Nature’s Engineers

BCM’s STEM Makerspace

BCM has a new natural science-inspired makerspace: Nature’s Engineers! Nature’s Engineers is a unique space where the marvels of natural science and the excitement of STEM converge. It’s where children become makers, inspired by the intricacies of nature and the principles of scientific inquiry.

Each month features new programs, adaptable to suit a range of ages from 4 to 10, ensuring engaging and age-appropriate experiences for young learners. Nature’s Engineers provides children the opportunity to learn from nature and engage in hands-on STEM activities, fostering creativity and critical thinking, and inspiring the next generation of problem solvers and innovators.

Nature’s Engineers is open Thursdays from 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm during the Museum’s Amazon Community Access Hours, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am – 5:00 pm. Entry to Nature’s Engineers is included with general admission.

Projects

This Month

August: Deep Sea Divers

How do divers get to the ocean floor to explore the wonders of the sea? This month in Nature’s Engineers we’re learning about pressure and buoyancy. These same principles help engineers design submarines that can explore the ocean and spacecraft that can travel the cosmos.

Build your own Cartesian diver in BCM’s STEM makerspace, then experiment with weights and air pressure to control how deep it can dive. Can you make your diver sink all the way down to the depths of our “ocean?”

Up Next

Spin to Win

Have you ever felt a strong wind almost knock you over? This month in Nature’s Engineers we’re learning how to make electricity from wind. Wind power helps create cleaner air for our city by making electricity without pollution.

Build your own wind turbine blades in BCM’s STEM makerspace, then test different shapes, angles, and materials to see which design generates the most power. Can you make a turbine powerful enough to earn a spot on our leaderboard?