Talcott Mountain Science Center offers seven weeks of exciting, hands-on, state-of-the art STEM programs for rising K-8 students.
Summer on the mountaintop spurs creativity and innovation while building confidence and developing problem solving and critical thinking skills. Our experienced STEM educators develop engaging activities for even the most curious minds.
Our students enjoy creating games, dissecting things, making snowflake crystals, planetarium shows, the lightning machine, robotics, making new friends, and more. There’s something for everyone at Summer of STEM Adventures!
Registration for summer 2026 is now open. Early-bird registration will close Friday, February 20, 2026.
“Amazing program. I have never been so impressed by the learning, skills, and maturity that my child gained during her weeks at Talcott. She’s never liked a camp before and she LOOOOOVED Talcott. The autonomy and real teaching provided to the kids is incredible and the bus experience was fantastic.”
New in 2026
NEW, EXCITING PROGRAMS – We love innovation, and we are excited to share our fresh ideas with you!
New classes include:
- App Design Lab
- Eco Explorers
- Electromagnetism
- LEGO Engineering
- Magic of STEM
- Paleontology
- Science of Sports
EVEN MORE FIELD TRIPS! – A new Geocaching location, additional trips to Dinosaur State Park, and more!
Registration Information
All registrations must be done through our online system. This season you’ll notice a more modern design and improved search features to make finding the right programs easier and faster. After you select your sessions, the remaining registration steps will look and feel the same as before.
If you need assistance during registration or have any questions, you can call us at (860) 677-8571 or email summer@tmsc.org.
RATES & DATES
Program prices vary depending on age level. Some classes have a higher price due to field trips, or specialty supplies. PLEASE NOTE: There is a registration fee of $6.50 per course.
2026 Summer of STEM Adventures programs will run on the following dates:
- Week 1: June 22-26
- NO PROGRAMS June 29-July 3
- Week 2: July 6-10
- Week 3: July 13-17
- Week 4: July 20-24
- Week 5: July 27-July 31
- Week 6: August 3-7
- Week 7: August 10-14
DISCOUNTS
We offer the following discounts:
- Early Bird (until February 20)
- Sibling Discount
- Multi-program Discount
- Social Referral Discount
- All discounts are automatically calculated during checkout. These only apply to programs purchased at the same time. If you purchase in separate transactions at different times the sibling discount and multi-program discount do NOT apply, and we cannot process the discount(s) manually. We no longer offer membership discounts.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are often made available through grants from specific programs and towns. We will post any available scholarship details here if and when they become available.
TSHIRTS
Every student gets a FREE TMSC Summer of STEM Adventures t-shirt. These get tie-dyed during the program. Students get a shirt for every program. During checkout, you will see an option to select a t-shirt size for your child.
“My son loved the program and his teachers. Being hands on and activity based is so important.”
Summer Programming List
Summer of STEM Adventures is for “rising” K-8 students—meaning students should register for the grade they will be entering for the 2026-2027 school year. Programs are organized in three grade bands: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.
In order to provide the best science program experience, students who will be entering kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year must turn 5 years old by June 22, 2026. This is reflected in the online registration settings.
Week 1: June 22 – June 26
Download Program Descriptions PDF
Download Program Schedule PDF
(Grades K-2) Girls Rock! Have you dreamed of being a scientist? Fun and engaging activities focus on discovery skills and hands-on experiences – from rock IDs to biology labs to chemistry experiments. Highlights from all areas of STEAM are designed to build confidence and show that girls rock!
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades K-2) Robotics: SPIKE Prime: If you love robotics, this is the program for you! Assemble and program LEGO® SPIKE robots to tackle a variety of contests and challenges. Teamwork, perseverance, and programming skills will all be put to the test.
