Nature’s Engineers

BCM’s New STEM Makerspace

BCM has a new natural science-inspired makerspace: Nature’s Engineers! Nature’s Engineers is a unique space where the marvels of natural science and the excitement of STEM converge. It’s where children become makers, inspired by the intricacies of nature and the principles of scientific inquiry.

Each month features new programs, adaptable to suit a range of ages from 4 to 10, ensuring engaging and age-appropriate experiences for young learners. Nature’s Engineers provides children the opportunity to learn from nature and engage in hands-on STEM activities, fostering creativity and critical thinking, and inspiring the next generation of problem solvers and innovators.

Nature’s Engineers is open Thursdays from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm during the Museum’s Amazon Community Access Hours, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm. Entry to Nature’s Engineers is included with general admission.

Projects

This Month

March: From Flowers to Friends

Why do bees buzz? This March in Nature’s Engineers, we’re exploring how bees use sounds to communicate. Just like how bees can buzz different messages to work together and build amazing homes, you can learn to use sounds to share your own secret messages with friends!

Build your own buzzing device in BCM’s STEM makerspace to explore how sound waves travel through the air. Test your noise-maker: can you mimic buzzing sounds to send a secret message to a friend?

Up Next

April: What’s the Juice?

How can a potato turn on a light? This month in Nature’s Engineers, we’re exploring batteries, circuits, and producing electricity from everyday foods. These same ideas help scientists develop better batteries and cleaner energy for healthier air and water for everyone.

Build your own food-powered battery in BCM’s STEM makerspace and discover the amazing science of electrochemistry. How many potatoes will it take to light your bulb? Can you find a fruit that works even better?