Field Notes

Happy Earth Day!

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:13:29 GMT

Happy Earth Day!

What a day!

Last Saturday, April 18, ScienceWorks was thrilled to welcome our community for a vibrant Earth Day celebration filled with science, music, hands-on learning, and plenty of sunshine. With beautiful spring weather and a fantastic turnout, our outdoor campus was buzzing with families, community partners, performers, and curious learners of all ages.

Guests explored hands-on sustainability activities, connected with local organizations doing important environmental work, played our EcoQuest game, enjoyed bubble tables, visited food trucks, and took home free plants.

Throughout the day, our plaza came alive with incredible performances from the Helman and Ashland Middle School Choirs, Siskiyou Violins, Elbow Room Taiko, Rogue Valley Peace Choir, and Ruby Johnson. Thank you to these talented performers for sharing your gifts with our community.

We are deeply grateful to the many community organizations, vendors, and volunteers who helped make this event such a success. Earth Day is a reminder that caring for our planet is collective work, and we loved seeing so many local groups come together to share resources, ideas, and inspiration.

And of course, a huge thank you to our generous sponsors whose support made it possible for us to offer this event free of charge. Your investment helps make science education and community celebration accessible to all.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. We loved seeing so many families learning, laughing, and connecting outdoors.

Be sure to scroll through the photos below to relive the fun — you might even spot yourself!

Stay curious, and happy Earth Day ��

Birding With Nate — Nesting Hummingbirds

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:09:24 GMT

Birding with Nate

We have nesting hummingbirds!

Hello ScienceWorks friends!

We have nesting hummingbirds!!

Excellent news, everyone! Recently, I was delighted to find a female Anna’s Hummingbird (February’s Bird of the Month) sitting on a nest in a pine tree at ScienceWorks. Hummingbirds build exquisite little cups out of lichen, soft plant material, and spider webs.

This mother hummingbird chose a junction on a prominent branch at about eye level. I got lucky and noticed her flying to it , otherwise I likely never would have spotted such a tiny, perfectly camouflaged structure. They lay two white, jelly bean-sized eggs in their 1.5 inch wide nests .

Like most birds, hummingbirds build a new nest for every brood they raise. This old, now-unused nest was found nearby by a l ittle kid I was showing the active nest to, and photographed by my 5-year-old.

Most small birds in North America begin nesting in mid-spring and haven’t started nesting yet at the time of this post. Anna’s Hummingbirds, on the other hand, can begin nesting in winter or very early spring. She’ll likely have one or two more broods after this one.

Most birds form pairs during the nesting season, and both parents work together to manage the nest and t ake care of the young. In hummingbirds, however, females d o all of the nest building and chick rearing a lone . They may mate with several males in a season. If a female l ikes a courting male, she’ll lead him to her nest site, where he’ll display for her. If she l ikes his display, they’ll copulate. The male then leaves to l ook for other females and contributes no further to the nest or chicks.

These tireless moms incubate their eggs for around 16 days and feed their chicks every 20–30 minutes after they hatch ! The chicks stay in the nest for about 20 days. They’re fed a slurry of small b ugs and nectar, delivered when the mother inserts her bill into the chick’s mouth and regurgitates the food directly down its throat — kin d of like a sweetened protein shake. Yum!

There is nothing in nature I enjoy finding more than nesting birds. These beautiful, tiny marvels of animal engineering never cease to amaze me. The complex behavior and endless devotion of the nesting parents is o ne of the most miraculous and fascinating phenomena on Earth.

If you find this (or any nest) please be sure to give it plenty of space. Stressed birds may abandon their nests. Use binoculars or a scope to view it from a distance, and look for signs of agitation from the mom such as harsh calls, frantic movements, puffed out feathers, or leaving the nest.

Hopefully this nest will be successful, and we will have babies at Sci ence Works within a few days! I’ll do my best to get pics of her feeding the chicks and post about it in soon!

Happy Birding!

I got my hummingbird nesting facts from: allaboutbirds.org and audubon.org

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

The Power of Place by Peter Marbach

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:46:49 GMT

The Power of Place by Peter Marbach

Now through April 26: The Power of Place

The Art in STEAM Gallery at ScienceWorks welcomes a striking new exhibition that invites visitors to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the landscapes that define Oregon.

Courtesy of the Oregon Historical Society

The Power of Place

Oregon’s beauty and spirit are as diverse as its landscape and its people. To celebrate this bounty, the America 250 Oregon Commission contracted with photographer Peter Marbach on two photographic exhibitions that showcase the essence of Oregon and its vibrant communities.

