Our community spotlight this week is ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum, located in Ashland. It has been inspiring curiosity and fostering scientific exploration since its founding in 2002. This interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) museum serves visitors of all ages throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California.
The museum was established as a private response to a crisis in public science education. It began operating through a cooperative arrangement with the Kirlin Foundation and Southern Oregon University, with support from founders Sharon and John Javna and Dave and Marge Bernard.
In 2001, ScienceWorks leased a 26,000-square-foot building previously occupied by the Pacific Northwest Museum of Natural History.
Since opening, it has served over one million visitors and more than 100,000 K-12 students.
ScienceWorks has over 100 hands-on exhibits, many of which were constructed in-house and by volunteers. These interactive displays cover a wide range of scientific topics, encouraging visitors to engage with concepts through direct experimentation. Some notable exhibits include:
- “Take Flight”
- “Sportsology”
- “Noise!”
- “Pterosaurs: Ancient Rulers of the Sky”
The museum offers various programs and events including
- Summer camps like Minecraft Quest Camp and Cinema Science Camp
- STEAM Socials, such as the “Pi Day” celebration
- After-school programs
- Birthday parties
- Field trips
- And venue rentals for community events
ScienceWorks is run by a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers. Staff members are responsible for creating, maintaining, and facilitating visitor experiences with the exhibits and programs.
The museum has received national and international recognition, with some of its exhibits being sold to science centers worldwide, including the Singapore Science Center and Technopolis in Belgium.
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum continues to evolve, adapting to new challenges and opportunities in science education. Its commitment to interactive learning and community engagement makes it a valuable resource for inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in Southern Oregon and beyond.
ScienceWorks is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 to 5pm.