WonderLab facts for kids
| Established | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Location | Bloomington, Indiana |
| Type | Science Museum |
| Visitors | 80,000 |
The WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology is a super cool science museum in Bloomington, Indiana, United States. It's a place where you can explore science, health, and technology in fun, hands-on ways! It started in 1995 as a non-profit group. This means it's run for public benefit, not to make money. WonderLab is also part of a big group called the Association of Science-Technology Centers.
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How WonderLab Started
WonderLab didn't always have a big building. It began in 1995 as a traveling program. Volunteers would take science activities to different places.
In 1998, WonderLab opened a small museum. It was a temporary spot near the Bloomington courthouse. At the same time, people started raising money. They wanted to build a bigger, permanent museum. The city of Bloomington even gave them land downtown.
The current museum opened its doors on March 29, 2003. It is about 1,394 square meters (15,000 square feet) in size. Today, WonderLab is in the heart of Bloomington's fun arts area. It's also a popular spot along the B-Line Trail.
Exploring the Museum
WonderLab has two floors packed with hands-on science exhibits. It's a place where everyone can learn and explore. Some exhibits are always there, while others change throughout the year. Here are some of the cool things you can find inside!
First Floor Fun
One popular exhibit is the Grapevine Climber. You can climb up giant leaves and see the museum from high up! The Bubble-Airium lets you play with bubbles in amazing ways. You'll see how bubbles can be used for different things.
The Lego Water Table is another favorite. Kids can build dams and change how water flows. It's like being a water engineer! The first floor also has the Discovery Garden. This is a special area for toddlers and preschoolers. It has science activities just for them.
Second Floor Discoveries
The second floor is home to many live animals. You can learn about different creatures there. This floor also has exhibits about southern Indiana's past. You can see fossils and learn about ancient life.
Plus, you'll find exhibits about health and the human body. There are also displays that teach you about the science of sound.
The WonderGarden
The Lester P. Bushnell WonderGarden is a small nature area. It's located right between the museum and the B-Line Trail. This garden has outdoor science exhibits. There's also an amphitheater for special science programs.
Museum visitors can borrow "nature packs" at the front desk. These packs help you explore the garden's science. You can use them to learn about nature in different seasons.
Other Ways to Learn
WonderLab offers many educational activities. They have science programs for all ages. They also run a fun summer science camp. WonderLab works with the MCCSC after-school program too.
The museum provides outreach services. This means they bring science to other places. They also offer workshops for teachers. College students from Indiana University can get work experience here. High school students can do summer internships. Plus, hundreds of teens and adults can volunteer their time.
Awards and Recognition
WonderLab has received many awards for its great work:
- Certified Wildlife Habitat (for the WonderGarden) — from the National Wildlife Federation in 2009
- Best Place to Volunteer — awarded by the Indiana Daily Student in 2009
- Top 25 Hands-On Science Center in the United States — ranked #17 by Parents magazine in September 2008
- Community Enhancement Award — from the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce in 2003
- Attraction of the Year — from the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2003
