Calendar of Events

Give a classic game a recycled twist when you create your own marble maze in The Shop. Using a variety of repurposed materials, create the tracks, tunnels, bumpers and other obstacles that make that make up the perfect marble challenge. Best of all, what you make is yours to keep! Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in…

We often think of robots as designed to do menial, repetitive tasks. This activity in The Shop will challenge you to design and build a robot that takes on a much more creative task… dancing! Using a variety of materials and a small electric motor, you can build a robot that really boogies. Best of all, what you make is yours to keep! Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can cause injury if used…

The Force is strong with you! Celebrate Star Wars Day at The Discovery when you explore a variety of activities inspired by the famed movie franchise. As the ageless and wise Yoda once said, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Build a Lightsaber Win the battle against the dark side using a miniature lightsaber you build yourself in The Shop. Using a variety of materials and a finger light, you can create a miniature version of the classic…

The Force is strong with you! Celebrate Star Wars Day at The Discovery when you explore a variety of activities inspired by the famed movie franchise. As the ageless and wise Yoda once said, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Build a Lightsaber Win the battle against the dark side using a miniature lightsaber you build yourself in The Shop. Using a variety of materials and a finger light, you can create a miniature version of the classic…

Humans have long endeavored to travel among the stars. To do so, we need innovative spaceships that go farther and faster than ever before. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a spacecraft using recycled materials, considering things like how it will be powered, where it will travel, who will be at the controls, and other important aspects of the mission. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to…

Humans have long endeavored to travel among the stars. To do so, we need innovative spaceships that go farther and faster than ever before. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a spacecraft using recycled materials, considering things like how it will be powered, where it will travel, who will be at the controls, and other important aspects of the mission. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to…

Unleash your creativity and bring a touch of enchantment to your home or garden when you build your own fairy house! Perfect for gardeners of all ages, this delightful activity allows you to create a miniature magical world. Best of all, what you create is yours to keep. Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in…

Inspired by Super Human: Power of Technology, visit The Shop to use cardboard and other recycled materials to design and build a prosthetic. Super Human explores how technological advancements and medical breakthroughs have revolutionized the way we live, opening new possibilities and making the world a more inclusive place. What you create can further those efforts! Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can cause injury if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use…

Join our friends from Tahoe Star Tours in The Discovery’s Microsoft STEM Lab for a discussion, and hands-on exploration of the constellations of Orion, Cassiopeia, and Ursa Major. Participants will collaborate with others to construct a scale model demonstrating stellar distances of each constellation. Preregistration is required.

Inspired by Super Human: Power of Technology, visit The Shop to use cardboard and other recycled materials to design and build a prosthetic. Super Human explores how technological advancements and medical breakthroughs have revolutionized the way we live, opening new possibilities and making the world a more inclusive place. What you create can further those efforts! Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can cause injury if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use…

With spring almost upon us, visit The Shop to build a cozy home for our feathered friends. Using various wooden materials and available tools, you can design and build your own version of a classic birdhouse. Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.

With spring almost upon us, visit The Shop to build a cozy home for our feathered friends. Using various wooden materials and available tools, you can design and build your own version of a classic birdhouse. Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.

Modeling clay is a great way to start a project. It’s easily malleable consistency makes it easy to use (and reuse) for creating a prototype for nearly any project. Visit The Shop to try your hand at using modeling clay to design nearly anything you can imagine. Best of all, what you create is yours to keep! Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can cause injury if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help…

3D printing technology is changing the fields of design and manufacturing at a rapid rate. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to witness the layer-by-layer creation of various objects, learn about the materials and technologies involved, and understand the applications and implications of 3D printing across industries like healthcare, engineering, and art.

Visit The Shop to create the perfect decoration for spring. Using hammers and nails, you can create a spring-inspired shape to trace with yarn. Best of all, what you make is yours to take home! Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.

3D printing technology is changing the fields of design and manufacturing at a rapid rate. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to witness the layer-by-layer creation of various objects, learn about the materials and technologies involved, and understand the applications and implications of 3D printing across industries like healthcare, engineering, and art.

Visit The Shop to create the perfect decoration for spring. Using hammers and nails, you can create a spring-inspired shape to trace with yarn. Best of all, what you make is yours to take home! Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.

3D printing technology is changing the fields of design and manufacturing at a rapid rate. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to witness the layer-by-layer creation of various objects, learn about the materials and technologies involved, and understand the applications and implications of 3D printing across industries like healthcare, engineering, and art.

Prepare for the summer growing season with a DIY Planter you design and build in The Shop. Using wood, recycled containers, craft materials, and a variety of tools, you can create a planter to grow your favorite flowers or herbs. Best of all, what you make is yours to keep! Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can cause injury if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.

Celebrate the favorite father in your life with a trophy you build in his honor. In honor of Father’s Day, visit The Shop to use a variety of real tools and materials to construct a trophy to commemorate the importance of the dad in your life. Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.

A country or city’s flag symbolizes its people, culture, and sometimes its geography. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to use a variety of materials to design your own flag that symbolizes your favorite location, real or imaginary. Using a variety of materials including felt, construction paper, and other colored papers and fabric scraps, visitors can design a flag that represents nearly anything they can imagine. Please note: Spark!Lab offers access to tools and materials that can cause injury if used improperly. Parents are…

Celebrate the favorite father in your life with a trophy you build in his honor. In honor of Father’s Day, visit The Shop to use a variety of real tools and materials to construct a trophy to commemorate the importance of the dad in your life. Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.