Pedal Power: Bike Build
Get ready to turn curiosity into motion with Pedal Power: Bike Build! In this hands-on STEM workshop, kids won’t just learn how bicycles work—they’ll actually build one from the ground up. Along the way, they’ll explore key engineering concepts like mechanics, force, and motion, all while working as a team and using real tools.

But the impact doesn’t stop there. Once completed, each bike will be donated to the Start School Right Program, helping a child in need ride into the school year with confidence. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, problem-solving, and purpose—where every turn of the wrench helps power both young minds and brighter futures.

Recommended age: All ages

Solder Studio: Melt & Light
Step into the world of electronics, tools, and creativity with Solder Studio: Melt & Light! In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn the art and science of soldering as they build their very own mini LED game console. With guided instruction, they’ll safely use real soldering tools to connect electronic components, create working circuits, and bring their handheld gaming device to life. Along the way, they’ll explore how electricity flows, how circuits power technology, and how precision and problem-solving come together to create something fun and functional.

Recommended age: 11 years and older

Rover Lab: Code & Control
Kick things into high gear with Rover Lab: Code & Control! In this exciting workshop, kids will learn the basics of programming by controlling a Parrot Jumping Sumo MiniRover. Through beginner-friendly coding, they’ll bring their mini-rover to life—making it spin, jump, and navigate through fun challenges.

As they experiment and problem-solve, participants will see how coding connects to robotics and real-world technology. Whether they’re mastering a tricky move or creating their own command sequence, this workshop is all about turning ideas into action—one line of code at a time. Please note: Participants will be expected to independently follow written instructions presented at approximately a fifth-grade reading level. 

Recommended age: 11 years and older

Glow & Groove: Light Up Card
Light up your creativity with Glow & Groove: Light Up Card! In this electrifying workshop, kids will explore the basics of electrical engineering by designing and building their own interactive greeting card from scratch. Using simple circuits, they’ll power lights and sound to transform a basic card into something truly dynamic.

As they build, participants will learn how components like batteries, switches, and connections work together to bring their designs to life. It’s the perfect blend of art and engineering—where creativity meets circuitry and every card shines with personality and innovation.

Recommended age: All ages

Wobble & Walk: Simple Robots
Bring robots to life with Wobble & Walk: Simple Robots! In this playful, hands-on workshop, kids will build their own quirky robots that wobble and move using simple motors and clever design. They’ll explore how balance, vibration, and motion can turn basic materials into something full of energy and character.

Through building and experimenting, participants will learn core robotics concepts in an approachable way. This workshop shows that robotics doesn’t have to be complicated to be exciting—just a little creativity and curiosity can lead to big discoveries.

Recommended age: All ages

Whirl & Wheels: Propeller Car
Rev up creativity with Whirl & Wheels: Propeller Car! In this high-energy workshop, kids will build their own propeller-powered cars and explore how air propulsion, energy transfer, and motion work together to make them move. As they design and test, they’ll learn how factors like weight, balance, and friction impact performance.

The excitement builds when it’s time to race! Kids will test, tweak, and improve their cars as they compete to see whose design travels the farthest. It’s a fun, fast-paced way to experience engineering through creativity and friendly competition.

Recommended age: All ages

Roll & Run: Marble Maze Challenge
Get ready to design, build, and think on the move with Roll & Run: Marble Maze Challenge! In this engaging workshop, students will create vertical marble runs while exploring concepts like gravity, speed, angles, and structure. Each group will test and refine their design to keep their marble rolling smoothly.

Once each team has a working build, they’ll combine their creations into one large, collaborative marble run. This workshop emphasizes teamwork and systems thinking, showing how individual ideas can connect to create something bigger and more exciting.

Recommended age: All ages

Snap & Stream: Raspberry Pi Photo Booth
Capture creativity with Snap & Stream: Raspberry Pi Photo Booth! In this hands-on workshop, kids will program a Raspberry Pi to power their own photo booth. They’ll integrate cameras, LEDs, and other components to create a fully functional, interactive system.

As they build and code, participants will explore real-world concepts like automation, user input, and digital imaging. The end result is a working photo booth they designed themselves—combining creativity, engineering, and technology into one unforgettable STEM experience.

Recommended age: 13 years and older

SIM Lab and C909 Systems Lab
Collins Aerospace uses virtual reality and video-gaming technology to evaluate new products for manufacturing and to perform early training. Using a VR headset, a virtual manufacturing environment can be utilized to experience a design to scale and walk through its build process in a fully immersive manner.

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The C909 Systems Lab supports the development and integration of advanced avionics and aircraft systems for the COMAC C909, China’s first domestically produced passenger jet program. Designed to replicate key aircraft functions in a ground-based test environment, the lab enables engineers to evaluate system performance, validate software, and ensure seamless communication between critical flight systems before flight. Through interactive demonstrations and real-time simulations, visitors can experience how Collins Aerospace technologies contribute to the safety, efficiency, and reliability of commercial aviation.

Concept Flight Deck and A220 Systems Lab
This concept flight deck was developed to integrate and evaluate new and near-term Collins technology. These capabilities include vision systems (synthetic, enhanced, and combined vision), pilot support systems that monitor the pilot's fatigue level through eye tracking, and haptic seats that can be used to alert the pilot in flight.

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With the Pro Line Fusion^® integrated avionics system, advanced situational awareness and flexible and intuitive decision-making tools combine with total connectivity to enhance the safety, efficiency, and predictability of every mission—for business and commercial aircraft, as well as military platforms. Available features, such as  integrated head-up vision systems and powerful weather-threat detection, help pilots fly with precision anywhere, anytime. 

Displays Demo Lab and M170 Systems Lab
The Display Products Demo Room showcases both current and future state Avionics Display Technology. Stop in to see our head down flight displays that can be seen on commercial airliners, military helicopters, and business jets! Other highlights include LED backlights, optical bonding, 3D, touch screens, and emissive displays.

- PLUS -

With the Pro Line Fusion^® integrated avionics system, advanced situational awareness and flexible and intuitive decision-making tools combine with total connectivity to enhance the safety, efficiency and predictability of every mission—for business and commercial aircraft, as well as military platforms. Available features, such as  integrated head-up vision systems and powerful weather-threat detection, help pilots fly with precision anywhere, anytime.

*F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System and Global Positioning System (GPS) Van
Check out your Top Gun skills by viewing the F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System and 3D head-scanning fitting demos. Learn how fighter pilots today are able to see 360 degrees around the airplane almost like it wasn't there.

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Ever found yourself on the side of a mountain, in a subway, or out in a cornfield completely lost because your Google Maps wouldn’t load? Now imagine that situation on a battlefield—where enemies are actively trying to make it happen. Come learn about the anti-jam, anti-spoof Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing solution developed right here in Cedar Rapids for the U.S. Army. Every day, we help soldiers navigate through contested environments and get home safely to their families.

*Please note: This tour is restricted to U.S. citizens.