STEM in the Finger Lakes: Immersive Science & Technology for High School Students

Student groups venturing into Upstate New York’s Rochester-to-Corning corridor will unlock a trove of hands-on STEM adventures set amid world-class museums and dynamic learning labs. At the Rochester Museum & Science Center, 200+ interactive exhibits and planetarium shows transform physics, engineering and earth science into pulse-pounding challenges. Next, The Strong Museum of Play fuses motion, force and game-design concepts with larger-than-life kaleidoscopes, climb-through structures and the World Video Game Hall of Fame. The journey culminates at The Corning Museum of Glass, where live hot-shop demos and make-your-own workshops illuminate the chemistry, optics and thermal dynamics behind molten art. From circuits and robots to flameworking and fiber optics, each stop weaves inquiry-driven discovery into one seamless, unforgettable classroom without walls.

DAY ONE: Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) (Rochester)

Morning: Arrive and enjoy a welcome orientation to introduce students to upcoming activities and the day’s learning objectives.

Begin with an exploration of over 200 dynamic hands-on exhibits showcasing topics like physics, engineering and environmental science. Students can discover interactive lessons on circuits, kinetic energy, simple machines, and more. Groups can participate in engineering challenges

Lunch: RMSC has a designated group lunch area perfect for bringing bagged or boxed meals. Or find a local group-friendly restaurant.

Afternoon: Students can attend a dazzling show at the Strasenburgh Planetarium, where shows are tailored to grade level and offer lessons in planetary motion, constellations or deep space.

Enjoy museum staff-led science labs, including “Molecules in Motion,” “Robots & Circuits,” and “Planet Earth Systems.” Live science demos provide engaging and memorable learning opportunities with explosions, chemical reactions and other physics.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a group-friendly restaurant.

DAY TWO: The Strong Museum of Play (Rochester)

Morning: Discover STEM through the history of play at The Strong Museum of Play. Students can explore diverse interactive exhibits designed to teach learners about motion, force and physics concepts. Interactive installations, like a giant kaleidoscope and climbing structure, promote active and engaging learning experiences.

Lunch: Bring lunch and eat on-site in a designated group area, or find a local group-friendly restaurant.

Afternoon: Learn about technology through video games, including the evolution of game design. Visit the World Video Game Hall of Fame for more video game history. Guided educational programs are available upon request and include “STEM Through Play,” “Game Design Basics,” and “Engineering in Action.”

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a group-friendly restaurant.

Corning Museum of Glass , Finger Lakes Region

DAY THREE: The Corning Museum of Glass (Corning)

Morning: Arrive at The Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York, for immersive educational opportunities focusing on STEM subjects. Live glassmaking demonstrations bring students up close to the action and learn how experts transform sand into exquisite glass. Learn about how heat plays a role in viscosity and the material science of glassmaking.

Explore innovative glass exhibits and visit hands-on stations that explore the chemistry and physics of glass, fiber optics, lenses, and thermal dynamics.

Lunch: Dine at the on-site Cafe at the Museum, which can provide boxed lunch options. Nearby group-friendly restaurants are also a great option.

Afternoon: Students can participate in STEM workshops, allowing them to explore glass engraving or flameworking in mini-classes tailored to middle schoolers. Enjoy a museum tour and examine glass technology through the ages.

Evening: Depart for home.

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