Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

Ever wonder what's really happening when ice melts, bread bakes, or fizzing bubbles rise in a glass? In this hands-on science class, you'll explore the fascinating world of chemical and physical changes using everyday materials. Conduct safe, simple experiments, observe surprising reactions, and learn how to tell whether change is temporary—or something totally new. No science background needed—just curiosity! Come ready to mix, melt, fizz, and explore the science behind the challenges all around us.

Registration Deadline 2/25/26 Activity Level: easy going

Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

Step into the world of crime scene investigation and discover the hidden science that helps solve real-life mysteries! In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore how forensic scientists use glowing materials like UV light, glow powders, and chemiluminescence to detect fingerprints, analyze evidence, and uncover clues invisible to the naked eye. Try your hand at dusting and lifting glowing fingerprints, experiment with glow sticks, and uncover secret features with blacklight tools. It's science, it's mystery, and it's just plain fun-no lab coat required!

Outing - Class will be held at SciTech, 336 McKee St., Batavia

Registration Deadline: 3/25/2026

Activity Level:easy going

Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

This same class is a repeat of the class on 4/8/26.

Step into the world of crime scene investigation and discover the hidden science that helps solve real-life mysteries! In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore how forensic scientists use glowing materials like UV light, glow powders, and chemiluminescence to detect fingerprints, analyze evidence, and uncover clues invisible to the naked eye. Try your hand at dusting and lifting glowing fingerprints, experiment with glow sticks, and uncover secret features with blacklight tools. It's science, it's mystery, and it's just plain fun-no lab coat required!

Outing - Class will be held at SciTech, 336 McKee St., Batavia

Registration Deadline: 4/6/2026

Activity Level:easy going

Co-Organizer: Ann Hastert

Have you ever wondered about the uniquely built fascinating Coal House aka Pumpkin House aka Round House at 404 S Edgelawn Drive, Aurora? This is your chance for the long awaited fantasy inside tour thanks to the generosity of Sid Robinson, current owner. The Albert “Sam” and Ruth Van Sickle Ford home was beautifully designed using local and organic materials in 1949 by imaginative architect Bruce Goff. The house is always the focus of much local attention and wonder, and was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The tour by Mr Robinson will be about 1 1/2 hrs. LIMITED attendance allowed.

This same tour wil be repeated in the afternoon.

Registration deadline: April 14, 2026 Activity Level: On Your Feet

Co-Organizer: Ann Hastert

Have you ever wondered about the uniquely built fascinating Coal House aka Pumpkin House aka Round House at 404 S Edgelawn Drive, Aurora? This is your chance for the long awaited fantasy inside tour thanks to the generosity of Sid Robinson, current owner. The Albert “Sam” and Ruth Van Sickle Ford home was beautifully designed using local and organic materials in 1949 by imaginative architect Bruce Goff. The house is always the focus of much local attention and wonder, and was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark. The tour by Mr Robinson will be about 1 1/2 hrs. LIMITED attendance allowed.

This tour is a REPEAT of the morning tour.

Registration deadline: April 14, 2026 Activity Level: On Your Feet

Co-organizer: Carolyn Hopkins

Join us for a guided walking tour that covers the history and significance of the paintings, sculptures, and installations that sprinkle the Aurora University campus. We will begin at the Schingoethe Center Museum. Registration deadline 4/15/2026 Activity Level: Keep the Pace

Co-Orgainzer: Carolyn Hopkins

This exhibit at the Schingoethe Center Museum on the Aurora University Campus proposes a historical view of the iconic Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago through the account of print exhibitions and printmakers' activities along with the social and political conditions that brought in waves of migrants. It is a rare look back at a community over the last century, highlighting its mural achievements and the social and political struggles residents faced in building the neighborhood’s resilient social fabric.

Registration deadline 5/1/2026 Activity Level: easy going

Co-Organizer: Susan Foody

Ready to get your hands wet (and maybe a little windy)? In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, learners explore two of the most powerful weather forces on earth: tornadoes and floods. Build your own tornado model using simple materials and see what makes twisters spin. Then, put your engineering skills to the test by creating barriers to protect a miniature town from rising floodwaters. You'll walk away with a better understanding of storm science and how to protect yourself when nature gets extreme.

Registration Deadline 4/29/26 Activity Level: easy going