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades 3-5) Paleontology: Become a time traveler as we learn about the history of the Earth! Identify fossils, study how volcanoes formed, and explore the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs. Includes a field trip to Dinosaur State Park to see real dinosaur footprints! ($50 field trip fee included in tuition)
Cost: Early Bird $605 | Regular $675
(Grades 3-5) MicroSafari: Want to learn more about the little critters that run the world? Join us for a “microsafari” to get hands-on experience with insects, crustaceans, reptiles, plants, and more! You will do plenty of fun crafty projects, explore the miniature world of pond water, and learn to safely handle our unusual class pets. You’ll get to search the outdoors to find creatures, and examine them back in the lab.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) STEM in Motion: Get ready to strengthen your mind and muscles in this class! Movement lessons and activities will be paired with STEM concepts to give everyone a challenge – and a workout. You’ll test your heart rate, create a larger-than-life circulatory system obstacle course, and even play some math tag! Don’t miss this opportunity to make your body and brain stronger while participating in a wide variety of physical education lessons.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) Geocaching: Treasure Hunt: Geocaching is high-tech hide-and-seek, a modern scavenger hunt. There are hidden treasures waiting to be found in mountains, forests, cities, and parks near you! Around the world, teams have hidden “caches” of items, and it is your job to find them. Learn GPS, create your own caches, and find caches on our campus. Includes a field trip to a nearby park to test your searching skills! ($50 field trip fee included in tuition).
Cost: Early Bird $605 | Regular $675
(Grades 6-8) Anatomy and Physiology: If you want to know how our bodies work, this course is for you! Learn about bones, muscles, and cells – of humans and other creatures. You’ll get to test your strength, listen to your heart, and explore skeletons. It doesn’t get more hands-on than building models and doing dissections! Includes a field trip to the UConn Health Center in Farmington ($50 field trip fee included in tuition).
Cost: Early Bird $605 | Regular $675
(Grades 6-8) App Design Lab: Step into the world of app creators and turn ideas into real, working mobile apps! In this fast-paced, hands-on week, students become digital inventors as they design, build, and customize apps that can live right on their own devices. Using an intuitive coding platform, they bring features to life; buttons that react, screens that change, sounds that play, and data that responds to user input. Along the way, students will learn the fundamentals of user-centered design: what makes an app useful, clear, fun, and safe. They experiment, test, problem-solve, and refine their creations before sharing a favorite app in a final showcase. It’s a dynamic blend of creativity, coding, design, and innovation; all in your pocket.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
Week 2: July 6 – July 10
Download Program Descriptions PDF
Download Program Schedule PDF
(Grades K-2) LEGO® Science: From cars to catapults, from motors to robots, you can explore science and technology with LEGO®. Bring your creativity as you compete in challenges to create bridges, towers, and other contraptions. There is a world of possibilities when using LEGO® bricks!
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades K-2) Crazy about Cats: Join us for a purrfectly fun program, all about our feline friends! Discover the science of cats, including their anatomy and unique abilities. Travel through time to learn about the history of cats, domestication, and their role in mythology. Unleash your creativity in cat-themed art projects. Create toys and collect food to donate to a local cat rescue! We’re not kitten around, you’ll have a pawsome time!
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades 3-5) Magic of STEM Calling all witches and wizards: Come explore the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics of the magical world! We’ll study plants, potions, animals, numbers, and more, and even see if we can turn things invisible. It’s sure to be a spellbinding time!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) Natural Disasters: Put yourself (safely!) in a hair-raising lightning storm! Set off simulated volcanoes, earthquakes, and tornadoes. Learn about some of Earth’s wildest natural disasters and place yourself right in the action with our green screen!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) 3D Printing: 3D printers have opened up a world of do-it-yourself design and manufacturing, from game pieces to prosthetics. Using CAD programs and our suite of Prusa printers, you’ll be able to design and print your very own gadgets and 3D models to take home!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) Claymation: Create animated stop-motion stories with your own clay creations. You’ll work independently or in a team to write a story, set up a stage, move your characters, and create an original video of their adventures!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 6-8) Arduino Engineering: Want to get under the hood of today’s electronics? Build circuits that can be used to power gadgets, games, and robots? You’ll create cool stuff using an Arduino project board, LEDs, sensors, and motors ($50 fee for the SparkFun Arduino Tinkerkit included in tuition, which you will take home!)
