An innovative space that promises to stimulate young minds and inspire a new generation of problem solvers is opening this weekend at the Brooklyn Children's Museum.
It will even feature bugs, snakes and spiders – big ones.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, BCM will celebrate the grand opening of its new natural science-inspired makerspace, Nature’s Engineers.
The space is designed for children to learn from nature and engage in hands-on STEM activities, fostering creativity and critical thinking, the museum said in a news release.
The space encompasses a range of interactive and educational experiences, from exploring live animal habitats to delving into a selection of the museum’s collection of over 30,000 objects.
It will feature an array of specimens from the museum’s natural science collection, including fossils, bird’s nests, and will even feature live animals such as tarantulas, colorful isopods, and native garter snakes.
“We are thrilled to round out 2023 with the opening of an exciting, interactive STEM makerspace,” said Brooklyn Children’s Museum president and CEO Atiba T. Edwards.
“Nature’s Engineers is more than just a new exhibit. It's a launchpad for curiosity and innovation. It’s designed to inspire our young visitors and nurture the next generation of Brooklyn's engineers, veterinarians, conservationists, and science teachers.”
In addition to self-guided exploration, the museum said Nature’s Engineers will offer a variety of rotating programs specifically designed for families and school groups.
Led by BCM’s STEM educators, activities will include sorting, grouping, categorizing, matching, and counting, enabling children to delve deeper into natural science concepts.
Each month will feature new programs, adaptable to suit a range of ages from 2 to 8, ensuring engaging and age-appropriate experiences for young learners.
Starting in December, visitors will create and test building nests that can hold various sized bird's eggs, inspired by BCM's own collection.
Nature’s Engineers opens Saturday, Dec. 2. The space will be open every week on Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. during the Museum’s Amazon Free Hours, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Entry to Nature’s Engineers is included with general admission. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.brooklynkids.org/tickets/
