Exploring Oklahoma with Children
A s a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) enthusiast raising two children, I’m committed to finding the best immersive, creative and fun STEM experiences for my kids. And the good news is we don’t have to go far! Here’s a roundup of my favorite museums, outdoor adventures and hands-on opportunities right here in Oklahoma that your family can explore this fall and beyond. STEM Adventures Await! Discover Oklahoma’s best STEM experiences, near and far ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY SALLY HOCH Metropolitan Library System “Focus on the process, not the product,” says the sign outside the door. “Be prepared to tinker, play and problem-solve.” The 3D printers were already whirring as we walked into the Belle Isle Library Makerspace. Free to the public, and best suited for patrons ages 9 and up, the MLS Studio probably owns that creative machine you want to try. There is a soldering station, a stop-motion animation studio and sewing machines. The computers are loaded with Procreate, Adobe Creative Suite and Blender. There’s even a Cricut, a Brother embroidery machine and, of course, crafting supplies like markers, scissors and glue. I worried my children, younger than the target age group, would get hurt or break something valuable in the space, but the librarian, Lindsay, showed us the button makers, which were the perfect age-appropriate project we could tackle (with help). My kids drew and cut paper for their buttons, then Lindsay helped them load the button machine. The kids took the lever-pulling part of the job very seriously and emerged from the studio as owners of the most impressive buttons OKC has ever seen! NEAR Makerspaces at Patrons need a library card number to reserve the space for up to two hours at a time. The MLS Studios are free to the public and located at the Almonte, Belle Isle and Bethany libraries. Learn more at metrolibrary.org.
MATH ENTHUSIASTS SHOULD STOP BY “FINITY” TO SEE THE FIVE POLYHEDRA AT THE ENTRANCE TO SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA.
EVEN THE YOUNGEST VISITORS CAN ENJOY THE BUTTON MAKER AT THE BELLE ISLE LIBRARY MAKERSPACE.
14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024
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