that knowledge to the test and dig into the past to learn more.
Please note: these sessions on Sept. 27 and 28 are being offered as free on a drop-in basis for guests with the cost of admission to Whitaker Center for the day. The STEM Lab in the Science Center will be open for any guest to come in and try out some of our hands on STEAM activities. Educators will be there to help you with the explorations and tell you more about the Lab Explorers program.
Engineering Escapades
Nov. 15, 2025
In this fast-paced, hands on workshop, Lab Explorers will use the engineering design cycle to develop solutions to a wide range of problems. Be sure to bring your thinking cap — and your hard hat!
Spheros in Space
Dec. 20, 2025
Next Stop… Mars! Explore Earth’s closest neighbor in this out-of-this-world workshop. Lab Explorers will use tech tools, like Sphero mini-robots, to plan and execute a simulated mission to Mars. Will you be part of the Artemis mission? Experience… TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING!
Fun with Forensics
Jan. 18, 2026
Use your investigative mind to take on the many roles of a special agent: detective, scientist, psychologist, enforcer of the law. We’ll learn how to follow clues and discover facts like a real detective. Discover secrets from the worlds of forensic science and criminal psychology in this Forensic workshop!
Water Quality Watchdogs
Feb. 22, 2026
Water Quality Watchdogs Water is life, and the challenge of keeping our water clean is one that grows and grows as our world changes. Where does the water that comes out of your sink come from? How is it made safe to drink? Learn about watersheds, and later learn how we can play our part to keep our water clean.
Animal Atlas
April 18, 2026
There’s a lot we can learn from animals! In this workshop, Lab Explorers will discover how adaptations help animals survive in many different habitats. They will learn about animals’ response to changes in their habitat, and how we can be resilient just like them!
Kitchen Chemistry
May 16, 2026
By paying careful attention during experiments, scientists learn new things — even if they’ve done the test before. You’re a scientist every time you do an experiment! In this workshop, you’ll find out where science has been hiding in your own home. We’ll conduct experiments with ingredients you may have in your own home — then, try it for yourself! The fun doesn’t have to stop in the lab!