In The Power of Place , immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Oregon through photographs celebrating the state’s diverse landscapes. From the rugged coastline and towering mountains to the serene High Desert and other cherished landmarks, this collection invites you to explore the places that continue to inspire and connect us all.

As you journey through these images, the commission honors and acknowledges that all the lands depicted in this exhibition are the ancestral territories of Oregon’s Indigenous peoples, who have cared for and maintained these places since time immemorial. This exhibition highlights both the natural beauty of these landscapes and the enduring connection between people and place.

Peter Marbach’s distinguished career spans three decades creating evocative landscapes of unspeakable beauty. He has authored several coffee table books and has numerous regional and national publication credits. A self-portrait celebrating sunrise on the summit of Mt Hood, one year after open heart surgery, graced the cover of a National Geographic map of the Cascades. His 2019 book, “Healing The Big River – Salmon Dreams and the Columbia River Treaty” continues to educate the public about the importance of modernizing the Columbia River Treaty to lay the groundwork to eventually restore the salmon migration back to the headwaters in British Columbia.

Marbach’s work has evolved over the years to pursue projects that contribute to the community at large, from working with tribes and first nations in their quest to restore salmon runs on the Columbia, or his volunteer work in Nepal supporting individual educational advancement for women and children.

His projects have been featured on Oregon Field Guide, OPB’s Think Out Loud, and recently on KGW’s Grant’s Getaways. Current commissioned exhibits with The Oregon Historical Society include the centennial celebration of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway 101 in Oregon, on display January through September 2026 and the travel exhibits entitled The Power of Place and The Pursuit of Happiness, both celebrating Oregon’s unique place for the national America 250th anniversary this year.

We invite you to experience this powerful collection — and to deepen that experience by meeting the artist in person.

Artist Presentation and Q&A

Saturday, April 25

3:30 to 5 PM

Free admission | concessions available for purchase

Join Peter Marbach as he shares insights into his process, the stories behind the images, and the meaning of place in his work. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with the artist and explore the ideas that shape this exhibition.

Meet the ScienceWorks Team — as Kids!

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:11:53 GMT

Meet the ScienceWorks Team — as Kids!

We couldn’t resist this latest social media trend… ��

Have you seen the “meet the team” posts where organizations share childhood photos of their employees?

Well… we did it too.

Can you guess who’s who? ��

Take a look at our team as kids — no names, just clues — and see if you can match the faces to the roles. Some are obvious. Some might surprise you.

Birding With Nate — March Bird of the Month: Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 22:09:56 GMT

Birding with Nate

March Bird of the Month: Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Hello ScienceWorks friends!

This is my 12th Bird of the Month post, and I want to thank everyone who has followed my bird rantings for the past year. It’s an honor for me to bring the amazing birds of this area to you. Your bird for March is the Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Yellow-rumped Warblers are found in Southern Oregon year-round, but they breed and winter in different habitats. They breed in the hills and mountains, and are often extraordinarily numerous in coniferous forests. Males sing their ethereal, trilling songs from the tippy tops of pines or firs during May and June. These birds grace our wild places with their songs in spring, then move downslope in fall to add color to the valley floor in winter. They are found in all

kinds of habitats in the non-breeding seasons and have been hanging around ScienceWorks lately.

Learn the Yellow-rumped Warbler, and you'll be able to impress your friends by knowing a bird with such a long and funny name. While it sounds like a cartoon cowboy insult, they are so named because they’re part of the warbler family and have a big, bright yellow spot above their tails.

Warblers are a diverse group of small, colorful birds found across the Americas. They are named after the unrelated warblers of the Eastern Hemisphere, which have beautiful “warbling” songs. American warblers like the Yellow-rump also tend to be great songsters.

There are over 50 species of warbler found in the U.S., with 10 regularly found in Southern Oregon. They come in a variety of color schemes and molt into bolder plumage before breeding season. Warblers tend to hunt by gleaning caterpillars and other invertebrates from thin branches. They are most common and diverse in moist, broadleaf woodlands and are therefore more common in the Eastern U.S. Yellow-rumps are one exception, as they breed in coniferous forests across the continent and have a wide variety of foraging techniques.

While most warblers migrate to tropical destinations for the winter, at least some Yellow-rumps are found in this area year-round. Some of the wintering birds may be our local breeders, and some may migrate here from other locations. They can be found alone, in small groups, or in large flocks during migration. They will sometimes join mixed-species flocks of other wintering birds as well.

