The Lancaster Science Factory has completed the first phase of its $3M overall expansion project by adding 50% more space (> 5,600 s.f.) to the Hall of Science, many new exhibits, and a one-of-a-kind Youth Maker Space designed by Tippetts/Weaver Architects. New exhibits include a large Water Lab, Flight Test Zone featuring airplane launchers and a Wind Tube, Earthquake Shake Table, Topographic Box, Sustainable Energy Dance Floor, Giant Turntable, Pneumatic Tubes, and much more.

The Youth Maker Space will feature open tinkering, facilitated workshops, evening programs, summer camps, and more. Programs will be engaging, hands-on workshops designed for students in grades K-8 to create something and improve upon it through engineering design. Examples include customized LED wearable jewelry, woodworking projects, Scribblebot robots, 3D printing projects, and more on a rotating schedule. Family members are welcome to join workshops, and occasional adults-only workshops will be offered in the evenings.

Outside of organized workshops, the Maker Space will also be available to museum visitors for more open-ended exploration of circuit boards, marble run roller coasters, and a robot library. Eight weeks of Maker Space Summer Camp will be presented between June and August.

Programs will be led by the Science Factory’s Maker Space Educator, Chris Blackmon. Pricing for workshops will vary. Summer camp registration will be available in early March. You can view a full calendar of events as they are planned at www.LancasterScienceFactory.org.

The Lancaster Science Factory is still seeking funding support to complete Phase 2 of its expansion and renovation, including an Outdoor Courtyard with environmental sustainability-themed exhibits, and a landmark 30-foot “Sky Bridge” climber. Information on this Capital Campaign can be found at www.ElevateCuriosity.org.