Calendar of Events

Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to experiment with the new Prototype Pinball exhibit. Arrange the various bumpers and figure out how long you can keep the marble from reaching the bottom of the game. Your feedback on this exhibit will help us develop the final version that will become a permanent part of the museum’s exhibit collection.

Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to experiment with the new Prototype Pinball exhibit. Arrange the various bumpers and figure out how long you can keep the marble from reaching the bottom of the game. Your feedback on this exhibit will help us develop the final version that will become a permanent part of the museum’s exhibit collection.

Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to experiment with the new Prototype Pinball exhibit. Arrange the various bumpers and figure out how long you can keep the marble from reaching the bottom of the game. Your feedback on this exhibit will help us develop the final version that will become a permanent part of the museum’s exhibit collection.

Visit The Discovery on the second Wednesday of every month for Tech!Night, a program designed to put emerging technology in the hands of museum visitors. Tech!Nights feature a variety of high-tech tools and techniques, gadgets and games – command a robot, print in 3-D, and even code a new game – happening monthly in Spark!Lab Smithsonian.

Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your very own board game. Using available materials, you can invent a board game, write the rules of play, and create the pieces for your game as well. Challenge your friends and family to play your game and then refine your idea based on their feedback!

Every Wednesday beginning at 4:00pm, admission to The Discovery is just $5.00 per visitor! Members and children under age 1 are always free. And best of all, the museum stays open until 8:00pm!

Be inspired by the creativity and innovation of Muppets creator Jim Henson when you visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your own hand puppet. Using available materials, you can create a unique character all your own and learn about how The Muppets went from idea to hit television sensation.

Face your fears and tackle your phobias head-on during an evening of some of the scariest science. Whether your fear is clowns, bugs, electric shock, needles, or just the fear of fear itself, prepare to explore the science of scary. Labs, lectures and experiences at this Social Science will include: Why are you scared? Join Cindy Lancaster Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno assistant professor of clinical psychology, for an eye-opening presentation that will teach you three strategies to help you conquer…

Visit The Discovery on the second Wednesday of every month for Tech!Night, a program designed to put emerging technology in the hands of museum visitors. Tech!Nights feature a variety of high-tech tools and techniques, gadgets and games – command a robot, print in 3-D, and even code a new game – happening monthly in Spark!Lab Smithsonian.

Experiment with propulsion when you design and build your own balloon rocket in the The Shop. Combine a variety of new and recycled materials with an ordinary balloon to create a rocket powered by air. 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.

Worms are a productive part of any spring garden, but they’re also pretty cute. Visit The Shop to combine a variety of new and recycled materials to create a cuddly, clever sock worm. 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 this space.

Ready to engage in battle? Register for this class and you’ll learn how to build the ultimate BattleBot using using LEGO® Mindstorm robotics. Then, test your bot’s capabilities when you pit it against your fellow participants in a head-to-head, sumo-style battle. Your objective? Push your competitors’ bot out of the ring to declare victory! Register today for one of two age groups. Age Group Time Member Nonmember Remaining Register Ages 5-8* 10:00 – 11:30am $25 $30  0 spots Ages 9-12…

Take to the skies when you visit The Shop to create your own rubber band-powered helicopter. Combine simple materials and a plastic propeller to create a helicopter you can wind up and send flying into the clouds! 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.

Ready to engage in battle? Register for this class and you’ll learn how to build the ultimate BattleBot using using LEGO® Mindstorm robotics. Then, test your bot’s capabilities when you pit it against your fellow participants in a head-to-head, sumo-style battle. Your objective? Push your competitors’ bot out of the ring to declare victory! Register today for one of two age groups. Age Group Time Member Nonmember Remaining Register Ages 5-8* 10:00 – 11:30am $25 $30 0 spots Ages 9-12…

Join our friends from Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful in The Shop to turn an old, worn out t-shirt into a useful tote bag. Bring your own t-shirt, or grab one of ours, and follow the simple instructions to easily transform a tired t-shirt into a tote bag perfect for daily use. 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…

Join our friends from Envirolution to take part in a variety of hands-on activities related to sustainable energy. You can create your own circuit, electromagnet or shake light, and even generate electricity by peddling a bicycle!