Get the entire family diving deep into art and science topics! Perfect for families with children ages 4 and up, each educator-led Think Lab is held in a small group setting for a focused and cooperative experience. Create and collaborate side by side as you explore complex processes, use real scientific tools and investigate using unique materials.
Explore workshops below:
Candy Chemistry
(Ages 7+)
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More information
Pricing
$5 Member Adult or Child Workshop Fee
$12 Non-Member Adult or Child Workshop Fee
$30 per Candy Chemistry Gingerbread House Kit (Every group must purchase at least one house)
Availability*
Workshops offered at 10:45 am (10:30 am on Dec. 24)
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21,22 & 23
* Individual dates subject to availability; please see reservations page for current list of available dates and rooms
Join us in Kitchen Lab for a 2.5-hour workshop exploring the different forms of sugar at a molecular level! Put a spin on sugar by making your own cotton candy. Master the phases of matter while creating lollipops and chocolate pops. Then, use your various candy creations to decorate your own unique gingerbread house. As a finale, witness the dazzling display of sugar being converted to energy. Once your creation is complete we’ll move it to the Gingerbread Village, where you can pick it up after playing at Thinkery!
Seriously Sweet Structures
(Ages 8+)
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More Information
Pricing
$5 Member Adult or Child Workshop Fee
$12 Non-Member Adult or Child Workshop Fee
$30 per Gingerbread Structures Kit (Every group must purchase at least one house)
Availability*
Workshops offered at 2:30 pm (10:30 am on Dec. 24)
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 & 24
* Individual dates subject to availability; please see reservations page for current list of available dates and rooms
Join us in Spark Shop for a 2.5-hour workshop that uses gingerbread and icing as a sweet introduction to architecture and design for ages 8 and up. Through a series of structural engineering challenges, guests discover the shapes and forms vital to sturdy gingerbread construction while taking inspiration from well-known Austin landmarks. Once your creation is complete we’ll move it to the Gingerbread Village, where you can pick it up after playing at Thinkery!
Pop and Fizz (Ages 4 and up), 1 hour, Kitchen Lab
Have you ever wondered what makes things go pop, fizz and change colors? Join us in Kitchen Lab as we explore concoctions and investigate chemistry that will blow your mind!
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Date Time
Saturday, January 5 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Sunday, January 6 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Saturday, January 19 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Sunday, January 20 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Monday, January 21 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Cow Eye Dissection (Ages 7 and up), 1 hour, Kitchen Lab
Learn about your own anatomy by exploring an eyeball in this biology-focused Think Lab. You’ll dissect a cow eye and explore the science behind the incredible sense of sight! The cow eyes used are preserved in a solution safe and free of formalin odor.
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Date Time
Saturday, February 2 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Sunday, February 3 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Saturday, February 16 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Sunday, February 17 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Monday, February 18 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Pollution Solution (Ages 4 and up), 1 hour, Kitchen Lab
Have you ever wondered where water flows to after it rains? How do we prevent runoff and other pollutants from entering our waterways? In this Think Lab, you’ll design and build a model neighborhood while exploring ways to reduce flooding and water pollution. Through creative play, we’ll practice our engineering skills and problem-solving solutions for pollution!
Date Time
Saturday, March 2 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Sunday, March 3 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Saturday, March 16 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Sunday, March 17 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
Monday, March 18 10:30am or 12:00pm or 1:30pm
How is a Think Lab different from other activities at Thinkery?
These educator-led Think Labs provide an opportunity for visitors to engage in a deeper and more advanced learning experience. Participants are provided the opportunity to take over a program space and engage with Thinkery staff in a more intimate setting,
What will we be doing during the Think Lab?
Most of our Think Labs build off of themes and concepts that are present throughout our museum, but involve more advanced tools or more complex processes. During these Think Labs, families and groups will work together to learn a new skill or work on a project.
How is the price of a Think Lab determined?
The Think Lab price helps to offset the cost of providing a deeper and more intimate learning experience, which includes the use of a program space and a lower staff to participant ratio. The cost of materials is also factored into the price of the Think Lab.
Who can attend?
Think Labs are designed for children ages 4–7 and 8 and older, with their adult. There must be an adult accompanying children in any Think Lab. There is a minimum of a 1:4 ratio, meaning that for every 4 children attending there needs to be 1 adult accompanying them. However, we aim for a 1:1 ratio so that each child has an adult partner to work alongside. Children who do not meet the ages for Think Labs will not be able to come into the program spaces. It is highly recommended that families with children of multiple ages plan to have more than one adult chaperone during their museum visit.
Think Lab Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel your plans, please notify us prior to event start to receive a refund of the ticket cost. Refunds are not available if you fail to notify us or do not attend the event.
Thinkery reserves the right to cancel a program if registration for the event does not meet the minimum enrollment requirements. If Thinkery cancels a program, a full refund will be issued to all registrants.