Curious minds of all ages can explore and experiment with the latest technological innovations through the 50-plus interactive exhibits at The Science Mill, 101 S. Lady Bird Lane in Johnson City. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
The Science Mill in Johnson City is a showcase of modern science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), featuring exhibits of innovation, ingenuity, and the wonders of the natural world.
Even the building itself, a 19th century gristmill and cotton gin, was once a cutting-edge creation, with “unique mechanical innovations that were used to process, sort and distribute grain” and sustain a rural community.
Now, it highlights 21st century inventiveness, designed to peak curiosity and feed hungry minds.
“We are housed in an 1880s gristmill that the founders had purchased with the idea that we would take this space, that was an innovative space in the 1800s, and update it to be a space that showcases innovation now in our current world,” said Ashley Kortis, director of Advancement and Marketing for the Science Mill. “Our 50-plus exhibits show innovation going on across the country, whether it’s math, technology, engineering, rocketry, or biology.
Inside and out, visitors of all ages can touch, hear, and see the impact of STEM on our world.
A HANDFUL OF WHAT YOU’LL FIND
Upon entering the Science Mill, you’re greeted by a colorful K’NEX sculpture, a constantly moving, mesmerizing, Ferris wheel-like structure that was built by local high school students. Young minds are also at work upstairs. The Johnson City Joules FIRST robotics team is constructing a replica of the Mars rover, which should be completed and on display in the fall of 2023. The two projects give even younger kids a glimpse at what they can accomplish in just a few years with STEM.
The Johnson City Joules robotics team is currently constructing a replica of the Mars Rover inside their upstairs workshop at the Science Mill. It’s expected to be done and on display at the museum in the fall of 2023. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
“There will be a terrain that will be set up to look like Mars in our front courtyard area and that robot will be on display,” Kortis said. “People will be able to drive it and maneuver it. There will be some other unique Easter eggs for people to look for, too.”
Nature also has a place at the Science Mill. Get a bug’s-eye view of insect life via a flight simulator or walk through the BioLab, a quiet aquarium space that houses exotic creatures, including a Mexican salamander and poison dart frogs. Visitors (safely) learn about their diets, temperaments, and behaviors.
[image id=”35792″ title=”Science Mill BioLab” linkto=”file” ] The Science Mill’s BioLab houses dangerous poison dart frogs, a Mexican salamander, and other interesting exotic creatures. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
Outdoors in the Science & Art Park, dig for fossils, walk through a butterfly garden and aquaponics greenhouse, and watch the museum’s two beloved African spurred tortoises, Tortilla and Miss Jiff, inside their specially created habitat.
The Colossal Robotic Hand might be the most iconic of the Science Mill’s exhibits. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
The rockstar of all Science Mill exhibits is undoubtedly the Colossal Robotic Hand. By remote control, you can program the towering, 30-foot, steel-constructed hand into a variety of gestures.
“It’s giant,” Kortis said. “Who doesn’t love something that’s giant? The idea of being able to program it and see the robotic hand create what you have told it to do is a pretty cool exhibit for our guests.”
Even taller than the giant hand are the 40-foot silos that support the back of the Science Mill and contain vibrant, Instagram-worthy exhibits.
The silos that support the back of the museum are filled with exciting, eye-catching exhibits, including a light loom. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
And there’s so much more to explore. Check out the Science Mill’s other exhibits and features here.
“This whole museum was built to get kids excited about STEM with the hope that one day they might go into a STEM career,” Kortis said. “There’s going to be a million STEM careers that will need to be filled by 2030, which isn’t that long from now. … We’ve got to impact (children) now to get them excited for the future.”
HOURS AND ADMISSION
Check the Science Mill website for operating hours, which change with the seasons. Admission is $11 for adults, $9.50 for ages 3-17, $9 for seniors 65 and older, and free for ages 2 and younger. You can buy tickets in advance online.
The Science Mill is located at 101 S. Lady Bird Lane in Johnson City. Call 844-263-6405 or visit sciencemill.org for more information.
nathan@thepicayune.com
