Did you know that November 8 is National STEM Day? For those unfamiliar with the term, STEM—an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—is an integrative teaching method that combines these four disciplines into real-world working experiences to educate and develop promising young minds. Largely geared toward school-age kids, the multi-faceted incorporation of STEM makes for many innovative opportunities, including versatile activities, hands-on interactive endeavors, and engagement through learning.
There is a place in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, dedicated to fostering STEM-based motivation in young and aspiring innovators of tomorrow. It’s the Lancaster Science Factory Museum. Given the upcoming STEM Day designation, it’s certainly worth taking a closer look into. A treat for those who enjoy the elements of learning beyond basic bookwork alone, Lancaster Science Factory Museum provides plenty of pursuits and excellent experiences for the taking regarding STEM.
A 501 (c)(3) interactive science center, the Lancaster Science Factory Museum caters primarily to Pre-K students through those in eighth grade. Of course, as a family-oriented attraction, folks of all ages and interests can find plenty to enjoy onsite here.
The Lancaster Science Factory Museum has been a beloved community staple since opening to the public in 2008. The brainchild of retired advertising executive James Bunting, he drew his inspiration after visiting an existing science center geared toward fostering innovative and interactive learning in young children while on a trip to Florida. The idea that local kids throughout the greater Lancaster area would also benefit immensely from such a place of learning and discovery initially sparked his drive to establish one. It took several years of planning and even a one-million-dollar capital campaign, but flash forward more than a decade and a half later, the Lancaster Science Factory Museum is one of the county’s most raved-about educational attractions.
The museum’s founding goal and mission is to foster mathematical and science-based interests in children while providing an accessible, interactive learning environment outside the classroom for local youth throughout Lancaster County. This is accomplished in many ways, including the more than 75 interactive, hands-on exhibits and attractions you will find here.
These are all categorized into specific STEM-related topics, including Light and Vision, Electricity and Magnetism, Mechanics and Motion, Structural Engineering, Acoustics and Sound, Fluid Dynamics, Environmental Sustainability, and Puzzles, Math, and Logic.
While all the attractions found in-house are uniquely engaging, entertaining, and informative, some pursuits are undeniably more popular than others. One specific crowd-pleaser is the interactive Water Lab, which features a Hydroelectric Dam, Sluiceway, Valve Play, Water Mushroom, and more. Another is the vast and versatile Outdoor Courtyard, which offers so many opportunities to learn by playing. The Engineering Zone lets you bring custom-created concepts to life through the art of building. The Sustainable Energy Dance Floor is another one for the books—a sure way to get folks of all ages and activity levels up and moving.
Among the myriad other marvels to immerse yourself in at the museum are their Exhibition Hall of great acclaim, the onsite Classroom for interactive learning projects and activities, and the uniquely designated Science Café. The latter hosts ongoing hands-on demonstrations and experiments set within a room following a diner-like motif. Perhaps the pun “food for thought” applies most appropriately here, although some of the experiments aren’t so appetizing. Slime-making, which is offered on a rotating basis, remains one of their most favored features.
In addition to exhibits and activities for visitors at all times, the Lancaster Science Factory hosts several special STEM-related events, workshops, and programs throughout the year. As a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), an organization linking science centers and museums globally, this is all part of an extended educational outreach initiative. There’s almost always something going on! Click the events link here for the scoop on all the latest happenings.
The Lancaster Science Factory Museum also provides for school field trips, and even event rental spaces right onsite. To call it an amazing all-in-one attraction that combines the best of fun and education would be a gross understatement. You just have to come out and see for yourself!
Hours of operation for the Lancaster Science Factory Museum are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. They are closed on Mondays. Visit them at 454 New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17602. Learn more on the website at www.lancastersciencefactory.org.