Your Monthly News & Updates | | |
Our Mission
To ignite the natural curiosity of all learners to explore and shape their world.
| | Join us for Afternoon Explorations! Open each Thursday and Friday from 1:30-5PM. During the school year visitors will be able to ignite their curiosity in some of their favorite spaces. | SPECIAL EVENTS AT
AFTERNOON EXPLORATIONS! | |
A DAY WITHOUT WATER
Join us for a special “Imagine a Day Without Water” Afternoon Explorations on Friday, November 7th from 1:30 to 5:00 pm. Sponsored by the Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District, Greenville Water, Greer CPW, MetroConnects and Renewable Water Resources (ReWa). The event will feature hands-on activities and games that highlight how our local water utilities care for our water and what life in our community would look like without their hard work.
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FALL ON THE FARM
Come join us for Fall On the Farm, on Friday, Nov 14, 2025, from 1:30 - 5:00.
You can participate in many family friendly farm activities, including apple cider pressing and tasting, playing historic toys and games, candle-making, gem mining, and one room school lessons. There will be a dye demonstration, broom making, weaving, and music! Visit the woodworker, our friendly barn animals, the vegetable garden, and stop by the food truck to purchase delicious fall treats!
Lots to do and see! Come early!
Upcoming Special Events at Afternoon Explorations:
- Grinchy Science: December 12
- Snow Much Fun : January 16
- For the Love of STEM: February 13
- Earth Day Celebration: April 17
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FRIDAY STARRY NIGHTS
Fueled by Fluor
| | Members: If you are unable to attend your scheduled showtime, please contact us at 864-355-0805 by 2:00pm Friday so your reserved seats can be made available to other patrons. | | |
SPECIAL NOVEMBER LASER LIGHT SHOW
Fans can’t get enough of the retro vibe of the hit series Stranger Things – and now you can experience it like never before! In anticipation of the upcoming release of Season 5, join us on November 21st at 9PM for Laser Stranger Things, a thrilling laser show that takes you safely into the Upside Down under the planetarium dome. Enjoy the iconic ‘80s tunes and eerie soundscapes from the series, reimagined in vibrant laser light. It’s the perfect way to relieve your favorite moments and get ready for what’s next in Hawkins!
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HOLIDAY LASER SHOWS
Step into the Planetarium for an evening of lights, songs, and joy with our Holiday Laser Shows! Watch as the lights twinkle to your favorite holiday tunes. It’s bound to be a festive and whimsical event for the whole family to love!
| | | Friday, December 12 | Saturday, December 13 | | 4:30pm
Laser Holiday Wonderland - NEW!
6:00pm
Laser Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas
7:30pm
Laser Mannheim Steamroller | 4:30pm
Laser Holiday Wonderland - NEW!
6:00pm
Laser Mannheim Steamroller
7:30pm
Laser Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas | | Friday, December 19 | Saturday, December 20 | | 4:30pm
Laser Holiday Wonderland - NEW!
6:00pm
Laser Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas
7:30pm
Laser Holiday Wonderland - NEW!
9:00pm
Laser Mannheim Steamroller
| 4:30pm
Laser Holiday Wonderland - NEW!
6:00pm
Laser Mannheim Steamroller
7:30pm
Laser Holiday Wonderland - NEW!
9:00pm
Laser Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas
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SPECIAL HOLIDAY EVENT
IN DECEMBER
PJs in the Planetarium:
A Holiday Adventure
Roll out of bed, keep those cozy pajamas on, and join us for a festive morning under the stars!
Snack on popcorn in the planetarium as you explore the constellations, then settle in for The Alien Who Stole Christmas, a delightful holiday movie on the dome. Before or after the show, head to the lobby for hands-on holiday activities – including one you can take home!
It’s a merry morning of pajamas, popcorn, and planets: the perfect way to start your holiday season!
Dates & Times:
December 13: 9:00 am and 11:00 am
December 20: 9:00 am and 11:00 am
Price:
$16 nonmembers; $8 members
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We’re celebrating 40 years at Roper Mountain and are inviting you to join us in continuing for another 40 years! Your gift to the $40 for 40 Years campaign helps us continue inspiring curiosity, learning, and connection for generations to come. Every donation makes a difference—visit our Donors Page to give today and be part of our next 40 years of wonder.
| | ROPER MOUNTAIN ANNIVERSARY | | |
BETSY TERRY AND THE BIRTH OF THE HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER
When visitors step inside the Hall of Health at Roper Mountain Science Center, they enter a space that blends curiosity and care—a place where children learn not only how their bodies work, but why health matters. The roots of this beloved program trace back to the vision and leadership of Mrs. Betsy Terry, a surgical nurse and community volunteer whose determination helped turn a dream into reality.
In the late 1970s, Mrs. Terry served in the Auxiliary of the Greenville County Medical Society, a group devoted to community service. She and her husband, Dr. Lewis Terry, believed children needed a place to learn about their bodies, health, and habits that promote lifelong wellness. “We wanted to help children understand the body and health,” she recalled, “and give families information they could use for the rest of their lives.”
To explore ideas, Mrs. Terry and fellow auxiliary members visited Asheville to see a program called Health Adventures. Inspired but wanting something larger for Greenville, they returned home determined to create their own. That dream took shape when they partnered with Darrell Harrison, Roper Mountain’s first director, and Sarah Manly, a school board member who shared their vision. With their support—and the creative input of Chicago exhibit designer Richard Rush—the group developed a conceptual plan for what would become the Health Education Center.
