Special Programs

In addition to programs listed in our Program Catalog, Sci-Port offers these unique programs that are suited toward different grade levels or that address particular subject matters.  Call (318) 424-8660 to sign up!  Check back later for more details on these special programs.

Please note: Please call to verify programs listed below; dates and events are subject to change.

Regional Autonomous Robotic Competitions (RARC) (Grades: 4^th - 12^th)
Saturday, May 4
These robotic competitions have been created and designed through a partnership between Sci-Port, Bossier Parish Schools, the Cyber Innovation Center, Bossier Parish Community College and Louisiana Tech University and are open to all educators and students in the Ark-La-Tex.  The four different competitions are interrelated, but students will learn and develop different skills for the different challenges.  For more information, call the Cyber Innovation Center at (318) 759-1600 or click here.  
New!  Interested or just looking to advance your robotics training? Check out one of Sci-Port's Robotics Educator Workshops.

Celebrating Black History Month (Grades: 3^rd - 8^th)
Fridays, February 1, 8 & 15, 10 a.m. & 11 a.m.
During this year's Black History Month, students will be exploring contributions and achievements by African American engineers and scientists.  Programs include a special speaker and lab.  Limited space available; please call ahead to book your class' spot.

High School Engineering Olympics (Grades: 9^th - 12^th)
Tuesday, February 19, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Calling all high school engineering students!  Go for the gold at Sci-Port's 12^th Annual High School Engineering Olympics.  Students will work with practicing engineers to complete engineering challenges designed by Sci-Port in six different branches of engineering. Outstanding teams will receive recognition and awards.  Limit one class of 25 students per school. Teams must register at least two weeks prior to February 19.  Limited space is available; call now to reserve your spot.

Elementary & Middle School Engineering Challenges (Grades: 4^th - 8^th)
February 20 - 22, 10 & 11 a.m.
Have your elementary and middle school students explore engineering during the 2012 National Engineers Week.  Each class will participate in designing and building an engineering project using their unique skills, and teams within your class will complete against each other.  Please plan an hour timeslot for your class.

Brain Awareness Week (Grades: 3^rd - 8^th)
March 11 - 15, 11 a.m. & Noon
Elementary and middle school students will join scientists and graduate students from LSU Health Shreveport and Centenary College Department of Neuroscience to explore the human brain and learn about factors that influence addiction, olfaction, memory and more. Call early to book your timeslot for your class.

National Astronomy Week (Grades: 3^rd - 8^th)
April 15 - 19, 10:30 & 11:30 a.m.
National Astronomy Day is Saturday, April 20, and Sci-Port is celebrating astronomy all week long.  Sign up your students for one of these special Sawyer Space Dome programs:

• Plaintive Pluto: Learn why Pluto was demoted and reclassified as a dwarf planet.
• Black Holes: Discover what happens if you were to enter a black hole.
• Is Anyone Out There?: "Listen" to the latest updates in the quest for another Earth-like planet in our Milky Way Galaxy.

Teacher Appreciation Day
Friday, May 10
Give Sci-Port a chance to say "Thank You" for all you do!  During the 2012-13 school year, anytime you are at Sci-Port, sign yourself up for an chance to win a Sci-Port Discovery Membership.  Winner will be drawn on Friday, May 10 during Teacher Appreciation Week.  Give you and your family an opportunity to visit Sci-Port all year long! 

Looking for something special to inspire your young scientists?
Pre-school Days at Sci-Port

Special programs on the second Tuesday of each month (September-March) focus on pre-school skills and themes. Program times on these days are at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon & 1 p.m. Book early; programs fill fast!
Please note: Pre-school Days at Sci-Port must be reserved in advance by calling (318) 424-8660.

• February 12:  Terrific Turtles
  Students will spend some time making observations of our Sci-Port turtles. Then students will make and take their own turtles home. Touching allowed!
  Please note: Hands-on interaction with animals depends on their health and availability.
• March 19:  Connect the Stars
  Your students will explore patterns and story telling while creating their own constellation patterns to take home. This program pairs nicely with the new Sawyer Space Dome Planetarium show, One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure made possible at Sci-Port by the Colleen J. Papai Memorial Fund.

Did you know?  Sci-Port reserves the second Tuesday of the month (September through March) for pre-school - 2^nd grades-only reservations.

Call (318) 424-8660 to schedule your visit!  Or, submit your reservation online or download the reservation form to fax to us at (318) 222-5592 (Attn: Reservations).