Cost: Early Bird $605 | Regular $675
(Grades 6-8) DNA Detectives: Learn about what makes you, YOU! Featuring DNA themed crafts and games, DNA extraction, transcription/translation, Punnett squares, and even use our very own PCR and Gel Electrophoresis equipment to solve a “who-done-it” genetic mystery.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
Week 3: July 13 – July 17
Download Program Descriptions PDF
Download Program Schedule PDF
(Grades K-2) Astro Adventures: Discover our solar system! Craft a constellation, eat a comet, and learn about space in our very own planetarium. The sun, moon, and planets wait to be explored!
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades K-2) Claymation: Create animated stop-motion stories with your own clay creations. You’ll work independently or in a team to write a story, set up a stage, move your characters, and create an original video of their adventures!
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades 3-5) Marine Science: From coral reefs to the deep sea to nearby Long Island Sound – there is so much of the ocean to explore! You will learn about geology, watersheds, tides, sea monsters, shells, and even dissect some squid. Includes a field trip to Hammonasset Beach State Park for a visit to Meig’s Point Nature Center, ocean observations, and catch-and-release of some cool creatures! ($50 field trip fee included in tuition)
Cost: Early Bird $605 | Regular $675
(Grades 3-5) Robotics: SPIKE Prime: If you love robotics, this is the program for you! Assemble and program LEGO® SPIKE robots to tackle a variety of contests and challenges. Teamwork, perseverance, and programming skills will all be put to the test.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) Science of Sports: Ever wonder how pitchers make balls curve, knuckle or drop? Why and how basketball players put back spin on their shots? How do kayakers do a back deck roll? How do athletes build muscle and maintain their strength? We will explore these mysteries and many more – with hands-on attempts to answer the questions!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) Girls Rock! Have you dreamed of being a scientist? Fun and engaging activities focus on discovery skills and hands-on experiences – from rock IDs to biology labs to chemistry experiments. Highlights from all areas of STEAM are designed to build confidence and show that girls rock!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 6-8) 3D Printing: 3D printers have opened up a world of do-it-yourself design and manufacturing, from game pieces to prosthetics. Using CAD programs and our suite of Prusa printers, you’ll be able to design and print your very own gadgets and 3D models to take home!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 6-8) Raspberry Pi: It’s not dessert – learn how to assemble and program your very own RaspberryPi computer! It runs RaspberryPi OS and can connect to a keyboard, mouse, monitor, or TV. Experiment with Java, Wolfram Mathematica, GIMP graphics, and Minecraft! Please bring your own microSD card ($50 fee for the RaspberryPi 2GB single-board computer included in tuition, which you will take home!)
Cost: Early Bird $605 | Regular $675
Week 4: July 20 – July 24
Download Program Descriptions PDF
Download Program Schedule PDF
(Grades K-2) Kitchen Chemistry: There’s plenty of cool chemistry you can do with everyday materials from home – and we’ll show you how! You’ll experiment with acids and bases, make chemical reactions, and create colorful works of art – all with things right off the kitchen shelf!
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades K-2) Kid Coding: Everyone can learn to code, even you! Using iPads, you’ll get to make your own games and graphics, tackle challenges, and use your imagination. Coding is fun for everyone!
