ScienceWorks Museum (Ashland, Oregon) facts for kids
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| Established | 2001 |
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| Location | Ashland, Oregon, United States |
| Type | private: science, industry |
| Visitors | 55,000 visitors per year |
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum is a super fun place in Ashland, Oregon. It's a science museum where you can learn by doing! Imagine exploring cool exhibits and trying out experiments with your own hands. It's a special spot for science and learning in Southern Oregon.
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Discovering ScienceWorks
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum first opened its doors in 2002. But the idea started even earlier, in 2001. A group of people worked together with the Kirlin Charitable Foundation and Southern Oregon University. They found a big building, about 26,000 square feet, that used to be another museum.
Many amazing volunteers helped get the museum ready. They fixed up the building and even built some of the exhibits themselves! Their goal was to bring exciting, hands-on science learning to everyone in the area. ScienceWorks became a special non-profit organization in 2001, meaning it's all about education, not making money.
Fun Learning Programs
ScienceWorks offers many cool programs for all ages. You can go on field trips with your school or join fun summer camps. They also have live science shows that are really exciting!
Programs for Schools and Groups
Schools can visit ScienceWorks for special field trips. These trips happen Wednesday through Friday. There are two different times you can choose from.
Exploring STEAM
ScienceWorks helps you understand science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). They make learning fun and interactive! You can join hands-on workshops and camps. They also have after-school programs and field trips.
Their programs let you explore, experiment, and discover new things. The teachers at ScienceWorks make sure everyone has a great time learning. They want every visitor to feel excited about science.
Counselor-in-Training Program
If you are between 13 and 15 years old, you can join their Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. This program helps you learn leadership skills. You get to help out with camps for younger kids. It's a great way to gain experience and have fun!
After-School Fun
ScienceWorks also has an after-school program for middle school students. They work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley. This program helps you be creative and feel included. It's a fun, safe, and supportive place to learn after school.
Art in Science
In 2023, ScienceWorks added "Art" to its focus. It changed from a STEM museum to a STE(A)M museum. This means they now include art in their programs and exhibits.
The Art Gallery
They created a special art gallery space inside the museum. This gallery shows art from local artists. The art is used as a way to teach and inspire visitors. The exhibits in this gallery change regularly, so there's always something new to see.
MuralFest Partnership
In 2024, ScienceWorks worked with a group called MuralFest. They hosted public art displays and live mural-making events. Artists created amazing murals right there at the museum over two days. In 2025, ScienceWorks hosted MuralFest again. They even expanded their support. Murals were painted both inside the museum's gallery and outside in their plaza.