Versatility is the key to success for Yellow-rumps. Unlike other warblers, they eat fruit and seeds, diversifying their diets in the colder months when insects are scarce. They glean prey from branches like other warblers, but also forage more like other groups of birds when the opportunity is available. If there are flies to catch, they hawk insects from a perch like flycatchers, when there’s food on the ground, they hop around on the ground like sparrows, and when bushes are fruiting, they gobble down berries like thrushes or waxwings.

Look for these hardy, charming little creatures pretty much anywhere in the Rogue Valley over the next several weeks, and in their coniferous forest breeding grounds later in spring. I usually hear their distinctive “chip” calls before I see them. Look for their gray backs, streaky fronts, yellow side patches, and namesake yellow rumps. If you spot a little gray bird with a bright yellow butt, you’ve got yourself a Yellow-rumped Warbler!

Happy Birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

Birding With Nate — February Bird of the Month: Anna's Hummingbird

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:38:36 GMT

Birding with Nate

February Bird of the Month: Anna's Hummingbird

Hello ScienceWorks friends!

For February, I am pleased to present the Anna’s hummingbird. These gorgeous little cherubs are found across western Oregon year-round and are by far the most common hummingbird in our area. They are the only hummingbird regularly seen in the Rogue Valley during winter.

All hummingbirds feed on nectar, and the ones at ScienceWorks enjoy the manzanita bush currently blooming next to the walkway leading to the entrance. They act as pollinators, as you can see from the pollen on the tip of this one’s bill. Specialized wings allow hummingbirds to hover in place while feeding, courting, and fighting. A healthy adult hummingbird is arguably the most agile and maneuverable object in the history of Planet Earth, able to accelerate to top speed almost instantly in any direction — including backwards. Hummingbirds have achieved complete mastery of three-dimensional space.

Unlike other birds, hummingbirds hold their stiff, knife-shaped wings perpendicular to the ground and rotate them at the shoulder in a figure-eight pattern. This positions the wing so that the lift-generating surface faces the ground on both the front and back stroke.

Of all the fantastical creatures in the animal kingdom, hummingbirds are the crown jewels. Specialized crystals in their plumage give them iridescent feathers that seem to explode with color when hit by direct sunlight. The male has a colorful “gorget” on its head and throat, which it uses in displays.

Hummingbirds are awesome, and they know it. They love to show off their spectacular colors and superb aerial prowess. When perched, they repeatedly turn their gorgets away from and into the sun, causing them to blink on and off like tiny electric lights. They are also highly aggressive, constantly battling with each other and just about everything else, including hawks and eagles. I once found two Anna’s Hummingbirds attacking a least weasel!

Male Anna’s Hummingbirds perform an aerial display in which they zoom straight up about 10-20 meters, like they’re riding Willy Wonka’s glass elevator, then bolt straight down before pulling out near the ground in a “J” shape. At the bottom of the J, they fan out specialized tail feathers that make a sharp popping sound as they catch the wind.

They’ll sometimes do this right in front of the ScienceWorks entrance. I hear this sound all over town in the spring as the males establish territories and try to attract mates.

If you hang out by the manzanita bush at ScienceWorks while it blooms for the next few weeks, one of these birds will eventually visit. You can find them anywhere with native or ornamental flowers or hummingbird feeders, including yards, gardens, and parks. Listen for their display “pops” and tiny calls that sound like air being squeezed out of the world’s tiniest balloon. Anna’s Hummingbirds are easy to find, gorgeous, and fun to watch.

Happy Birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

World Water Day 2026

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:55:34 GMT

World Water Day 2026

Sunday, March 22

10 AM to 3 PM

Free with membership or admission

Water connects us all. Each year on March 22, people around the world celebrate World Water Day — a United Nations observance established in 1993 to highlight the importance of freshwater and inspire action on the global water crisis. Join ScienceWorks for a day of hands-on experiences exploring water science, conservation, and stewardship.

With our immersive exhibit, Ripple Effect: Hands-On with Hydrodynamics , water’s movement comes to life through interactive play and experimentation. Inside and outside the museum, you’ll investigate how water shapes our landscapes, supports ecosystems, and sustains our communities.

Head outdoors with Frances Oyung, Rogue Riverkeeper Program Manager, for “Follow the Raindrops: How We Can Protect Water Quality,” an interactive exploration tracing how water moves through our landscape — and how our everyday actions impact local waterways.

Throughout the day, connect with community partners working to protect our region’s water, including Ashland Climate Collaborative and Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District .

