Space Works: A Maker Lab Activities
* Disclaimer: Because of the technological equipment and the dexterity and skills necessary to safely operate classroom tools, this space and its activities are designed for students aged 12 and older (middle and high school).
October Teen Maker Hour: Lunar Tool Challenge
Get ready to engineer for the Moon! In this Teen Maker Hour lab, teens will design and build a prototype tool for use on the lunar surface. Using cardboard, upcycled materials, and maker tools, students will learn about the challenges future Artemis astronauts will face as they explore the lunar South Pole region to collect rock samples and build a permanent moon base. Sketch, fabricate, and test your idea for a tool to help future Artemis explorers!
Ages: 12+. Free*Reservations are required for Teen Maker Hour, as seating is limited.
Fridays (1:00 – 2:00 pm): October 23 and 30
Saturdays (1:00 – 2:00 pm): October 24 and 31
November Teen Maker Hour: Paper Electronics
Get ready to light up the holidays! In this Teen Maker Hour, we will design and build a layered paper snow globe ornament featuring simple LED electronics. After a demo of 2D computer-aided design and cutting machine tools, students will use maker templates to combine engineering, holiday scenes, and a simple circuit to bring their paper electronics to life. Design, cut, layer, and connect your own unique, light-up holiday keepsake.
Ages: 12+. Free* Reservations are required for Teen Maker Hour, as seating is limited.
- Fridays (11:00 am to 12:00 pm): November 6, 13, 20, 27
- Fridays (1:00 pm to 2:00 pm): November 6, 13, 20, 27
- Saturdays (11:00 am to 12:00 pm): November 14, 21, 28
- Saturdays (1:00 pm to 2:00 pm): November 7, 14, 21, 28
Maker Hours (Open Lab Time)
Explore, create, and experiment in our Space Works Maker Lab during Maker Hours, an open-lab experience for students and families to discover the world of making. Each session features rotating themes and hands-on activities in engineering, introductory maker tools, simple electronics, and computer-aided design (CAD). Try something new, build a project together, and develop creative problem-solving skills in a fun, welcoming environment. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and imagination!
Free. Recommended for upper elementary students, middle schoolers, and teens.
- Wednesdays (10:00 am to 1:00 pm)
- Thursdays (10:00 am to 1:00 pm)
NEW! Fall Family Rocket Builds
Blast off with hands-on family fun inside the Space Works Maker Lab at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center! During this 2-hour guided program, families construct a rocket while learning rocket history, rocket anatomy, and taking a guided tour of Rocket Park. Once construction is complete, the group heads outside to launch the rockets into the sky before returning to the lab for dismissal.
Experience Cost: $20* for members (Membership push) or $40*/family of 4
*Price for the experience only. Museum admission is sold separately.
Recommended for children aged 9 +
Class Size: 6*
*6 paid families (maximum of 4 people per family) for a total of up to 24 participants per class. Includes 1 rocket build per family (6 rockets total per class). Extra rockets are not available for additional family members.
Fall Offering Dates:
- Saturday, November 7 (10:30 am – 12:30 pm)
- Saturday, December 5 (10:30 am – 12:30 pm)
Total Experience time = 2 Hours.
Build and Learn (Part 1): (10:30 am – 11:30 am)
- Rocket History Presentation
- Rocket Build
- Guided Tour of Rocket Park
- Prep Rockets for Launch
Prep and Launch (Part 2): (11:30 am –12:30 pm)
- Load the USSRC bus and travel to the rocket launch
- Prep Rockets for Launch
- Launch rockets with USSRC Camp staff
- Return to main campus and dismiss