STEM Zone

This science, technology, engineering, and mathematics exhibit on the second floor is comprised of 4 zones plus the Make It Workshop.

Make It

Everyone is a maker in the Make It gallery! This space is designed to teach children how to use the tools and materials needed to help inventors and makers turn ideas into reality.

The gallery is divided into two distinct spaces. The main part of the gallery is filled with activities for free choice and unguided exploration. Build a large-scale structure with wooden planks, L brackets, bolts and screws known as Rigamajig. Design and build a 3D sculpture with recycled materials. Tinker with all kinds of technology on the Tech Table. There is also a special space for Young Makers, under 5, equipped with age-appropriate tools and materials.

The gated workshop within the Make It gallery is for staff-guided activities that require special skills or utilize sharp tools. Outfitted with simple tools like hand tools for woodworking and needle and thread for sewing, as well as complex tools like power tools and sewing machines, the Workshop gives children ages 6 and older an opportunity to create a guided project or design and make something of their own. Much of Make It is dedicated to guests ages 6 and up, but the Workshop is supervised by a trained staff member at all times to ensure a safe and fun experience for each guest.

Activities in Make It change out on a regular basis, so there is always something new to learn and experience!

Robotics

The immediate eye-catching installation at the entrance to STEM Zone is our robotics table, the centering piece of the Robotics gallery. Operate an mBot robot to catch a ball and bring it back to your zone - it's harder than it sounds! Or try out your programming skills to make our fluffy puppet dance and wiggle.

Build and Test

This gallery features a rocket launch, catapult, car build and test track for a variety of ways to put your creations to the test.

Energy

The energy gallery provides first-hand experience of a variety of energy sources, from solar power to a wind turbine!