Get hands-on across the museum and grounds: build a beaver dam with the Rogue River Watershed Council in Pacific Crest Cove, create a DIY water filter in the Tinkering Studio, and catch a cloud-in-a-bottle demonstration at Exploration Station. Southern Oregon University Scientific Collections has loaned us beaver specimens for you to scrutinize up close.

Food trucks will be onsite, including Allium Wood Fired Pizza serving fire-baked pies and Kona Ice of SW Jackson County with refreshing shaved ice in a rainbow of flavors — perfect for refueling between activities.

Whether you’re turning a water wheel, filtering sediment, or imagining solutions to global water challenges, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for water, and the people working to protect it.

Join us March 22 from 10 AM to 3 PM — and let your curiosity flow!

Calling all Food Trucks!

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:05:07 GMT

Calling All Food Trucks!

ScienceWorks is exploring an exciting opportunity to bring more food to our community — and we’re looking for a food truck partner to join us.

We are currently seeking one food truck vendor interested in serving on our plaza during museum hours, with the goal of having a truck onsite every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM . As interest grows, we hope to expand this offering.

We are open to monthly or daily rental arrangements and are also happy to discuss additional days per week if a vendor is interested in expanding their presence.

Our objective is simple: create a welcoming weekend destination where families, friends, and neighbors can gather, explore, and enjoy great food alongside hands-on science.

What We Can Provide

Fresh water
WiFi
Power
Trash service
Restroom access
Outdoor picnic tables

Please note that we do not currently have a grey-water disposal system onsite.

We have done preliminary research and have what we believe is a fair vendor fee in mind, but we are open to discussion as part of the agreement process. We are interested in building a mutually beneficial partnership that supports both your business and our mission.

If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, please reach out to us at info@scienceworksmuseum.org . We would love to start a conversation.

Let’s create something delicious together.

Statement Regarding Herbicide Use on ScienceWorks Property

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:06:37 GMT

Statement Regarding Herbicide Use on ScienceWorks Property

ScienceWorks recently became aware that an herbicide was applied along portions of our property perimeter by a contracted landscaping provider without our knowledge or approval.

We are devastated and deeply apologetic that this occurred. ScienceWorks staff do not use herbicides or pesticides on our grounds, and we had not authorized their use by our contractor. The spraying began in January and was reportedly done in an effort to reduce fire risk heading into the summer months. We were alerted by concerned community members and immediately contacted the contractor to stop all herbicide application.

We are grateful to our community for speaking up. As a small organization, we rely on the vigilance and care of those who love ScienceWorks. We take our responsibility to our visitors, our neighbors, and the local ecosystem seriously, and we are committed to learning from this and strengthening our practices moving forward.

Effective immediately:

No herbicides will be used on ScienceWorks property, ever.
No pesticides will be used on ScienceWorks property, ever.
We have clearly communicated this directive to our contractor.

The product used was a common glyphosate-based herbicide designed to target weeds and grasses. It is water soluble and does not have soil activity, meaning it does not spread through soil or water or affect plants not directly sprayed. While it is considered safe once applied, we do not wish to minimize concerns or make excuses. We take this seriously.

ScienceWorks is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, pollinator health, and community wellbeing. Many of our programs and partnerships focus specifically on ecology, wildfire resilience, and environmental education. This incident does not reflect our values, and we regret that it occurred.

We appreciate the trust our community has placed in us over the past 25 years, and we remain committed to earning that trust every day.

If you have questions, please contact us at info@scienceworksmuseum.org.

With gratitude,

ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum

Making Music with Terry Longshore and the SOU Honors College Students

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:34:32 GMT

Making Music with Terry Longshore and the SOU Honors College Students

On Friday, February 20, from 6 to 8 PM, ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum and the Southern Oregon University Honors College will present “Making Music,” a project coordinated by SOU Professor of Music, Artist in Residence, and Honors College Instructor, Dr. Terry Longshore . In this inspiring project, Longshore and the 25 students of his “Making Music” course in the SOU Honors College are designing and composing a multi-media, multi-instrumental performance centered around the theme of “Memories,” and invoking SOU Honors College’s 5 values: Curiosity, Community, Critical Thinking, Creativity and Innovation, and Civic Engagement/Citizenship.

Spread throughout the entire museum, the performance will map out the 5 values in different sections of ScienceWorks, inviting the audience to wander during the performance and experience musical interludes interpreting the 5 values’ themes. Being a percussionist, Longshore says, “there will absolutely be a plethora of percussion instruments and sounds employed, but expect other sound worlds as well, including the instruments and installations present at ScienceWorks.”

