Updated: 2/2/2012 
Bluedorn Science Imaginarium
Waterloo, Iowa
Description

A 'playground for the imagination", this interactive science center provides fun hands-on exhibits that demonstrate how science affects everyday life. Visitors unravel the mysteries of motion with scientific experiments: Roll-A-Ball, Bernoulli Ball, and the hammer table. Science demonstrations are at 11:00am, 1:30 and 3:00pm on Saturdays, and include such topics as Creepy Crawlies, Combustion, Chemistry, Magic of Science, Snakes Alive, Kitchen Science, and Super Cold.

Volunteers are VIPs

Volunteers — people just like you — are a major reason why the Grout Museum District continues to be recognized as the region's cornerstone of history, culture and science. New volunteers are always welcome, and you can choose from opportunities that match your availability and talents.

History

The Carl A. and Peggy J. Bluedorn Science Imaginarium opened in 1993 in response to the increased interest in the Grout's science programs. Described as a "playground for the imagination," this interactive science center provides fun hands-on exhibits that demonstrate how science affects everyday life.

Programs
Scouting for science

Take your scouts to the next level. The Scouting For Science programs are a wonderful way for scouts and families to grow together. You provide the families, we provide the activities to fulfill badges for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in the following areas:

• Space Explorer: Do your scouts like stars and space shuttles? Then this is the badge for them! Learn about the four forces of flight, try astronaut food and study the stars.
•Weather: Want to learn to forecast the weather? This badge will teach scouts to read weather maps, explore the properties of air, and make a weather instrument.
•Science Discovery: Discover the fun in science. Earn the Science Discovery Badge by experimenting with chemical reactions, friction and the properties of water.
Library

Access: General Public

Appointment required: True

Services
Birthday Party

Birthday parties at the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium are a blast for kids. Busy parents love them even more. Forget about cleaning your home or planning activities. We provide the space, the fun and a party favor to take home — so sit back, relax and enjoy the party as much as the kids.

Guided and Self-Guided Tours

The Grout Museum District offers a variety of tours for each of our Grout District properties, as well as themed tours for special interests and occasions. Take a look at the guided and self-guided tour information for the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium on our website, and then contact us or download our group tour guide for more information on how to make your next group trip unforgettable.

Special Theme Tours

These tours offer an insider's perspective on various aspects of the museum.

Gift Shop
Event Rental
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

April 27 - April 29, 2025

Oregon Museum Association 2025 Conference

TBA

Independence, Oregon

Beginning in 2025, the OMA annual conference will be held in Spring rather than Fall

The conference this year is all about trying new things. We are hoping to organize the conference into the following four tracks: Collections Care, Leadership, Emergency Preparedness, and Tourism

Check our website for more details in early 2025

The OMA newsletter is emailed every month with updates on OMA events, museum news, other events, trainings, jobs, grants and more for the museum community in Oregon.

For more information, please email connect@oregonmuseums.org.

October 1 - October 4, 2025

Western Museums Association’s (WMA) 2025 Annual Meeting

TBA

Reno, Nevada

Save the Date for WMA 202

As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, join us to build relationships and soar higher than ever before. With the theme of ELEVATE, WMA 2025 will explore ways to lift up the experiences of cultural professionals and the communities they serve.

In Reno, Nevada, 4,400 feet above sea level, we will forward the progress of museums by looking to the future.

May 6 - May 9, 2025

2025 American Alliance of Museums (AAM) ANNUAL MEETING & MUSEUMEXPO

Los Angeles Convention Center

Los Angeles, California

AAM 2025 will focus on the theme, Museums & Trust.

Museums have long inspired high levels of public trust, surpassing news outlets, government organizations, researchers and scientists, corporations, and social media platforms. This consistent finding underscores our institutions’ unique position in society as stewards of knowledge, culture, science, and history—areas where credibility and reliability are paramount

In an era marked by mistrust and misinformation, museums have a rare ability to counterbalance the proliferation of false narratives and polarized perspectives. Using our trusted position, we can cultivate a more healthy, empathetic, and informed society.

But to do so, we must maintain our credibility proactively, embracing thoughtful, transparent, and collaborative practices that will defend against influences like bias, resource challenges, abuse of power, and social injustice

An Incredible MuseumExpo

AAM is again partnering this year with the Museum Store Association to host an incredible combined expo hall. Find the most innovative services, products, and solutions in the museum field. With 350 exhibitors, you are bound to find the right partner for your museum’s current challenges and opportunities.

May 5 - May 9, 2025

Museum Store Association FORWARD 2025 in LA

The Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California

Join MSA in LA

We’re excited about our next MSA FORWARD Conference & Expo in “The City of Angels” – Los Angeles, California in conjunction with the American Alliance of Museums

Join the Museum Store Association (MSA) and hundreds of nonprofit retail professionals for the 70th Annual MSA FORWARD Retail Conference & Expo, taking place May 5-9, 2025 at The Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California

Once again, MSA FORWARD will be held in conjunction with the 2025 American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Annual Meeting & Expo

Learn best practices and new ideas for store merchandising, operations, marketing, and sale

Participate in dedicated networking events and create connections that will inspire new ideas

Meet with over 200 MSA vendors about your product needs

Hear from knowledgeable industry experts during session breakouts and keynote presentations

Network with AAM attendees and exhibitor

September 10 - September 13, 2025

2025 Am Assoc for State and Local History Annual Conference

TBD

Cincinnati, Ohio

The 2025 AASLH Annual Conference, in partnership with Ohio Local History Alliance, will take place as the history field makes the final preparations to kickoff off the 250th commemoration of the founding of the United States.

The 2025 conference theme, inspired by AASLH’s Making History at 250: The Field Guide for Semiquincentennial, is an opportunity to broadly explore one of the guide’s themes, The American Experiment. For many in the American colonies in 1776, independence from Britain represented a “leap into the dark” into an unknown future

We are excited for you to join us in Cincinnati as we encourage discussion about our democracy and civic institutions and how they can help strengthen understanding, inspire action, and reveal ways that all of us can participate in and shape the ongoing American experiment.

For more information, please call 615-320-3203 or email info@aaslh.org.

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