The Lawrence Hall of Science
The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.
Open Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Closed December 24 & 25 Open New Year’s Day View Additional Hours >
We’ll bring our science programs to you.
We partner with school districts to support science learning. We offer district-wide elementary, middle, and high school programs, either virtually or in-person.
We collaborate with a range of partners to innovate in science education. Together, we go further.
View All >
Search
For info about our Summer Fundays events for 2022, view Summer is Here at The Lawrence!
Join us this weekend for Fun in the Sun (Thursday, July 29–Sunday, August 15, 2021).
Learn about light and shadow, wind energy, flight, and prisms through solar science activities and more.
Check out what’s happening now!
Pinball Machines
Create your own pinball machine! In this design challenge, explore and learn the inner mechanics of a pinball machine by designing, building and testing your own unique machine out of everyday materials and recyclables. It’s a good idea to test and play with examples for inspiration before making your own pinball machine.
Ramps and Rollers
Build your own ramps! Assemble tracks using foam blocks of various shapes and colors and pvc tracks (halved pipes). Then test your track by rolling a rubber ball through it. This activity is especially geared toward younger learners.
Potential vs Kinetic Energy
Catapults
Using a few simple materials and a lot of ingenuity, you can explore how engineering and physics come together to make a miniature catapult. You can work on your own or collaborate to construct and fine-tune your paper launching machine.
Physics, engineering, potential vs kinetic energy, and trajectory!
Optical Illusions
Design, build, and test your own optical illusion out of everyday materials while learning about the eye’s anatomy! An optical illusion occurs when we are tricked into seeing two separate images as one. A good starting point for an optical illusion is thinking of what image you want to see. Think of how you can split the image into two parts that will then merge as one when overlapped. As you test your design, try adding more images to your optical illusion in order to make a more complete picture.
Persistence of Vision, Optical Illusion and Sight
Wobble Bots
Design, build and test a simple machine that can draw! In order to build the simple machine (Wobble bot), there are a few variables that should be explored such as the use of a weight which can be either a cork or markers. Use your problem solving and creativity! Predict and investigate how placing the markers and/or corks at different angles affect the wobble bot movement and patterns.
Energy sources, batteries, motors, switches, circuits and weight!
Giant Geometry
Explore how different shapes affect the stability of structures by making your own giant creations using wood dowels of different sizes and 6 prong tube connectors. This activity is great for groups and cooperative learning!
Geometry, Experimentation, and Engineering
Kaleidoscopes
Kaleidoscopes use reflections to create beautiful patterns with colors and designs.
Primary Colors, Symmetry, Pattern & Reflection
Paper Sculptures
Create a unique paper sculpture by using various mediums including wax paper, tissue paper, cellophane, and cardstock. Twist, loop, curl, roll, bend or fold strips of paper to create shapes.
Physics, Paper Techniques & Properties of Structures
Learn how to make a pinball machine!
See who joined us on the plaza!