Following on the success of November 2024’s “Full Circle: Turtle Wisdom,” a collaboration between renowned artist Betty LaDuke, Longshore, the SOU Percussion Ensemble, and the 2024 Honors College “Making Music” course students, attendees can expect to experience something that shares elements of that performance, but is also completely new. In “Full Circle: Turtle Wisdom,” the performers followed a graphic score composed by Longshore, while interpreting individual selections from LaDuke’s “Turtle Wisdom” series of artworks. Spread throughout the museum, each performer used a single gong with a multitude of playing techniques, coming together and breaking apart in waves of sound. “There may be similar moments in this new project,” says Longshore, “but also expect something very different. We are currently experimenting with a wide variety of percussion instruments, other musical and ‘found’ instruments, spoken and sung text, and more. Also, this time around all 26 of us are composing and creating the work together, truly ‘making music’ as a community.”

As part of SOU’s final Resiliency Plan announced in August, the Honors College will be discontinued. Students currently enrolled are being allowed to finish out their degrees, and the University has committed to offering the courses needed for them to do so. A difficult closing to their university career, the students are reflecting on their memories and incorporating those reflections into this project.

The ScienceWorks doors will open for this event at 6 PM on Friday, February 20. Two performances will take place: the first at 6:30 PM; the second at 7:30 PM; each lasting 15 to 20 minutes. The museum will close at 8 PM. Audience members are welcome to arrive at any time during the event, and are welcome to listen to both performances if desired. Admission is free for ScienceWorks members and SOU students and staff; all others are $10. A repeat performance of “Making Music” will take place at the SOU Percussion Ensemble’s concert titled “ Toy Story, ” on Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 PM in the SOU Music Recital Hall.

"Making Music" with Terry Longshore and the SOU Honors College Students

ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum

Friday, February 20
6 to 8 PM
Free Admission for ScienceWorks members, and SOU students and staff (with ID)

$10 Non-Members

Birding With Nate — January Bird of the Month: Northern Flicker

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:55:24 GMT

Birding with Nate

January Bird of the Month: Northern Flicker

Hello ScienceWorks friends!

Last month, ScienceWorks hosted professional wildlife photographer and writer Paul Bannick to talk about his book Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers, so I’ve chosen a common woodpecker at ScienceWorks for January. I learned a lot from Paul’s book and presentation, and I really enjoyed the stunning, world-class photography.

Northern Flickers are spectacular animals. They have bold facial markings, black half-moon chests, polka dot or heart-shaped spots covering their fronts, and bright, colorful underwings and tails.

Flickers are very common across a wide variety of habitats in Southern Oregon and throughout North America. Northern Flickers come in two distinct color morphs: the red-shafted variety, common in the West, and the yellow-shafted form, more common in the East. Males of both morphs have fancy mustaches. I found this pair at Blue Heron Park in Phoenix. The male is showing off his bright red-orange (red-shafted) feathers on the underside of his tail.

Most Northern Flickers in Southern Oregon are of the red-shafted form, which has bright orange-red underwings and tails, and males with red mustaches. Yellow-shafted Flickers have bright yellow underwings and tails and black mustaches instead of red. Male yellow-shafted Flickers also have red chevrons on the backs of their heads.

Interestingly, hybrids are regularly found. This one I found in Ashland is a hybrid and shows characteristics of both color morphs. The Northern Flicker is one of two woodpecker specimens on display inside ScienceWorks. Can you tell which color morph he is?

Flickers are less “woodpecker-like” than other Oregon woodpeckers. They are shades of tan and gray instead of the usual black, white, and red, and they spend more time on the ground than other woodpecker species. Flickers use their long bills and tongues to feed on ants and other insects on and under the ground. Their ability to find ants on the ground allows them to thrive in many open and semi-open woodlands, absent only from the densest forests and most treeless grasslands. They are also common in suburban spaces. This guy is foraging in the landscaping in the ScienceWorks parking lot.

These birds aren’t shy about using human structures as perches. They like to use the top of my metal woodstove chimney as a territorial drumming surface, rattling my whole house like a tiny jackhammer. They choose prominent perches to belt out their loud “KEOW” calls and “KEK KEK KEK KEK KEK” songs. Flickers definitely let you know they’re there.

