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Science Labs
What does DNA have to do with the taste of broccoli? How do roller coasters make our stomachs drop? Can you find a solution to water pollution? Students can explore these and other questions as they roll up their sleeves in The Tech Interactive’s hands-on Science Labs.
These interactive, facilitated sessions reinforce scientific concepts and help students develop 21st century skills. Participants will use the design process to brainstorm, design, build, test and redesign their way to creative solutions to real-world science and engineering challenges.
Learn more about our summer, school year, or virtual lab programs. Each of our labs supports Next Generation Science Standards and are complemented by related gallery exhibits and pre- and post-lab activities.
School Year Lab Offerings
With 9 labs to choose from, there’s a science lab for nearly every subject! Click through for full descriptions and supporting content. School year science labs are available Tuesday through Friday from Sept. 5, 2023, through June 7, 2024. Minimum of 12 students required to reserve a lab.
For information on our virtual programs, click here.
60 Minute Labs
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Chemistry of Plastination
Grades 8-12
More than just anatomy, Body Worlds Decoded is also a display of advanced chemical processes. Students investigate and experiment with some of the chemistry behind the preservation process of Body Worlds.
Lab Guide
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Make it Matter
Grade 2 only
Play with the building blocks of the universe: matter! Students explore and experiment with the properties of matter using everyday chemicals and compounds.
Lab Guide
90 Minute Labs
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Advanced Physics of Roller Coasters
Grades 9-12
Calculate the thrills and excitement of your own roller coaster prototypes! Students build their prototypes, then determine the kinetic and potential energy of their designs.
Lab Guide
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Chemicals of Innovation
Grades 5-8
Investigate chemical properties and bring the periodic table to life. Students experiment with chemical reactions and explore real-life applications and innovations featuring the elements of life.
Lab Guide
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DNA and Genetics
Grades 6-12
Investigate the wonders of DNA and genetics. Students examine strawberries, spool DNA from nature, and discover some of their own hidden genetic traits. This lab was created in partnership with the Stanford Department of Genetics.
Lab Guide
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Down the Drain
Grades 3-8
Design and construct different types of storm drain grates to keep trash out of the Bay’s watershed from San Jose to the Pacific Ocean. Students discover how water systems function and how to use science and their own ideas to protect Earth’s natural resources.
Lab Guide
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Engineering for Earthquakes
Grades 4-8
Construct seismically sound structures to survive “The Big One.” Students work as teams to practice the structural design and engineering process as they learn about one of California’s greatest natural threats: earthquakes.
Lab Guide
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Physics of Roller Coasters
Grades 2-8
Discover the science and engineering behind thrill rides! Students explore kinetic and potential energy, friction and the engineering process by designing and prototyping their own roller coasters.
Lab Guide
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Simplicity of Electricity
Grades 4-8
Explore properties of static and current electricity with everyday objects. Students investigate conductors and insulators as they tinker with electricity through the creation of circuits.
Lab Guide
Lab Schedule and Costs
Title I Schools*
Science Lab (60-90 minutes): Scholarship provided; pre- and post-visit activity. Available Sept. 5, 2023 - June 7, 2024
Non-Title I Schools
Science Lab (60-90 minutes): $300 per class of 32; minimum of 12 required. Available Sept. 5, 2023 - June 7, 2024
Summer Camps
Science Lab (60-90 minutes): $150 per class of 32; minimum of 12 required. Available June 21, 2023 - July 28, 2023
All Science Labs are offered at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday from Sept. 5, 2023 - June 7, 2024.
*If 40% or more of the students in your program meet the federal guidelines for free or reduced-price lunch, your program is eligible for this subsidy.
A $50 deposit is required per lab at the time of booking. For Title I schools or groups, this deposit will be refunded on the day of your field trip once you have checked in. For non-Title I schools or groups, the deposit will be applied toward your total cost of labs.
Canceling a lab within three weeks of the scheduled date will result in forfeiture of your deposit, unless cancelation was due to a public health directive.
To reserve a Science Lab, please indicate your interest on our Request a Field Trip form. When a Group Reservations specialist calls to schedule your trip, they will guide you through the booking process.
Standards Connections
All of our labs support Next Generation Science Standards. Details on connections to grade-level standards: