Volunteer Mark Olsen, who designed and built a greenhouse in the new STEM lab at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada adds plants to the shelves of the greenhouse.
A hands-on laboratory featuring science, technology, engineering and mathematics projects will open today at the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada.
“There’s going to be different activities, and a little bit of everything,” said Lu Olsen, director of the Children’s Museum. “The whole family can get involved.”
The lab was built by the 18 members of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class of 2013.
“It’s amazing,” said Ronni Hannaman, executive director of the chamber. “They took what was once a dingy, dark storage room and did amazing things with it. The kids are going to love it.”
The class raised $6,000 to create the lab where children will be able to virtually dissect a frog and pilot a flight simulator. There also will be story problems for math, and a river tank to observe fish and frogs.
A traditional greenhouse will be featured along with an aquaponics garden, where plants will grow in fertilized water only.
Future engineers will be able to test their skills in making bridges from straws and masking tape.
The grand opening will kick off with a pancake and sausage breakfast hosted by the Kiwanis of the Sierra Nevada from 8-11 a.m.
The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children, which includes admission to the museum.
The grand opening of the STEM Lab and Science Room will run through 4:30 p.m.
The STEM Lab and Science Room will be open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 19, when it will be open during those hours on Saturdays and Sundays for the regular price of admission to the museum.
Hannaman said she is pleased with the work of the class.
“We’re delighted that it’s going to be something that enhances the Children’s Museum and the educational experience for children and their families,” she said.
