Works Theater
Science is always “under construction” in the Works Theater: A live showcase of dazzling demonstrations in a one-of-a-kind industrial setting. Taste a frozen marshmallow, see the glow of molten metal, or feel the zap of electricity. Watch chemical reactions in action or launch a fiery rocket into space. It’s all in the Works!
For your safety, seating capacity is limited in the BodyStage, Works Theater, and Buhl Planetarium. Seats and armrests will be sanitized between each show. As you plan your visit to the Science Center, please review the Reopening Plan and Guidelines and FAQ pages for information about timed ticketing, safety guidelines, and cleaning procedures.
*Please note: Some Works Theater programs may contain water-vapor fog, strobe lighting, and loud sounds.
Planning to visit us? Check out today’s show schedule.
Shows are available for group bookings Monday through Friday. Add a show for just $2 per person!
Talk with us about which shows are available on your selected date. Register early for best selection!
To schedule a visit for your group, call 412.237.3410.
Pharaoh’s Phrog
Join us on our journey through time! Unwrap an ancient Egyptian “frog prince” to discover the science of amphibian anatomy and mummification. This show includes the partial dissection of a preserved laboratory frog.
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Physical Education, Biology
Grades: 7–12
Capacity: 150 Students
ABC’s of Chemistry
Chemistry is everywhere! Little scientists will experience an introduction to chemistry with hands-on experiments that encourage exploration of the world around them!
Program made possible with support from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh.
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Early Learners, Chemistry Grades: PreK & Kindergarten Capacity: 30 Students
Freeze!
Learn the states of matter and see the chilling effects of super-cold liquid nitrogen. This ever-popular set of experiments demonstrates just how “cool” solids, liquids, and gasses can be!
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Physical Science
Grades: 1–6
Capacity: 75 Students
The Energy Show!
In this energetic show, learn how energy is harnessed to power our civilization. Explore renewable and non-renewable alternatives while learning about technologies and careers needed to sustain energy consumption. During the show, learn how to identify energy forms and examples of energy.
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Physical Science, Natural Science
Grades: 4–8
Capacity: 150 Students
Powered by:
Reactions in Action
Check out our chemi-cool chemistry show full of elements to surprise. Learn about our atomic family with color-changing experiments and learn how green chemistry is helping chemists reduce, reuse, and recycle. See reactions in action!
Program made possible with support from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh.
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Chemistry
Grades: 5–8
Capacity: 150 Students
On Fire!
Discover the science behind fire while understanding the powerful combination of heat, oxygen, and fuel. Explosive demonstrations bring to life the science of forest fires, rockets, and fireworks. Do not try this at home!
Program made possible with support from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Chemistry, Energy
Grade Level: 5–8
Capacity: 75 Students
High Voltage
This electrifying show features our Tesla Coil and its one-million volt display of light and sound. Presentation includes static charging equipment, magnets, and other concepts of electrical charge.
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Physical Science & Technology
Grades: 7–12
Capacity: 150 Students
Presenting sponsor:
Library Shows
These fan (and staff!) favorites are offered sporadically throughout the year and are not generally available for group booking.
Earth & Friends
Soar through the Solar System in our Works Theater! Early learners will explore space chemistry as they visit Earth and its “pals” (the other major planets) and learn why Earth has the right stuff for life!
Frankenscience
Journey through Mary Shelley’s chilling tale and help bring Frankenstein’s monster to life! Shocking experiments on our Van de Graaff generator will spark your imagination as you learn you how science fiction inspires science fact.
Works Theater
Science is always “under construction” in the Works Theater: A live showcase of dazzling demonstrations in a one-of-a-kind industrial setting. Taste a frozen marshmallow, see the glow of molten metal, or feel the zap of electricity. Watch chemical reactions in action or launch a fiery rocket into space. It’s all in the Works!
For your safety, seating capacity is limited in the BodyStage, Works Theater, and Buhl Planetarium. Seats and armrests will be sanitized between each show. As you plan your visit to the Science Center, please review the Reopening Plan and Guidelines and FAQ pages for information about timed ticketing, safety guidelines, and cleaning procedures.
*Please note: Some Works Theater programs may contain water-vapor fog, strobe lighting, and loud sounds.
Planning to visit us? Check out today’s show schedule.
Shows are available for group bookings Monday through Friday. Add a show for just $2 per person!
Talk with us about which shows are available on your selected date. Register early for best selection!
To schedule a visit for your group, call 412.237.3410.
Pharaoh’s Phrog
Join us on our journey through time! Unwrap an ancient Egyptian “frog prince” to discover the science of amphibian anatomy and mummification. This show includes the partial dissection of a preserved laboratory frog.
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Physical Education, Biology
Grades: 7–12
Capacity: 150 Students
ABC’s of Chemistry
Chemistry is everywhere! Little scientists will experience an introduction to chemistry with hands-on experiments that encourage exploration of the world around them!
Program made possible with support from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh.
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Early Learners, Chemistry Grades: PreK & Kindergarten Capacity: 30 Students
Freeze!
Learn the states of matter and see the chilling effects of super-cold liquid nitrogen. This ever-popular set of experiments demonstrates just how “cool” solids, liquids, and gasses can be!
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Physical Science
Grades: 1–6
Capacity: 75 Students
The Energy Show!
In this energetic show, learn how energy is harnessed to power our civilization. Explore renewable and non-renewable alternatives while learning about technologies and careers needed to sustain energy consumption. During the show, learn how to identify energy forms and examples of energy.
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Physical Science, Natural Science
Grades: 4–8
Capacity: 150 Students
Powered by:
Reactions in Action
Check out our chemi-cool chemistry show full of elements to surprise. Learn about our atomic family with color-changing experiments and learn how green chemistry is helping chemists reduce, reuse, and recycle. See reactions in action!
Program made possible with support from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh.
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Chemistry
Grades: 5–8
Capacity: 150 Students
On Fire!
Discover the science behind fire while understanding the powerful combination of heat, oxygen, and fuel. Explosive demonstrations bring to life the science of forest fires, rockets, and fireworks. Do not try this at home!
Program made possible with support from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Chemistry, Energy
Grade Level: 5–8
Capacity: 75 Students
High Voltage
This electrifying show features our Tesla Coil and its one-million volt display of light and sound. Presentation includes static charging equipment, magnets, and other concepts of electrical charge.
For Teachers:
Content Themes: Physical Science & Technology
Grades: 7–12
Capacity: 150 Students
Presenting sponsor:
Library Shows
These fan (and staff!) favorites are offered sporadically throughout the year and are not generally available for group booking.
Earth & Friends
Soar through the Solar System in our Works Theater! Early learners will explore space chemistry as they visit Earth and its “pals” (the other major planets) and learn why Earth has the right stuff for life!
Frankenscience
Journey through Mary Shelley’s chilling tale and help bring Frankenstein’s monster to life! Shocking experiments on our Van de Graaff generator will spark your imagination as you learn you how science fiction inspires science fact.
Planetarium