Carnegie Science Center offers free programs to North Side families

Children may never be more enamored with the wonders of science than when they’re in their pre-kindergarten years.

The Carnegie Science Center believes children who engage their curiosity by asking questions when they’re between the ages of 3-5 build a strong foundation for skills they can use later in life.

That’s why the Science Center recently received funding from the PNC Foundation and Howmet Aerospace Foundation to create early learner programming directly with North Side organizations and families.

The free program begins on March 12 with a classroom workshop called “Ready for Blast Off,” a one-hour program that teaches 3-5-year-olds how to train like an astronaut. Activities begin at 10:30 a.m. and include storytime, gravity dancing and make-and-take astronaut crafts.

“Improvements in access to and quality of early childhood STEM education can build a solid foundation to address the need in our community for more and better STEM knowledge,” said Nikole Sheaffer, senior director of STEM Education at the Science Center. “With support from our partners, we can help our North Side neighbors overcome various barriers and advance STEM equity by offering accessible, quality programming that transforms communities and illuminates career paths f0r the professionals of tomorrow.”

In addition to the morning program, North Side families are also invited to the Science Center after-hours family nights from 6-8 p.m. on March 19 and April 16. The two-hour “Explore the Night Sky” events include science stations centered around constellations, moon craters, telescopes, lights and color.

There is limited capacity for both the classroom program and family nights and preregistration is required. Call Carnegie Science Center at 412-237-3400 to register.