Space-Themed Programming at the EcoTarium
Saturday, March 14, 2026
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

• 10:00 am - 4:00 pm: Central MA Spacemodeling Society Drop-In Educational Table
• 12:30 pm: Rocket Launch on Sundial Plaza!

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Speaker Series: Astrophysics
Speaker: Ye Lu, WPI
March 14, 2026
5:00 – 5:45 pm

The Rocket Equation: Why Space Has Limits

Could we just send trash to the Sun? Since the launch of the first rockets and satellites in the mid-20th century, our ability to reach space has been governed by a powerful rule called the Rocket Equation. This single equation explains why rockets need so much fuel, why launches are so expensive, and why going farther into space gets dramatically harder. In this talk, we will break down the rocket equation to explore what it means for getting satellites into orbit and beyond, sending astronauts to the Moon and Mars, and someday becoming a truly spacefaring civilization. If we dream of living beyond Earth, this equation is both our greatest challenge and our greatest guide.

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Goddard Rocket Centennial Celebration
Sunday, March 15, 2026
10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Join us to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Robert Goddard’s historic first ever liquid-fueled rocket launch in March 1926 right here in Central Massachusetts! Learn about how scientists have used rockets for over 100 years to explore the far reaches of space, and witness a model rocket launch at 12:30 pm. It really is rocket science!

Attendance to this event requires a museum admission ticket.

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Workshop for Elementary and Middle School Science Educators at the EcoTarium: Engaging Youth in Science Education
Sunday, March 22, 2026
9:30 am – 10:30 am

"Building Connections in STEM" with Maynard Okereke, aka the Hip Hop MD

Science is our way of understanding how the world works, and that understanding starts with making connections. This session will showcase how Maynard Okereke uses his platform Hip Hop Science to build culturally relevant scientific connections. Maynard will take educators through his new children's book and will demonstrate how they can use it as an educational tool in the classroom and beyond.

Free for educators and STEM professionals. Advanced registration required.

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Free Educational Program with Maynard Okereke, aka the Hip Hop MD
Sunday, March 22, 2026
11:30 am – 12:00 pm

"This Science Will Blow Your Mind"

MayNERD will take curious explorers on a fascinating journey through his new book "Zombie Spiders & Asteroid Blasters." Young learners and families will learn some crazy science facts, how science is being used to change the world for the better, and participate in some hands-on demos and experiments that truly blow your mind! A book signing at 12:00 pm will immediately follow the presentation (limited copies available for purchase at the museum shop day of the event).

This program is included with admission. Limited space available; a free ticket is required to attend. Tickets can be collected at the Information Desk.