Makerspace
Imagine, collaborate and create something awesome.
Makerspace is an interactive community-oriented space where you can create and learn skills using a variety of tools and materials. Use your own creativity as you explore science, technology and engineering principles! Get inspired to be a maker. Play, build, imagine, adapt, modify, work together and have fun.
This exhibit is free.
MakerSpace is designed for ages 7 and up, best for multi-generational groups!
Conversation Stations
As we adapt to new approaches to hands on education, please visit one of our two engagement stations located in the Garage and Classroom. Talk to staff as they demonstrate cutting edge technology or traditional tools. Learn the basics of laser engraving, 3d printing, sewing, carpentry or illustration. Come say “hi” and see what the team is making today.
The Makerspace Shelves
Learn to Play Exquisite Corpse
This fun drawing game uses chance and teamwork to create surreal drawings.
Supplies:
- Any drawing implements
- Paper
- Family and friends
Build Your Own Automaton
An automaton is machine that animates a figure using a hand-crank. Automata have been made for over 2000 years by many cultures. In Greek, the name translates to “acting of one’s own will.”
Supplies:
- Cardboard
- Chopsticks or dowels
- Tape
- Pencils
Tools: (use with parents’ permission)
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- X-acto knife
- Ruler
Cardboard Engineering
Try your hand at a variety of engineering skills using the simplest building material – cardboard! Turn your cardboard into a robot or a creation all your own.
Supplies:
- Corrugated cardboard
Tools: (use with parents’ permission)
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- X-acto knife
Create Your Own Rube Goldberg Machine
A Rube Goldberg machine, named after the American cartoonist Rube Goldberg, is a chain-reaction machine that uses purposely overcomplicated methods to accomplish a simple task. You can make your own by creating a series of simple machines like ramps, levers and pulleys!
Supplies:
- Variety of household objects like cups, string, blocks, wood, foam
- Ping-pong ball
Maker’s Physically Distanced Programs
Until we can be hands on educators again, we are going to do the next best thing. Through using a repurposed security camera, a monitor and a microphone, our staff will be assisting visitors through our new Physically Distanced Maker Programs. During our programs you can expect a safe, clean space with limited capacity and time to tinker with a hands-on activity.
Upcoming Sessions
Dates and times subject to change
Monday, November 29
Makerspace: 3D Designing Workshop
Activities
What’s inside.
Scientific Illustration
Come draw specimens from the Science Center’s collection and test your skill as an observational artist.
Float and Fly
Check out the new and improved materials for our Float and Fly. Experiment with different weights and parachute styles to catch some major air!
Rigamajig
Build crazy contraptions and material literacy as you engineer vehicles, tools, or your very own invention.
Play Partner: Rigamajig
The Science Center is a proud play partner of Rigamajig, whose building sets featured in our Makerspace spark STEAM learning, creativity, confidence, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Location
Makerspace is located on the 2nd floor of the main 5050 Oakland Building. Access is available through the main entrance, then up the stairs in the main lobby to the second floor, turn to your left and go passed Mission:Mars.
Visit
Membership does more.
As a nonprofit, the Saint Louis Science Center relies on memberships, donations and ticket sales to support free galleries like Markerspace, our education programs, community outreach and daily operation.
If you’d like to support the Science Center’s mission, learn more about membership, make a one-time gift in support of the Science Center, or get tickets to see a show.
Accessibility
Makerspace is accessible to visitors with disabilities, as well as visitors with strollers, scooters, and walkers. Elevators and ramps serve all public areas.
