Eureka! McConnell Science Museum
UREKA! McConnell Science Museum is a non-profit organization that was founded by John McConnell. We operate with a small employed staff and a large group of dedicated volunteers who bring math and science to life.
EUREKA! has evolved from its earliest beginnings as a volunteer effort by John McConnell, teaching scientific principles to kids through hands-on demonstrations that he created. During that time the project was given the name SITHOK, which stands for “Science In The Hands Of Kids”. After reaching about 5,000 students per year, the Mesa County School District granted John a space for EUREKA!. In 2018, EUREKA! relocated to the newly-constructed Confluence Hall building on the CMU campus, which allowed us to grow our on-site and off-site programs, with an additional focus on low-income and racially diverse communities through increased access and the identification of systemic barriers.
The goal for EUREKA! is to make the basic elements of science and mathematics available for students and adults to investigate hands-on. The majority of the stations and exhibits have been constructed by several of our volunteers. EUREKA! hopes to redefine the way people think about, learn about, and interact with science and technology by making it fun for everyone.
Things to Do
Come explore and find out what tens of thousands of students have discovered on their field trips since EUREKA! opened in January 2000.
EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum features over 100 interactive and educational hands-on exhibits. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the satisfaction of learning about science from astronomy to zoology, and everything in between. At the EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum, science is in your hands!
Exhibits Geometric Bubbles Learn about geometry as you make fascinating shapes with bubbles!
Water in the West Irrigate a peach orchard, operate a roller dam, and fill a bucket with an Archimedes Screw while you learn about the importance of water resources and the Colorado River.
Space Shuttle Simulator Become an astronaut and land the EUREKA! Space Shuttle in this thrilling physics simulation.
Colorful Shadows Make colorful shadows on the wall as you learn how different colors of light mix to create white light.
Plan Your Visit
Step into the dark and phosphorescent geology cave, land a space shuttle, and hold a bearded dragon. Discover dozens of fascinating exhibits, from physics and bubbles, to a gyroscopic chair and a colorful fish tanks. Ready to visit? We look forward to exploring with you - See you soon!
Hours
- Monday: CLOSED
- Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
General Admission
- Child (4-18) $7.00
- Student (with valid student ID) $7.00
- Adult $8.00
- Senior (55-75) $7.00
- Ages 75+ Free
- Ages 3 and under Free
- EBT Card or Military Discount 50% off
Membership
- Family: $80 Free access to EUREKA! for 2 adults and 4 children for one year. Member discount on camps and programs and10% discount on gift shop items. Also includes notice of special events, camps, and programs.
- Senior (55+) / Individual: $70 Same benefits as a family membership.
- Non-Profit Community Partners: N/A Inquire for details: community@eurekasciencemuseum.org
For information about parking, how long to visit, and more, check our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Get Involved
Volunteer Volunteering at EUREKA! is a great way to support hands-on learning! Recent volunteers have included teachers, architects, welders, woodworkers, scientists, writers, artists and gardeners. Everyone is welcome to apply, even middle and high school students! There are many different ways to get involved:
- Exhibit Docent: Engage our visitors with personal interaction and enthusiasm.
- Exhibit Maintenance: Build or repair hands-on exhibits.
- Special Events: Assist during special events.
- Cleaning and Upkeep: Help keep EUREKA! looking good.
To apply as a volunteer, please fill out our volunteer application and contact Briana Board at volunteers@eurekasciencemuseum.org
Give Join our mission, and other generous donors, to inspire a passion and respect for math and science in our communities. Making a donation or pledge unites us in the mission of inspiring creativity and critical thinking through the lens of science to change lives and strengthen communities.