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades 3-5) Computer Animation: Through hands-on paper crafts and digital lessons, learn the fundamentals of animation, and discover how to bring your imagination to life! Our animated adventure will include guided drawing lessons, classic cel animation, stop-motion, and 2D computer animation.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) 3D Printing: 3D printers have opened up a world of do-it-yourself design and manufacturing, from game pieces to prosthetics. Using CAD programs and our suite of Prusa printers, you’ll be able to design and print your very own gadgets and 3D models to take home!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) Marine Science: From coral reefs to the deep sea to nearby Long Island Sound – there is so much of the ocean to explore! You will learn about geology, watersheds, tides, sea monsters, shells, and even dissect some squid. Includes a field trip to Hammonasset Beach State Park for a visit to Meig’s Point Nature Center, ocean observations, and catch-and-release of some cool creatures! ($50 field trip fee included in tuition)
Cost: Early Bird $605 | Regular $675
(Grades 3-5) Green Engineering: How can the wind power your house? How can we harness the energy of water? Can you cook with sunshine? Switch on to wind, water, and solar energy! Switch on to wind, water, and solar energy and learn how to tap into nature for power!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 6-8) Robotics: SPIKE Prime: If you love robotics, this is the program for you! Assemble and program LEGO® SPIKE robots to tackle a variety of contests and challenges. Teamwork, perseverance, and programming skills will all be put to the test.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 6-8) Reach for the Stars: Explore the wonders of the solar system and beyond! Journey through the cosmos in our planetarium, see the sun like never before, and fit the moon in your pocket. From crafting constellations to lunar landings, anything is possible when you reach for the stars. Students will create and perform the weekly planetarium show for the entire summer program! Includes a family voucher for a fall skygazing event using our telescopes.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
Week 5: July 27 – July 31
Download Program Descriptions PDF
Download Program Schedule PDF
(Grades K-2) Robotics: SPIKE Prime: If you love robotics, this is the program for you! Assemble and program LEGO® SPIKE robots to tackle a variety of contests and challenges. Teamwork, perseverance, and programming skills will all be put to the test.
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades K-2) Eco Explorers: Amazing plants and animals are everywhere – and it’s your job to find them! Discover life around us as you explore our mountaintop ecosystem. You’ll get to catch bugs, hike in the woods, and identify plants. Pond water, plant life cycles, class pets, and crafty projects are waiting for you!
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades K-2) Pirate Science: Set sail on a science-filled adventure! All aspiring buccaneers are welcome during this week of ocean-themed fun. Build boats, make maps, design your own pirate hat, and hunt for buried “treasure”. Arrrrrr you ready for an exciting week?
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades 3-5) Creative Coding: Learn to code with fun programming apps that let you create graphics, solve problems, and use your imagination! All apps used are open-source or freeware that you can use after the program.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) LEGO® Engineering: LEGO® bricks aren’t just for play! Use them to explore simple machines and gear systems. Design, build, and test structures like dams and water wheels. Create your own candy dispenser. Wait until you see what all you can do with these little plastic bricks!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) Claymation: Create animated stop-motion stories with your own clay creations. You’ll work independently or in a team to write a story, set up a stage, move your characters, and create an original video of their adventures!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 6-8) Marine Science: From coral reefs to the deep sea to nearby Long Island Sound – there is so much of the ocean to explore! You will learn about geology, watersheds, tides, sea monsters, shells, and even dissect some squid. Includes a field trip to Hammonasset Beach State Park for a visit to Meig’s Point Nature Center, ocean observations, and catch-and-release of some cool creatures! ($50 field trip fee included in tuition)
Cost: Early Bird $605 | Regular $675
(Grades 6-8) Electromagnetism: Learn to harness the invisible forces all around us! Get struck by “lightning” with a Van de Graaff generator, create gravity-defying magnetic illusions, play with fire, bend light, and uncover the fundamental laws that govern our universe. This hands-on program brings physics to life through unforgettable experiments and demonstrations.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
Week 6: August 3 – August 7
Download Program Descriptions PDF
Download Program Schedule PDF
(Grades K-2) Dinosaurs!: Join us for a dino-mite week of discovery as we journey back in time to the world of dinosaurs! Become a paleontologist and dig for fossils, recreate dinosaur skeletons, and learn what life was like millions of years ago. Includes a field trip to Dinosaur State Park to see real dinosaur footprints! ($50 field trip fee included in tuition)
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades K-2) Future Engineers: Are you an inventor at heart? Do you like to face challenges and solve problems? You will get to build cool stuff, compete in design contests, and create your own new inventions. You’re on your way to becoming an engineer!
