Skip to main content
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
Image of two young boys wearing safety goggles and looking at a bubbling beaker

Science Sparks
2026-08-20 16:00:00 2026-08-20 17:00:00 America/Chicago Science Sparks You can be a mad scientist! Learn the science behind these fun experiments each week. 8/13 Growing Soap 8/20 Fireworks in a Cup 8/27 Elephant Toothpaste Main Library - 131 | Martin Children's Center

Thursday, August 20
4:00pm - 5:00pm

Add to Calendar

Main Library

131 | Martin Children's Center

You can be a mad scientist! Learn the science behind these fun experiments each week. 8/13 Growing Soap 8/20 Fireworks in a Cup 8/27 Elephant Toothpaste

Questions about this program? Please contact the CALS location directly using the contact information by scrolling to the bottom of this page or emailing askcals@cals.org.

All abilities are welcome. To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, call 501.918.3069 or email hzbinden@cals.org 7 business weekdays before a program.

AGE GROUP: | Pre-teens ages 9-12 | Kids ages 6-8 |

EVENT TYPE: | Science & Nature | Fun & Play |

Main Library
Phone: 501.918.3000
Branch manager
Ellen Samples (Interim Manager)
Hours
Skip Locations widget

Main Library

Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 6:00PM

Branch manager
Ellen Samples (Interim Manager)
Address
100 Rock Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Tel: 501.918.3000

