Calendar of Events

Work with other museum visitors in Spark!Lab Smithsonian to create a cardboard model of a futuristic space community. This collaborative project will grow and change through Sunday, September 18, 2016, so make plans to visit the museum again to see how it turn out!

Inspired by Naval fighter pilot Missy Cummings, test your piloting skills in Spark!Lab Smithsonian when you take The Discovery’s UAV for a test flight through a challenging obstacle course.

Inspired by the inventor of Kevlar polymer, Stephanie Kowlek, visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to make your own polymer slime and explore its various properties.

Prepare for lift-off in The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian when you build a paper compressed-air rocket using the provided template and then test your rocket’s flight capabilities using the museum’s compressed air launcher to send your spacecraft soaring toward the moon!

Prepare for lift-off in The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian when you build a paper compressed-air rocket using the provided template and then test your rocket’s flight capabilities using the museum’s compressed air launcher to send your spacecraft soaring toward the moon!

Prepare for lift-off in The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian when you build a paper compressed-air rocket using the provided template and then test your rocket’s flight capabilities using the museum’s compressed air launcher to send your spacecraft soaring toward the moon!

It may sound like its from the future, but its actually from the past. The theremin, invented in 1920 by Léon Theremin, is an instrument you play by waiving your hands near two antennas—you never actually touch the instrument. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to try your hand(s) at creating a song of your own on a modern day theremin!

Robots might be perfect for performing repetitive, preprogrammed tasks, but they can also excel at more artistic tasks as well. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your own artistic robot, better known as a “Squiggle Bot.” Using a variety of materials you’ll build a robot that can draw while moving to create a unique piece of art!

Robots might be perfect for performing repetitive, preprogrammed tasks, but they can also excel at more artistic tasks as well. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your own artistic robot, better known as a “Squiggle Bot.” Using a variety of materials you’ll build a robot that can draw while moving to create a unique piece of art!

Use your ingenuity in Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a new prehistoric-themed way to collect loose change and save for the future. Using available materials and your creativity, you’ll create your very own dino bank to keep.

Use your ingenuity in Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a new prehistoric-themed way to collect loose change and save for the future. Using available materials and your creativity, you’ll create your very own dino bank to keep.

Put your ingenuity to the test in Spark!Lab Smithsonian when you use available tools and materials to invent your own version of the popular fidget spinner. Relieve stress and nervous energy while you fidget with a device you created! Best of all, what you make is your to take home.

Explore electricity, conductivity and creativity when you use LEDs and conductive dough to invent wacky light-up sculptures in The Shop. 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.

Explore electricity, conductivity and creativity when you use LEDs and conductive dough to invent wacky light-up sculptures in The Shop. 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.