What age groups is Strange Matter best suited for?

This experience is designed for middle and high school students, but curious adults are also welcome.

How long is the Strange Matter session?

Each session lasts approximately one hour.

Are there any physical demands for participants?

The session involves mostly seated, hands-on work and is suitable for all fitness levels.

Can I bring food or drink to the session?

Food is not allowed inside the lab, but visitors can bring a packed lunch to enjoy at nearby Buffalo Park.

Is prior scientific knowledge required?

No prior experience is needed; the lab is designed to ignite curiosity for all skill levels.

Is there a limit on group size?

Strange Matter sessions accommodate up to 30 participants to ensure a hands-on experience.

Materials Science Lab Adventure in Flagstaff by Meteor Crater

Flagstaff, Arizona, sits in the shadow of volcanic peaks and the iconic Meteor Crater, a landmark that bridges geological history with cutting-edge science. At the heart of this high desert city, the Meteor Crater Education Alliance offers a unique twist on outdoor adventure—one rooted not in trails or peaks, but in the extraordinary world of advanced materials. Their Strange Matter experience invites curious minds, especially middle and high school students, to dive into hands-on experiments that unveil the hidden properties of nanotechnology, ferrofluids, hydrogels, and non-Newtonian fluids.

Strange Matter isn’t your typical nature outing; it’s a laboratory tour with an interactive edge that connects the natural history of the region to the evolving field of materials science. Here, learners witness how matter can transform and behave unexpectedly, mirroring the dynamic geological forces that shaped the surrounding terrain. From the magnetic dance of ferrofluids to the flexible resilience of hydrogels—materials with broad applications spanning medicine, aerospace, and engineering—the experience unlocks a deeper understanding of science’s role in innovation.

Housed at 2201 North Gemini Drive, just minutes from Meteor Crater and Flagstaff’s outdoor hubs, this one-hour session accommodates up to 30 students for an engaging dive into microscopic worlds influencing our future. It complements the outdoor adventure landscape by offering a cerebral, tactile exploration that stimulates creativity and curiosity, sharpening scientific insight in a region celebrated for its natural wonders.

Whether you're a local educator, visiting family, or an adventurous learner wanting to glimpse the science behind materials that shape our environment and technology, Strange Matter stands out as an essential Flagstaff destination. It broadens the adventure spectrum—combining the rugged outdoors with the frontier of scientific discovery.

About Meteor Crater Education Alliance

Meteor Crater Education Alliance is a Flagstaff, Arizona–based provider of hands-on STEM and space science programs for schools, community groups, and birthday celebrations. The organization offers mobile and on-site experiences that bring chemistry, physics, materials science, astronomy, and engineering to learners of all ages.

Program offerings include interactive birthday parties such as It's Slime Time!, Bubble Palooza!, Blast Off Birthday!, and Dino-Mite Birthday Bash! Educational labs and assemblies span Slimy Chemistry, Ready, Set, Launch!, Strange Matter, Launch Lab: Chemistry in Motion, Crime Lab, Kinetic Art, and The Spectacular Science Show. Mission: Planetfall and Rockstars of the Solar System connect students to space science, while the Starry Stories Planetarium Show delivers an inflatable-dome astronomy experience blending constellations and cultural storytelling.

Activities emphasize hands-on experiments, demonstrations, launches, and creative projects that encourage curiosity, observation, and basic STEM thinking. Mission: Planetfall includes emission spectra analysis and planetary lander design; Ready, Set, Launch! explores trajectory, air pressure, and engineering through air-powered rockets. Each experience provides tangible takeaways, from wiggly slime creations at birthday parties to tested rocket designs at launch labs.

Meteor Crater Education Alliance serves schools, families, and community programs in and around Flagstaff with portable formats and classroom-ready sessions. Program descriptions and trip summaries clarify what participants can expect, helping educators and parents choose the right experience. By offering a variety of themed labs, shows, and mobile planetarium events, the organization makes science accessible, memorable, and fun. Groups can book programs for assemblies, field trips, and private celebrations year-round with flexible schedules.