Support science for our future. Make a gift to the Science Center’s Curiosity Fund to help support STEM education efforts in St. Louis.
In Dream It. Build It., the Saint Louis Science Center’s new exhibit, guests are able to play, experiment and build freestanding structures using KEVA planks—small wooden blocks that, when put together, can create almost any design—and find inspiration in some of St. Louis’ notable architecture and history.
We spoke with the Science Center’s Sarah Brown, Manager of Makerspace & GameXPloration, to learn more about this exciting new (and free) addition to the Oakland Building’s STEM experiences, the local St. Louis aspects of the exhibit, and more about what guests can expect to find inside.
Sarah, can you tell us a bit about Dream It. Build It. and what guests can expect inside?
Dream It. Build It. is primarily an interactive exhibit that gives guests the opportunity to build with KEVA planks and Imagination Playground blocks. Guests are invited to build anything they can dream up, but we also have prompts and building ideas throughout the exhibition. The exhibit also features information on St. Louis’ spectacular architectural history, as well as information on what architects, engineers, general contractors, and others do to complete building projects.
What are some of the STEM concepts the team is most excited to see guests explore in this exhibit?
Building and design are all about physics and how humans can use physics concepts to create structures that do amazing things like reach very tall heights, hold huge amounts of weight, or use really cool concepts like cantilevers that suspend buildings or bridges in the air. There’s also a design element to the exhibit where guests will have to think and plan before they build.
A lot of the STEM concepts in the exhibition also relate to the careers people can pursue in these design and building fields. We want people to be inspired by St. Louis’ architecture and think about how they can be part of creating our future city.
We are excited for people to engage with these concepts freely and create something different each time they visit. I am also personally excited to see the incredible things people create! It’s going to be a blast.
Dream It. Build It. just so happens to be located next to the Makerspace, which explores some similar STEM concepts. Is the Education team thinking about the two together? Are there other galleries or experiences at the Science Center you hope guests pair with the exhibit?
Yes, there will be a lot of crossover with the Makerspace next door. The Makerspace team has some fun programs and extra activities developed. We will have some building challenges that pair up Makerspace exhibits with Dream It. Build It., so both will literally build on the content in the other space.
As for other galleries, the Structures gallery on the bridge is really the companion gallery to Dream It. Build It. Where Dream It. Build It. focuses on design, Structures takes guests more deeply into construction. Both allow a lot of hands-on opportunities to engage with STEM concepts.
At the Science Center, Dream It. Build It. includes several examples of local St. Louis architecture (including our iconic McDonnell Planetarium). What do you hope guests take away from seeing those St. Louis elements?
We really wanted people to be able to see examples of the engineering and design feats we talk about in this exhibit in their own community. By telling a little of the history and some important examples, we hope people will look at St. Louis in a new light and know a little more about the amazing structures in our city, as well as shed light on some lesser-known stories of building and design.
Why was it important to bring an exhibit like Dream It. Build It. to the Science Center?
Engineering is a core content focus at the Science Center and, in particular, the way engineers, architects, and others work together to creatively solve problems. And we believe it is vital for our community to be able to experience hands-on, interactive environments where they can learn by doing.
It’s so important for people of all ages to attempt something, maybe fail at first, and then revise their original design and succeed. Those are skills that are valuable for all areas of life and across so many careers.
Learn more about Dream It. Build It. here.
Your Support
Support from donors, Science Center members, and Supporting-level members is instrumental in helping the Science Center continue offering connections to science for everyone in our region. If you’d like to show additional support for our mission, please consider donating to the Science Center’s Curiosity Fund, becoming a member, or becoming a Supporting-level member.
Your Impact
Want to learn more about how the Science Center and its supporters are making a difference for STEM learning in the St. Louis region?