Upcoming Events

Skip Upcoming Events widget
Monet Inspired Water Lilies
Tue, Jul 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Rooted in both water and the Earth, water lilies need both earthly elements to survive. Cultivate your arty side by making these delicate flowers.
Rescheduled
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jul 21, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
New date Tuesday, July 21, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jul 21, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Crystal Bridges Mobile Art Lab
Wed, Jul 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Crystal Bridges will be here with their mobile art lab. Bring your imagination and spend a morning creating a new masterpiece.
Dino Movie
Wed, Jul 22, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Join us for Dino Movie Night, where families can relax and enjoy a dinosaur-themed film on the big screen.
Microsoft Excel: Part 3 - Color-Coding, Logic, and More
Wed, Jul 22, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
In Part 3, sharpen your Excel skills by learning to color-code your data automatically, protect your work from accidental changes, check your entries using Data Validation, remove duplicate information, write amazing formulas with logic, and more!
Coding with Fiero Code - Intro to Coding Language Series
Wed, Jul 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Have you ever wanted to learn how to code but don’t know where to begin?
Dino Suncatchers
Wed, Jul 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
We will create decorative dinosaur art to shine brightly on your windows! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Slugs and Snails Oh My!
Thu, Jul 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Using clay and Marbles, we will create mini slugs and snails.
Pet Bandanas - In the Makerspace!
Thu, Jul 23, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
A beginner level sewing project, but experience with a sewing machine will be helpful! Once we sew the bandanas, we will use the Cricut to customize them.
This event is full
Bourbon & Books - Steve Straessle in conversation with Senator Tim Hutchinson
Thu, Jul 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Senator Tim Hutchinson will discuss his memoir From Spavinaw to DC: A Conservative's Journey Through Faith, Farm Life and the Fight for America.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Jul 24, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Dino-Mite Yogurt Creations
Fri, Jul 24, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Dig into a delicious and creative treat at our Dino Yogurt Bar! Patrons will build their own prehistoric-themed yogurt parfaits using a variety of toppings to create edible “dinosaur landscapes.”
Potsherd Faux Kintsugi
Fri, Jul 24, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Learn about the Japanese art of kintsugi by breaking and remaking out own pottery! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
3D T-Rex Puzzle - In the makerspace!
Sat, Jul 25, 10:00am - 12:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Come put together a 3D printed t-rex puzzle that you can take home!
This event is full
Scott Davis Magic Show
Sat, Jul 25, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
For more than two decades Comedy Magician Scott Davis has been bringing his reading themed magic show to CALS branches. Don't miss it! Scott's engaging audience participation, jokes and magic will have your entire family entertained!
Rock It! Lab 5th Anniversary
Sat, Jul 25, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
For five years, the Rock It! Lab has been supporting startups, inspiring innovation, and building businesses. Join us at the River Shop to shop small, meet local entrepreneurs, and celebrate the milestone.
Unearth Your Roots: The Power of Ginger with Jet from Be Mighty
Sat, Jul 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Learn about the benefits and multicultural significance of this mighty root, while we make and enjoy a ginger-based dish. You are encouraged to bring a cultural "artifact" (such as photos or family recipes) to preserve with the Mobile Memory Lab.
Pirate Treasure Hunt
Mon, Jul 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
There is a lost pirate treasure lost in the library! Can you use a map to find the treasure and unearth the reward inside?
Cancelled
Drop-in Production Help
Mon, Jul 27, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Get one-on-one help with cameras, video, lighting, editing, or general production questions. Bring your projects and/or your equipment, and ask anything. No registration required!
Unearth Your Summer Memories
Mon, Jul 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Finish your summer at CALS off strong by scrapbooking or journaling your summer memories. Teens are invited to come in and use our supplies to decorate their mini summer scrapbooks! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Coral Reef Pasta
Tue, Jul 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Dive deep into the sea with your own colorful, funky, and unique coral reef!
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jul 28, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Microsoft Excel: Part 4 - PivotTables, PivotCharts, and Lookup
Wed, Jul 29, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Learn in Part 4 to get key insights from your information by learning to use PivotTables. Then, we’ll show you how to illustrate your PivotTable results using PivotCharts, capture information using VLOOKUP, and fix common formula problems.
Tricera-toss
Wed, Jul 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Win prizes at the dinosaur inspired ring toss game! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Hatching Dino Egg Art
Thu, Jul 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Using different types of paper and textures, we will create realistic hatching dino egg art.
Quilted Bags - In the makerspace!
Thu, Jul 30, 2:00pm - 5:30pm
235 | Makerspace
Let's make a quilted tote bag! This is an intermediate level sewing project that will require patrons to attend on both July 30th and 31st. Some sewing machine experience is recommended.
This event is full
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Jul 31, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Ancient Recipe Taste Test
Fri, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let's unearth some flavors by making and tasting an ancient recipe! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Quilted Bags - In the makerspace!
Fri, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 5:30pm
235 | Makerspace
Let's make a quilted tote bag! This is an intermediate level sewing project that will require patrons to attend on both July 30th and 31st. Some sewing machine experience is recommended.
This event is full
Brunchata
Sat, Aug 01, 11:00am - 3:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Get moving and learn the basics of popular Latin dances in this energetic and beginner-friendly workshop. Patrons will enjoy music, movement, and fun as they explore the rhythms of Latin dance.
The Culinary Expedition Series - attiéké
Sat, Aug 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Let's travel around and discover new foods from different cultures! For our first class of the series let's try and make attiéké from the country Ivory Coast. *The first 10 registrants will receive a meal kit to take home! 
This event is full
Dipped Candles
Mon, Aug 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Learn to make dipped candles. Make beeswax taper candles by dipping wicks into melted wax and allowing time to cool between layers. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Macaroni Art
Mon, Aug 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let's get crafty and make artwork using uncooked pasta.
Cozy Crafts Club
