The Works

“Hands-on, Minds-on”Learning about Science and Engineering

What is The Works?

The Works is a “hands-on, minds-on” museum that brings math, science and engineering to life.

What We Do

We prepare kids for success in a tech savvy world with hands-on, minds-on experiences exploring engineering.

“kid-friendly” STEM

The Works is Unique

We Engineer Fun for Kids!

We are the only museum in Minnesota (and one of the few in the world) with exhibits and programs that reflect a broad range of engineering fields and the math and science behind them.

The Works

The Works is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization

Located in Edina in the Edina Community Center, 5701 Normandale Road

952-848-4848 www.theworks.org

Our History

Open to the public since 1995, The Works has attracted over 160,000 visitors with unique exhibits and customized, in-depth educational programs that demystify technology and inspire interest and confidence in learning.

The Works is growing quickly! We had 29,000 visitors last year, including 13,000 children as part of field trips- triple our impact of two years ago!

Our Programs

Exhibit Hall with over 40 hands-on exhibits

Group visits for school classes and youth groups Group workshops that enhance learning and fulfill science curriculum

requirements Public Hours for family visits to the hands-on exhibits Special programs for scout troops and home schooled children Family Activities and Special Events celebrating science and engineering

topics. Tech Fest reached over 1,700 people in March. Summer Camps and Classes - intensive, creative project-based sessions

Professional Development- our E4 Conference reached over 230 elementary educators and administrators

Exhibit Hall

Play a harp with strings of laser light

Squish and swirl images of their own faces

Design, build and test race cars

Exhibit Hall

Explore how cartoons are made

Build towers, buildings, and bridges

Lift weights using powerful pulleys

Exhibit Hall

Use a strobe light to discover shimmering drops inside a stream of water

Look inside a giant zipper, and more

Maneuver robots through a maze

Group Visits and Workshops

Programs for school groups fulfill state Science and Math curriculum standardsNew standards coming soon include engineering for the first time for all kids (K-12)

At The Works museum or at your locations (Works on Wheels or Family Engineering Night)

Subsidies Available

Subsidies available for groups in need.

The Works strives to reach groups not currently represented in technical fields

Group Programs

Magnets (1st grade) Mixing Molecules/ Messy

Chemistry (2nd grade) Kaleidoscopes (3rd grade) Sounds Abound (3rd grade) Circuits (4th grade) Catapults (simple machines)

(5th grade) Acids and Bases (6th grade)Plus Skyscrapers and Pasta

Bridges Motor Power

Why?

“The innovators of tomorrow are being shaped in the classroom of today.”

Kate RubinPresident of the Minnesota High Tech Association

According to a study from ASEE Engineering K12 Center:

Engineering education advances learning. Project-based learning has been shown to enhance student understanding of math and science concepts by making them relevant and more enjoyable.

Engineering education bridges classroom lessons to real-world experiences Concrete and applicable engineering concepts connect what is learned in school with what goes on in the outside world.

“For Minnesota students to stay and work in Minnesota communities, we need to prepare them for the science and high tech jobs that will be available in the future. It is essential to build local partnerships if we are to improve education in the STEM field.”

Alice SeagrenMinnesota Education

Commissioner

Engineer Crisis? Studies show that the number

of students pursuing higher education in engineering is dropping at the very time the need is greatest.

Despite our technologically driven economy, the Unites States is producing 5 percent fewer engineers per capita than twenty years ago.

Lost Confidence?

Studies show, without positive experiences, students lose interest and confidence in science and math early, by 3rd or 4th grade

The Works Makes Science Fun

We make science and engineering interesting, understandable, and fun for local children.

We hope to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists

What YOU Can Do

Partner with The Works

Sponsor a School or District, Host a Family Engineering Night, Sponsor our Family Activities or Events

Get Involved….volunteer!