Tech Lab marks the beginning of a new focus for the museum. The museum has always focused on education through its exhibits and its outreach programs. Now the Bradbury Science Museum is moving toward an emphasis on education inside the museum through interactive experiences and personalized programs, said John Rhoades, BSM director.
The grand opening of Tech Lab features educational demonstrations about the human brain and will identify resources available to teachers, students and the community. The brain display includes brainteasers, optical illusions, and a balance board and beam, which will remain up through the end of the year.
Science demonstrations and activities will change periodically and the public is encouraged to stop in frequently to check out the latest happenings in Tech Lab.
Teachers and student groups are encouraged to call the museum science educators and reserve a date for a customized science demonstration. Teachers will find activities have been designed to support state curriculum requirements and will be able to use the museum activities to supplement their own lessons, said Rhoades.
Though the primary use of the space is to accommodate student groups, the design of the room will serve many different functions, including providing a space for lectures and films. The room also will be used for Laboratory conferences, receptions and special temporary exhibits. The general public will have access to science activities in Tech Lab when it is not in use by other groups.
The Bradbury Science Museum is located at 15th Street and Central Avenue in downtown Los Alamos. Museum hours apart from special events are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday and Monday. It is closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's days.
The Bradbury Science Museum is part of Los Alamos' Public Affairs Office.
For more information, contact Pat Berger at 665-0896.
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, and the Washington Division of URS for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.