Spark!Lab

Included with museum admission

Ticket Information

Spark!Lab is a hands-on invention workspace where children and their families and friends can learn about and engage in the history and process of invention. It is a space to engage the entire family while presenting challenges ranging from simple to complex and allowing all visitors to recognize their inner Inventor!

  • Invention is a process.
  • Everyone is inventive.
  • Invention and innovation have been – and continue to be – an important part of the American Experience.

History, science, engineering, and art are incorporated throughout the lab.  

Activities:

  • Invent-A-Vehicle Build a vehicle to be used on another planet. Vehicles are made from reusable materials, and components are on a scale that encourages collaboration and imaginative play.
  • Soundscapes Use different parts and pieces to create music and pathways for marbles. See what sounds are made with different configurations.
  • Marble Run Learn about geometric shapes, engineering, physics, magnets, number counting, and architectural and structural design while building a marble run.
  • Hex Bugs and Kapla Blocks Design a maze for the Hex Bugs. It needs to have 3 beginnings/ending points.
  • Spark!Lab Jr Read a book, measure the distance between two objects, examine bugs under a magnifying glass are just a few of the activities awaiting our younger guests.
  • STEM Stencils STEM is everywhere! The Solar System. A Cheese Pizza. Music.  Animals. Using the various stencils provided, create a new game. Draw a Flow Chart to describe your day. Plan your next vacation. The Universe is the limit!

Spark!Lab History Month Theme: International Space Station

Bulletin Board 1:  International Space Station History

Bulletin Board 2: International Space Station STEM

Spark!Lab Hands on Learning Activities      

Location/Times: Spark Lab (Each event is within Spark!Lab hours of operation 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)      

  • (Daily) The WWII Soviet Night Witches: Learn the aviation history behind the all-female team from the Soviet 588th Night Bomber Regiment, nicknamed the "Night Witches" by the Germans during WWII. Make your own straw witch and learn about these amazing female pilots and their aircraft.
     
  • (Mondays) Hands on Learning: Trick or Treat Balance: Design and build a structure that supports a cauldron filled with pumpkins.
     
  • (Tuesdays) Try It Tuesday: Pumpkin STEM: Get into the autumn spirit and test your skills at measuring and weighing pumpkins! Would they weigh differently on other planets?
     
  • October 21 - Happy Birthday Ronald McNair: Celebrate NASA astronaut Ronald McNair and his musical abilities as the first astronaut to play the saxophone in space on STS-41B. Build your own musical instrument to join in the celebration. 

Come and be an inventor with us! 

Saturday and Sunday   12 pm - 4 pm
Monday through Friday   9 am - 4 pm

STEAM Literature Series (SLS)

Click here for more information about our SLS program.

Join us Thursdays at 10:00 for stories and hands-on activities!

Content of schedule subject to change