STEAMworks

WHERE SCIENCE MEETS ART AND

IMAGINATION SPARKS INNOVATION

This program explores STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).

As we dive into robotics, circuits, 3-D printing, science experiments, and more, museum guests interact with hands-on, spotlight science experiments, and activities with a weekly focus. This program is intended for visitors as their beginning interaction with scientific learning and engineering design.

Program Objectives

  1. Promote STEAM based learning through hands-on activities.
  2. Collaborate with community partners, including local businesses, organizations, schools, and libraries, to offer STEAM-based learning opportunities.
  3. Grow membership and increase community engagement and awareness of museum program offerings.

Schedule

STEAMworks will be a key component of the program calendar. STEAMworks will include weekly programs, monthly special events, camps, and as requested focused programs.


  • Weekday Morning

○ Weekly (year-round)

○ Staff and/or volunteer led program

○ Includes one hands-on project/activity


  • Saturday Morning

○ Monthly (year-round)

○ Staff and/or volunteer led program

○ Includes three hands-on projects/activities

  • Camps

○ Mini Camps - spring and winter

■ 2 hours

■ Staff led program

■ Includes at least three hands-on projects/activities

■ Minimum of five mini camps per year

○ Summer Camps

■ 2.5 hours - 4 days per week

■ Staff led program

■ Includes at least ten hands-on projects/activities

■ Minimum of five summer camps per year

  • As Requested

○ Field Trips

○ Outreach Programs

○ Girl Scout Reservations

Learning Objectives:

  1. To experiment with various scientific tools and objects
  2. To learn steps in the scientific method
  3. To explore new scientific concepts
  4. To learn steps in the engineering design process
  5. To provide exposure to new technologies
  6. To provide information about future career opportunities with the STEM field
  7. To use problem solving skills to explore various topics

Standards Alignment:


  • Science: CC2: Use science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and cause and effect relationships to make sense of phenomena and solve problems.


  • Science: SEP1: Ask questions and define problems, in conjunction with using crosscutting concepts and disciplinary core ideas, to make sense of phenomena and solve problems


  • Science: ETS1: Use science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and an understanding of engineering design to make sense of phenomena and solve problems.


  • Career Technical: 4C1: Think and work creatively to develop innovative solutions to problems and opportunities.

Potential Program Topics

  • Robotics - Mip robots
  • Robotics - Makeblock cars
  • Robotics - Motorized Lego constructions
  • Circuits - Snap circuits designs
  • Circuits - Makey Makey
  • Circuits - Squishy circuits
  • Circuits - copper tape or pipe cleaner circuits
  • 3-D Printing - Tinkercad
  • 3-D Printing - Doodle pens
  • Papermaking - Seed paper
  • Papermaking - DIY paper
  • Virtual Reality - Quest games/challenges
  • Science Experiments - Slime
  • Science Experiments - Oobleck
  • Science Experiments - Instant snow
  • Science Experiments - Water gel
  • Science Experiments - UV Bracelets and test sunscreen
  • Science Experiments - Invisible Ink
  • Science Experiments - Fireworks in a jar
  • Science Experiments - Cloud dough
  • Engineering - Straw construction
  • Engineering - Discovery ramps
  • Engineering - Animal shelters
  • Engineering - Parachutes with wind tunnel
  • Engineering - Bridge construction
  • Art - Bubble painting
  • Art - Spinner art