In 2003, the Children's Science Center sponsored the Nature's Elements program which was an exciting, academically challenging after-school program for students in grades 1 - 8. The Nature's Elements program integrated science and humanities to focus on a single topic each year. The theme of the 2003-2004 program was "The Air We Breathe!" The air quality exhibit from this program is displayed at the YMCA Art and Science Center located at 830 Quincy Street.

"The Air We Breathe" program was funded in part by the Environmental Protection Agency, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Black Hills Corporation, GCC Dacotah, Hills Materials Company, Pete Lien & Sons and Simon Contractors. The air quality program was developed in partnership with South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Parents for Rigor and Relevance in Education, the Rapid City Air Quality Board, the Rapid City Air Quality Division and the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.