Spark!Lab

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: Space Shuttle

Bulletin Board 1: Space Shuttle History 

Bulletin Board 2: Space Shuttle Orbiters 

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) Paper Shuttle Gliders: Explore the History of the NASA Space Shuttle: From Launching the Hubble Space Telescope to Constructing the ISS.
• (Mondays) Sew a Star: Sew your own guiding star using star patterns.
• September 14: Observe the Moon: Explore the lunar phases and how they change depending on the Moon’s position around Earth.
• September 27: Astronomy Day: Hands-on Constellations create star patterns with pipe cleaners and beads while learning the stories of famous constellations.

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