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades 3-5) Cool Contraptions: Engineering, problem solving, and creativity – all in one! Build chain-reaction contraptions to perform tasks, using a wide variety of supplies. You will get to tinker, create, and collaborate – and learn some physics and engineering along the way.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) Wild and Crafty: Discover your creative talents using materials found in nature. Experiment with natural dyes, plants, shells, and more! Create fairy houses with nature’s colors and textures. What you make is yours to keep!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) Game Design: Explore the world of computer games by building your own! Work on several platforms and game tools to create original characters, stories, and worlds. You’ll end up with your own game to play and share with your friends!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) Science Takes Flight: What goes up must come down – eventually! Learn about how things stay aloft, both natural and manmade. See how birds and insects have inspired modern designs of airplanes, rockets, and other flight vehicles. You will get to design, build, and launch your own rockets! Includes a half-day field trip to a nearby park for rocket launches ($30 field trip fee included in tuition).
Cost: Early Bird $590 | Regular $655
(Grades 6-8) Computer Animation: Through hands-on paper crafts and digital lessons, learn the fundamentals of animation, and discover how to bring your imagination to life! Our animated adventure will include guided drawing lessons, classic cel animation, stop-motion, and 2D computer animation.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 6-8) Robotics: SPIKE Prime: If you love robotics, this is the program for you! Assemble and program LEGO® SPIKE robots to tackle a variety of contests and challenges. Teamwork, perseverance, and programming skills will all be put to the test.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
Week 7: August 10 – August 14
Download Program Descriptions PDF
Download Program Schedule PDF
(Grades K-2) Earth Explorers: You live on Earth, but how much do you really know about it? Here’s your chance to explore the world from our mountaintop. Learn about water cycles, rocks and minerals, fossils, the sky, and weather. You’ll get to crack a geode, perform in front of a green screen, make fossil imprints, and so much more!
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades K-2) Physics is Fun! The way things look, move, and sound – are all due to physics! Experiment with motion, rockets, roller coasters, light, rainbows, and sound waves. Every action has a reaction, and every week of physics is fun!
Cost: Early Bird $515 | Regular $575
(Grades 3-5) Robotics: SPIKE Prime: If you love robotics, this is the program for you! Assemble and program LEGO® SPIKE robots to tackle a variety of contests and challenges. Teamwork, perseverance, and programming skills will all be put to the test.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 3-5) Cool Contraptions: Engineering, problem solving, and creativity – all in one! Build chain-reaction contraptions to perform tasks, using a wide variety of supplies. You will get to tinker, create, and collaborate – and learn some physics and engineering along the way.
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 6-8) AI: Friend or Foe?: Dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence! Through hands-on activities, engaging discussions, and creative projects, students will explore how AI works, its role in our daily lives, and the ethical questions it raises. From coding simple AI programs to debating its potential benefits and challenges, you will develop critical thinking and tech skills while imagining the future of AI. Join us to uncover whether AI is a friend, a foe, or something in between!
Cost: Early Bird $560 | Regular $625
(Grades 6-8) Nature Collecting: Learn how to find and catalogue nature like a real scientist! Using museum standards, you’ll spend the week creating an herbarium collection and an insect collection. On our mountaintop campus you will find plants and insects – and back in the lab you’ll identify, preserve, and label them. Includes a field trip to the UConn Biodiversity Research Collections and Greenhouses ($50 field trip fee included in tuition).
Cost: Early Bird $605 | Regular $675
(Grades 1-3 and 4-6) Camp Invention – Spark! This year’s exciting new program inspires curiosity and helps kids build essential STEM skills through collaboration with friends and one-of-a-kind creative problem-solving experiences. Students explore hands-on challenges and open-ended adventures designed to encourage new discoveries and bring big ideas to life! This year’s theme, Spark, involves solving super mysteries, robotic capybaras, space lab rovers, and aquatic design challenges. See the Camp Invention website for videos and more details about what’s in store!
Cost: Early Bird $540 | Regular $600
Join the Summer of STEM Adventures Team
New postings for teaching positions, nurse, intern, and high school volunteers are listed on our “Join our team” page
QUESTIONS? Email summer@tmsc.org