Fundraising followed quickly. With Dr. Terry’s leadership as president of the Greenville County Medical Society, the auxiliary secured tens of thousands of dollars in donations from doctors, dentists, and community members. “Now we can tell the community we’ve put our money where our mouth is,” Mrs. Terry proudly said.
When the Health Education Center opened, it reflected her belief that learning should be active and inspiring. Children explored anatomy, dental care, and wellness through hands-on experiences, from the transparent anatomical model known as TAM to the memorable six-foot “tooth” used to teach brushing and flossing.
For her decades of service, Mrs. Terry received The Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Ever humble, she credited teamwork and timing for the center’s success. Yet her vision continues to shine on the mountain—an enduring reminder that when education meets compassion, the result can change lives for generations.
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It’s been an incredible summer at the Planetarium! In June, we launched our first-ever fully live and interactive program, James Webb Space Telescope: The Story Unfolds. If you’ve attended one of our Starry Night programs before, you know the drill — a live sky talk, a feature film, and a thrilling virtual rollercoaster ride through space. But this new format shook things up: no film, just a captivating, presenter-led journey from start to finish.
According to our viewers, you love it! Some of our favorite comments include: “Loved flying through space and the animations,” “It was extremely educational but fun,” and “I loved that is was presenter led and not just a video!”
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Encouraged by this success, we are delighted to announce that our 7:30 p.m. Starry Night shows will continue in this fully live format for the foreseeable future.
Our current program, A Race Through Space, offers a stunning visual journey through the solar system – exploring planets, moons, and even the Milky Way. This program will run through the end of 2025, so be sure to join us soon for a stellar evening among the stars.
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This month's volunteer spotlight goes to one of our interns, Liya Dostie!
Did you know that we offer internships to high school students during the school year? One of our new interns for this school year is Liya Dostie! Liya began volunteering this Fall and has dove head first into so many things! She has primarily helped out with our guest engagement during Afternoon Explorations and has just started helping us with our field trip lessons as well. Liya is a senior in high school and is homeschooled, which allows her to have a flexible schedule that fits well with our schedule. During the school year, we interview and onboard high school students that have availability on Thursday and Friday afternoons to help us with Afternoon Explorations. Interns get trained to handle animals at Roper Mountain and engage with the public in a variety of ways at Nature Exchange, in Harrison Hall, and the Living History Farm.
When asked why she wanted to intern at Roper Mountain, Liya said "I wanted to be an intern at Roper Mountain Science Center because I love every aspect of nature. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of animals through care while showing others how to better understand each individual species. We then asked her what her favorite part of interning is and she said "My favorite part of interning at Roper Mountain is watching the kids' faces light up when they see AND touch an animal. Having the opportunity to actually interact with living things is a really unique opportunity for them, and I love being part of that experience.
Say hi to Liya and thank her for her hard work next time you are in! Liya is a smiling face to greet you on both Thursday and Friday afternoons! We are grateful for her positive attitude, her passion for nature, and her willingness to be flexible and help us wherever we may need it. If you have questions about volunteering or interning at Roper Mountain, please reach out to Ashley Zalabak at azalabak@greenville.k12.sc.us.
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This month we recognize Dodge Industrial, one of our loyal Community Partners, for their support for our learning labs and public programs. They have been actively involved in our STEM Days of Summer and Love of STEM programs, which allow visitors to experience hands-on demonstrations and gain insight into careers in science and industry.
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We also thank one of our newest partners, The Timken Company, which has plants in Spartanburg, Anderson, and Union counties, for their support of our scholarship program, which provides funds for free field trips for high poverty schools in counties outside of Greenville. Their contribution will make it possible for over 400 middle and elementary school students to attend Roper Mountain free of charge.
| Thank you, Dodge Industrial and The Timken Company, for helping us fulfill our mission to ignite the natural curiosity of all learners to explore and shape their world. | | |
Members receive 10% off all t-shirt and hat purchases. Mention that you are a member to receive your discount.
PLUS earn an additional 25 points each time you wear your t-shirt to Nature Exchange!
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Give Back to Roper Mountain
Help Roper Mountain continue to inspire learning and create unforgettable experiences with a donation! Visit our Donors Page to make your gift today.
| | THANK YOU COMMUNITY PARTNERS | | |
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Visionary:
BOSCH Community Fund
Dodge Industrial, Inc.
Fluor Foundation
Fluor Golf for Greenville
Greenville Water
Lockheed Martin Corporation
ReWa
Explorer:
BMW Manufacturing
GE Vernova
Voyager:
Arthrex Charitable Foundation
Audacy Communications
Greenville Federal Credit Union
Jeff Lawson
Milliken & Company
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Adventurer:
ABB
AFL Global
Bannon Foundation
Brian Cauthen
John R. and M Margrite Davis Foundation
Moons Drug Store
ScanSource Charitable Foundation
The Timken Company
Upcountry Fiber Foundation
Vulcan Materials Company
Innovator:
Broad River Electric Charities
Fairway Subaru
Greenville Master Gardeners
Bonnie Jilek
Carla Rivero-Olson and Eric Olson
Piedmont Natural Gas
Publix Super Market Charities
| | We welcome your feedback. Email Roper Mountain to share your thoughts. | | | | |
