Everybody can envision the “Eureka!” moment of invention, where the idea suddenly strikes and—BOOM—there’s a new product ready to change the world. Spark!Lab, the newest hands-on space for families and others visiting the National Museum of American History, hopes to show the real story behind an inventor’s work.

Invention is a process, from creative ideas all the way to successful marketing, and the Lemelson Center’s Spark!Lab aims to use fun activities to help kids and families learn about the history and process of invention. You can play games, conduct science experiments, explore inventors’ notebooks, and even invent!