CHANGING LIVES AND INSPIRING LEARNING THROUGH SCIENCE AND WONDER.
Catawba Science Center is proud to host the 8th annual Hickory Bot Battles combat robot competition, returning September 12th & 13th, 2025, Carpenter Hall! As North Carolina's largest combat robot event, Hickory Bot Battles brings competitors from across the country, often including teams that have previously competed on the BattleBots TV show. Tickets are sold the month prior to join in on the action and watch 2 days of over 100 competitive combat robot builders, robots weighing up to three pounds, fight to the "death" in the 8’ x 8’ bullet-proof arena with a fiberglass floor. Learn more about the event HERE.
Enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, an eclectic place full of brainteasers and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers. Visitors to this fun and quirky mansion are invited to join the Mindbender Society by gathering hidden clues and secret passwords scattered throughout the various thematic rooms of the house. The clues and passwords are revealed by solving select brainteasers and group challenges. Visitors are encouraged to think outside the box and collaborate with their fellow mansion guests to meet individual and group challenges, which include manipulating a tilt table, keeping up with T.V. trays on a conveyer belt, and disco hopscotch spelling. Learn more HERE.
