Full STEAM ahead: Explora brings learning, creativity and fun to the summer

As children look for things to do this summer, families have been heading to Explora for a season filled with learning, creativity and fun.

From the engaging summer camps for kids, to the innovative programs for teens and adults, Explora offers something for everyone.

Stacy Jenkins-Cooley, a mom of two young children, visits Explora regularly during the summer.

Full STEAM ahead: Explora brings learning, creativity and fun to the summer

“We come about once every two weeks,” she said. “My kids love the water features outside, the bubbles and especially the axolotl,” she said.

Diana Keeran, a mom to a two-year-old, said she likes Explora because it keeps her daughter occupied and engaged.

“We actually have a membership, so we come here really often,” said Keeran. “She loves the bubbles and the water flow activities. She’s always going back to those specific ones.”

Communications manager Amythyst Marciano said Explora is more than a science center, it’s a community where learning comes to life.

She said that incorporating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) concepts everywhere is key to Explora’s mission, from the different colored pipes on the ceiling to represent different systems to the high-wire bike that demonstrates engineering concepts to kids.

Explora also has a Summer Break Camp, running from Monday, July 8, through Aug. 2, which provides STEAM learning opportunities.

One of the other programs at Explora this summer is the project undertaken by high school students to create accessible signage for blind and low-vision visitors. In the bustling Makerspace, teens are utilizing 3D printing technology to design and produce braille signs that enhance the museum experience for everyone.

Drew Lauderdale, an instructor for the group, explained the process.

“We’re working on creating signage that is more accessible for blind and low-vision individuals,” he said. “Today, we’re printing name tags with the laser cutter.”

“The whole point of this project is to make sure everyone can enjoy the exhibits, regardless of their abilities,” Lauderdale said, “For instance, we took measurements of exhibits in the electricity area upstairs and made adjustments to make them more appealing and accessible for kids with vision impairments. We’re designing 3D models of the exhibits and printing them in soft materials so visitors can touch and feel what they look like.”

The project’s scope extends beyond signage. The students are also developing tactile models of the museum’s popular Madagascar hissing cockroaches.

“We’re going to 3D print these models using a soft silicone material with a hard plastic shell,” he said. “This way, visitors who are too afraid to touch the real cockroaches can still experience what they feel like.”

Explora hosts nine Adult Nights each year for ages 18 and older. The evening events feature themed activities and live music. An open bar is available for visitors age 21 and older.

Upcoming events include the “Exploralympics” on Friday, July 19, where visitors can learn about exercise science and compete in mini-games. “The Science of Beer” on Aug. 23, will showcase local breweries and offer a deep dive into the science behind beer production.

For more information on summer programs and events at Explora, visit explora.us, or follow its weekly newsletter and official Facebook posts at facebook.com/ExploraNM.