We are thrilled to invite you to the Reading Science Center’s 5th annual fundraiser, the Mad Science Experiment! Formerly known as the Whiskey Experiment, this exciting event combines the best of our past fundraisers with new, interactive experiences you won’t want to miss. 

On October 18th, you’ll enjoy sampling a variety of whiskeys, spirits, and wines from local distilleries and vineyards, with the option to purchase your favorites to take home. A delectable selection of casual food will be available, along with lively music, and our silent auction filled with incredible items for you to bid on.  For those looking for an elevated experience, our VIP Lounge offers a sophisticated atmosphere with upscale cocktails, dessert, and coffee—perfect for relaxing or networking.

This year, we’re also introducing the Silly Science Olympics, where teams of four will compete in engaging STEM challenges throughout the night, adding a fun and competitive twist to the festivities.  Any group of four attendees can form a team for the Silly Science Olympics. Simply give the names of your four team members at the registration table when you arrive along with your creative Science Team Name! 

As our largest fundraiser of the year, the Mad Science Experiment is vital to supporting the Reading Science Center’s mission to inspire a passion for science in our community. By attending, you’ll help us continue providing hands-on educational experiences to children and families throughout Berks County.

Purchase your tickets ahead of time online to save! Pricing will be $10 more at the door. We look forward to seeing you there!

VIP

$140 per guest

VIP guests will enjoy access to an exclusive lounge featuring upscale craft cocktail tastings from the Bar Cart, a sampling of premium roasts from Reading Coffee Co., Sweet Street desserts, & a special VIP gift in addition to access to the ballroom.

General Admission

$100 per guest

Guests receive a tasting glass to sample all the vendors' unique products in the ballroom. Enjoy delicious food, bid on the silent auction, and enjoy the music throughout the evening. Join us for an unforgettable night filled with flavors, fun, and more!

Non-Tasting

$40 per guest

With a non-tasting experience, you'll gain entrance to the ballroom without a tasting glass or access to sample the vendors' products. Enjoy the event's lively atmosphere, delicious food, silent auction bidding, and music as you immerse yourself in the festivities.

Investigate Spooky Science with us! Every Saturday in October, we will investigate different spooky science! Learn how edible “glass” is made, concoct a witch's brew, or play with Vampire slime. 

Together, we will determine if it's spooky or fun science. Interact with different materials and substances and have a spooktacular time!

Join us for Dino-vember at The Reading Science Center!

Dino lovers, this one’s for YOU! This November, we’re thrilled to welcome Ian N. Cost, Assistant Professor of Biology at Albright College, who will lead a special "Dino-vember Investigation Station" every Saturday from 12 pm - 2 pm. It's the perfect chance to dig into the amazing world of dinosaurs with science that will spark the imagination of kids and adults alike!

DINO-VEMBER SCHEDULE

Come learn about these incredible prehistoric creatures and how they connect to today’s world! Whether you're curious about dino diets, their fascinating evolution, or modern-day comparisons, we’ve got something for everyone. Bring your family and friends, and make it a month of discovery at The Reading Science Center. 

Dear Friends of The Reading Science Center,

I hope this message finds you well and as energized as we are after an incredible summer! I am delighted to share the remarkable success we’ve achieved with our group visits and outreach initiatives over the past few months.

This summer, we had the pleasure of welcoming over 820 enthusiastic visitors to The Reading Science Center. They delved into our interactive exhibits and participated in engaging science activities. Additionally, our outreach program brought the wonders of inquiry-based science directly to students in the Reading School District’s Summer School Programs. We reached over 800 students at Amanda Stout Elementary, the Newcomer Program at Central Middle School, and the Extended School Year program at four different locations. It was a privilege to engage with these young minds and ignite their passion for scientific discovery right in their classrooms.

Looking ahead, we are eagerly preparing for the 2024-2025 school year field trips! Our dynamic, hands-on investigations are crafted to spark curiosity and inspire students of all ages. We encourage educators to book their field trips with us today and provide their students with an unforgettable experience of learning through exploration and discovery.

As we embark on this new school year, we are excited to sustain this momentum with even more captivating programs and many new exhibits! Your growing support enables us to nurture the next generation of scientists, problem-solvers, and innovators.

Just in time for a new school year the Reading Science Center introduced a new floor plan with added exhibits, revamped “Curious in the Classroom” lessons and more microscope viewing in the Neag Cell Lab.  All this was unveiled at an event free to the public on Saturday, September 20th, thanks to a sponsorship from EnerSys.  Here’s all that is new to discover:

With so much to see, be sure to plan your trip soon! 

Designed to inspire and empower 4th, 5th, and 6th grade girls, the Sisters in STEM (SIS) program aims to ignite their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This fall, the Sisters in STEM program will take place every Wednesday from 4:30 PM to 6 PM, starting October 4th through December 18th. Our spring session will resume on February 5th and continue until April 30th. We welcome any interested girl to join at any time throughout the school year.

During these dynamic sessions, participants will have the chance to meet and learn from local women working in various scientific fields. They will also delve into scientific concepts, conduct interactive experiments, and engage in thrilling STEM-related activities. Our goal is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where girls can flourish, build confidence, and enhance their STEM skills. Best of all, the Sisters in STEM program is completely free, ensuring accessibility for all interested girls.

Enrollment is now open, and spaces are limited. If you know any aspiring young scientists who would benefit from this program, encourage them to register as soon as possible by visiting the Sisters in STEM page on our website or clicking the button below. Let’s help the next generation of women in STEM discover their potential and achieve their dreams!

Field trip bookings are open for the 2023-2024 school year! Treat your students to an unforgettable scientific adventure at The Reading Science Center.

Our science exhibits and interactive programs are designed to align with school curricula and ignite curiosity. By engaging in immersive experiments and encouraging critical thinking, we bring science to life for students of all ages. 

To secure your preferred dates for the 2023-2024 school year, click the button below to reserve your trip. Thanks to a grant awarded to us from the NEAG Foundation, all Berks County schools will receive $10 off each student's entry price for a field trip. We look forward to welcoming your students to The Reading Science Center!

Gifts of experience can be the most meaningful of all! A membership to the Reading Science Center will surprise and delight children of any age and is the gift that keeps on giving, offering a full year of hands-on exploration and excitement for the whole family. 

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS & PRICING

Family Membership - $100 Per Year

Individual Membership - $40 Per Year

Who doesn’t love a local holiday parade, with all of the creative floats, costumes, music, marching bands and holiday cheer? Last November, the Reading Science Center staff and volunteers, along with our Sisters-in-STEM program participants, had a blast marching in the City of Reading’s Holiday Parade followed by our signature 12 foot tall model rocket float!  We plan to participate again this holiday season.

Please note: The Reading Science Center will be closed on November 23rd due to our participation in the Holiday Parade.  We hope to see you on the parade route!