Tue, Aug 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come chill out with some fun, cozy crafts and DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Beaded Name Tags
Tue, Aug 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
We'll use beads and keyrings to make the perfect personalized touch for your backpack, lunchbox, or notebooks.
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Aug 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Monthly Tour of the Main Library
Wed, Aug 05, 10:30am - 11:45am
Welcome to your new Main Library! On the first Wednesday of each month, join library staff on a tour of the newly renovated Main Library.
Arkansas Made: Our State’s Rich Artistic Traditions - Legacies & Lunch August 2026
Wed, Aug 05, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Victoria Chandler and Jennifer Carman will explore Arkansas’s creative legacy through a series of fine and decorative objects from prehistory to present from the Arkansas Made project. Free lunch provided!
Scoops & Smiles Ice Cream Social
Wed, Aug 05, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Cool off with a sweet treat and great company! Patrons will enjoy ice cream, toppings, and a fun opportunity to socialize with friends and neighbors.
Folded Paper Hedgehogs
Wed, Aug 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Create a cute, colorful hedgehog by folding strips of paper.
Emergency Locker Kit
Wed, Aug 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Today we will make sure that we are prepped for the first day of school! Join us as we make small locker kits that will help you stay fresh before class. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Mini Perler Keychains
Thu, Aug 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens will melt mini perler beads into fun shapes and turn them into keychains. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
DIY Uncrustables
Thu, Aug 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Learn how to make your own Uncrustable snacks!
Last Minute Teacher Prep - In the makerspace!
Sat, Aug 08, 10:00am - 1:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Need to get some last minute classroom prep done? Take advantage of our supplies in the makerspace! We have Cricuts, a large format printer, construction paper, markers, and several other art supplies. Coffee and tea will also be provided.
Back to School Popsicle Stick Frames
Sat, Aug 08, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let's make a frame perfect for first day of school photos! We'll use popsicle sticks to create a "school bus" or "notebook" frame to commemorate a new school year.
Rock Slime
Sat, Aug 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let's get hands-on with some textured, rocky slime making! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Funfetti Popcorn
Mon, Aug 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
We will make yummy popcorn treats made with marshmallows and sprinkles!
Collage Button Pins
Mon, Aug 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
We will be making button pins using cut outs from magazines and old book pages. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Junk Journaling - In the Makerspace!
Tue, Aug 11, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Bring your junk (receipts, tickets, stickers, brochures, pictures, etc!) and start a junk journal! Other supplies will be provided.
Cozy Crafts Club
Tue, Aug 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come chill out with some fun, cozy crafts and DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Custom Notebooks
Tue, Aug 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Make a notebook that is easily identifiable and special to you! Plain notebooks will be provided while supplies last.
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Aug 12, 10:30am - 11:30am
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Needoh Stress Balls
Wed, Aug 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Learn how to make homemade Needoh stress balls using conditioner and corn starch.
Locker Decor
Wed, Aug 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
What better way to stand out than to decorate your locker! We will make posters and magnets. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Science Sparks
Thu, Aug 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
You can be a mad scientist! Learn the science behind these fun experiments each week. 8/13 Growing Soap 8/20 Fireworks in a Cup 8/27 Elephant Toothpaste
Plush Taxidermy
Thu, Aug 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Practice the art of "vegan taxidermy" by turning small stuffed animals into works of wall art. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Aug 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Acrylic Paint Basics - In the makerspace!
Fri, Aug 14, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Learn about brushes, techniques, surfaces, and more for acrylic painting.
Sloth Pencil Toppers
Fri, Aug 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Add a bit of fun every time you write! We'll create adorable felt sloths to hang on your pencils (or any writing utensil) to add a little joy to your writing assignments!
End-of-Summer Ice Cream Party
Fri, Aug 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Say goodbye to summer with one last sweet treat! Come make your own sundae and enjoy COOL hangout! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Welcome Home: Painted Doormat Workshop
Sat, Aug 15, 11:00am - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Create a one-of-a-kind decorative doormat using paint, stencils, and your imagination. Patrons will design and personalize a doormat to take home and display.
This event is full
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Aug 15, 11:30am - 1:30pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
Cancelled
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Aug 15, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
Mosaic Art
Mon, Aug 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Today will make art using small pieces of tiles and clay.
Paper Stars
Mon, Aug 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Learn to fold "lucky stars" out of paper. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Cozy Crafts Club
Tue, Aug 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Come chill out with some fun, cozy crafts and DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Paper Plate Beach Campers
Tue, Aug 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let's soak in the last bit of the summer by making beach themed campers from paper plates!
Storytime & Crafts
Wed, Aug 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
S'more Fun Together
Wed, Aug 19, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Gather around for a cozy evening of gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and sweet memories as participants create classic and creative s'mores treats.
Sand Art
Wed, Aug 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
Create unique pieces of art using sand!
Backpack Keychains
Wed, Aug 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Let's make 3D printer pen keychains for our backpacks, purses or even lockers! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Pot Holders
Thu, Aug 20, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
We will be making pot holders with a simple sewing project. This project is perfect for beginners!
Knife Skills
Thu, Aug 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens will learn proper safety and technique for different knife cuts in the kitchen using safety knives and fruits/vegetables for tasting. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Science Sparks
Thu, Aug 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
131 | Martin Children's Center
You can be a mad scientist! Learn the science behind these fun experiments each week. 8/13 Growing Soap 8/20 Fireworks in a Cup 8/27 Elephant Toothpaste
See all events