Monthly News & Updates

Cheers to 50 Years!

Join us in celebrating 50 years of inspiring science and wonder! Your gift to Catawba Science Center’s Annual Fund Drive fuels hands-on learning, sparks curiosity, and supports our animals and exhibits throughout the year.

Every gift makes a difference — give today!

Holiday Open House

Friday, November 29th visit CSC for holiday Gift Shop specials, membership deals, & fun activities for all ages!

10% off Classic Level Memberships 11/29 – 12/1

Give the gift that lasts all year with free unlimited admission, animal encounters, and scientific exploration for the entire family! Membership at Catawba Science Center means you get MORE for your family: MORE savings, MORE access, and MORE fun! Ask at any check-in desk how to become a member, or click below!

Offer available in person or online ONLY & cannot be combined with any other offers/discounts.

Sponsors

Mindbender Mansion

Mindbender Mansion is open now through January 4, 2026, at the Catawba Science Center! Enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, an eclectic place full of brainteasers and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem-solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers! Math, science, and technology educational content are woven into the puzzles, videos, and group challenges found inside the exhibit!

Puzzle Party

Drop in for a Puzzle Party! Challenge yourself to mindbending puzzles every Friday in North Classroom at 3 PM.

Free event with the purchase of admission.

SPARK: A STEM

Career Showcase

Don't miss this month's SPARK event! We are pleased to host Ag South Farm Credit on Saturday, November 8th, from 1 – 3 PM in the Foothills Collaboratory. Spark is a STEM career showcase featuring local industries in the Carolina Foothills. Participate in guided activities based on their careers! Free event with the purchase of admission.

CSC Guild Meeting

Join the outstanding and dedicated group of volunteers who play a key role in planning the Annual Fundraiser each year! Attend this month's planning meeting at 10 AM on Tuesday, November 18th. Please RSVP by Monday, November 17th!

Dinosaurs!

Get ready for the return of Dinosaurs to Catawba Science Center in early 2026!

Not a member? Join today to see exhibits early and anytime for free!

Be the first to know about all the fun Catawba Science Center offers and get important notifications through our Text Updates!

Enroll now for another year of hands-on science fun! Homeschool classes offer enriching science opportunities for Pre-K through High School learners in geology, biology, astronomy, environmental science, and more! Homeschool classes for Pre-K-2nd, and 3rd-4th on Wednesday are full. Grades 3rd through 8th and High School are still available. Choose your classes from the full guide, then register online today with the link below!

Extreme Planets

From water worlds to molten landscapes, inhabitable moons to planets with multiple moons, these exotic worlds aren’t just science fiction anymore. 

LOTNS:

Perseus & Andromeda

A laser version of the animated story of the constellations Perseus and Andromeda. Based on a Greek myth, the show is filled with humorous and exciting characters, including a sea monster. 

Always Above

Always Above explores how close space is to our daily lives, what type of satellites are up there, the threats that exist and the role that the U.S. Space Force plays in launching, operating, and defending these assets. 

Holiday

Laser Lights*

Wed 26th, Fri 28th, & Sat 29th at 11 AM

Sun 30th at 2 PM

Khrumka's Adventures

Wed 26th, Fri 28th, & Sat 29th at 2 PM

Sun 30th at 3 PM

Ice

Worlds

Wed 26th, Fri 28th, & Sat 29th at 3 PM

Millholland Planetarium has a 65-person limit; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

*Laser shows are loud, feature flashing lights, and may not be suitable for children under 10

Birthday Party Presenter – Part time

VS Exhibit Engagement Associate – Part time

Reciprocal Membership!

CSC Members have access to free general admission to more than 380+ Science Centers around the world! The Association of Science and Technology Center’s (ASTC) Passport Program and more than 180 museums across the Southeast through the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SEMC). Click below to learn more today!

Sign up for the NC Science Trail Explorer Newsletter to see all the events happening across the great state of North Carolina! Check the list of reciprocal partners for museums that you can visit for free with your CSC membership!

Portal to Science Program

Get discounted CSC Admission for only $3! The Portal to Science program provides low-cost admission to families in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, or Lincoln counties who receive benefits from the Department of Social Services or Public Health.

Learn how to qualify and get your Portal to Science card today!

Present your digital CSC Membership card to enjoy a

discount at one of the local businesses above!

We are always looking for more folks to partner with us. If you own or

are affiliated with a local business and are interested in offering a

discount to our members, please reach out - we'd love to talk!

Have your next birthday party at the Science Center!

Entertaining, educational, and fun! Choose from 5 + different science themes, and let us do the rest!*

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS!

Charlotte Engel

Jerry Moseley

Charlie Jett

Raelynn Niemczura

Carter Eggers

Bishop and Deacon Dula

Semaj Williams

Casper Fisher



Gray Cook

Thank you to CSC's Partners in Science for providing essential support for science education programs during the 2025-2026 school year. Our Partners support helps CSC keep program fees reasonably priced so that area schools can participate in hands-on science education at CSC!

PREMIER LEVEL

Broyhill Family Foundation

Alex Lee, Inc.

Appalachian State University

Catawba Valley Animal Hospital

Microsoft

Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Hickory, NC

WHATABURGER

EXECUTIVE LEVEL



• CommScope
• Klingspor Abrasives
• Republic Services, Inc.

FRIEND LEVEL



• Catawba Valley Health Systems
• Chick-fil-A, Viewmont
• Corning Optical Communications, LLC
• Davidson, Holland, Whitesell & Co., PLLC
• Hambrick Family Foundation
• Bob & Joyce Leonetti
• Martin, Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A.
• ProStaffing
• Rigid AV
• US Conec, Ltd.
• Whitfield's Flowers & More 

PARTNER LEVEL



• Broome Insurance
• Cargo Transporters
• Carolina Container
• Catawba Pediatric Associates, P.A.
• Dental Health Concepts
• Graystone Eye
• Hickory Kiwanis
• Lenoir Rhyne University
• Michelle & Michael Ellwanger
• Paramount Auto Group
• Publix
• Shurtape Technologies
• Taylor & Viola Structural Engineers

IN-KIND LEVEL



• Hickory Crawdads
• Hickory FC
• James Oxygen & Supply
• United Beverage
• YMCA of Catawba Valley

For more information about how you, or your business, can give back as a CSC Partner in Science call (828) 322-8169 or

email donorrelations@catawbascience.org

CSC will be CLOSED November 27th to observe the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Monday: CLOSED (Office Hours 9 AM –5 PM)

Tuesday: CLOSED (Office Hours 9 AM –5 PM)

Wednesday: 10 AM – 4 PM

Thursday: 10 AM – 4 PM

Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM

Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM

Sunday: 1 PM – 4 PM

www.CatawbaScience.org