Birders love spotting rare and hard-to-find birds, but one thing I love most about flickers is how common they are. They’re big, colorful, loud, and all over our neighborhoods and parks. I see and hear these birds almost everywhere I go in Southern Oregon. For me, Northern Flickers are a daily reminder of just how beautiful the world is if we take a bit of time to look. Listen for their far-reaching calls, and watch for them bounding through the air while flashing their bright orange underwings and white rumps.

Happy Birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

Help Shape the Future of ScienceWorks: Share your Feedback

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:58:18 GMT

Help Shape the Future of ScienceWorks: Share Your Feedback

At ScienceWorks, our community is at the heart of everything we do. From how and when we open our doors to the programs we offer inside them, we want to make thoughtful decisions that best serve the people who visit, learn, and play here. That’s why we’re inviting you to take part in our ScienceWorks Hours & Programming Survey .

We’re currently exploring potential changes to our public hours and programs. These ideas include expanding teen after-school programming in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley, changing around our normal open hours, and opening during more school holidays. Each of these possibilities comes with opportunities — and tradeoffs — and your perspective will help guide what we do next.

In true ScienceWorks fashion, we’re starting with a few experiments. We’ll be open on President’s Day (February 16) and throughout Spring Break (March 23–27) to test how special open days work for our community. Consider this our hypothesis phase — your participation and feedback are the data that help us see what works.

This short survey (about 3–5 minutes) is designed to better understand when and how our community wants to visit ScienceWorks. We’re asking both members and non-members about preferred days and times, interest in special open hours like Mondays or school holidays, and what most inspires you to visit — whether that’s hands-on exhibits, events, camps, facilitated activities, or something else entirely.

We’re also interested in how you typically hear about ScienceWorks hours, events, and programs, and what communication methods work best for you. Clear, timely communication matters, and your feedback will help us make sure important updates reach you in ways that are useful and accessible.

Your responses will directly inform real decisions about staffing, scheduling, and programming. Whether you visit once a year or several times a month, your voice matters. The more feedback we receive, the better equipped we’ll be to balance access, equity, sustainability, and impact as we plan for the future.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and help us continue building a ScienceWorks that reflects the needs, rhythms, and curiosity of our community. After completing the survey , we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop on updates — and to follow along as we observe, test, and refine.

Thanks for being part of the experiment!

ScienceWorks Thanks the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation for $7,500 Grant Award

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 20:58:40 GMT

ScienceWorks Thanks the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation for $7,500 Grant Award

ScienceWorks is deeply grateful to the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation for awarding the museum $7,500 in grant funding. This generous support will help fund our Museums for All program, which provides reduced $3 admission to visitors receiving governmental food assistance, including WIC, SNAP, and the Oregon Trail Card. Through this program, ScienceWorks works to remove financial barriers and ensure families across Southern Oregon can access hands-on learning and discovery.

Executive Director Dr. Gabriela Chavarria attended the Cow Creek awards ceremony alongside representatives from 93 organizations across the region. Reflecting on the experience, she shared that it was “incredible to hear about every single one of the organizations’ work and what they will do with the funding,” noting that most awardees were addressing critical food and housing needs. “I left energized,” she said, “we are all doing so much needed work for the vulnerable people of Southern Oregon.”

We are honored to be included among so many impactful organizations and thankful to the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation for investing in community well-being. This funding helps ensure ScienceWorks remains a welcoming, accessible space where curiosity and learning are available to all.

Art in STEAM Gallery Welcomes New Artist, KYRIANNA

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 22:23:32 GMT

Art in STEAM gallery welcomes new artist, KYRIANNA

This month, ScienceWorks welcomes a new artist to the Art in STEAM gallery: KYRIANNA, an internationally known watercolor and mixed media artist whose work centers on chronic pain and illness. KYRIANNA’s artistic practice began at a young age after she developed a debilitating chronic pain condition at age twelve. Her installation, Chronic Conditions Through the Lens of Nature , will be on view at ScienceWorks through the end of April 2026.

Statistics show that about one in four American adults lives with a chronic condition of some kind. These conditions are as varied as the people who experience them, and people of any age, appearance, or socioeconomic background can develop a chronic condition. Many of these ailments are invisible and don’t match what people typically imagine when they hear the word “disabled” — often picturing someone in a wheelchair or using a cane.

You may be familiar with some invisible conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, or chronic back pain, but there are many others you've likely never have heard of. Even when a chronic condition is invisible, it can be just as disabling — and sometimes more so — than a visible disability.

People with invisible disabilities often face unique challenges and discrimination because their conditions cannot be seen and because of societal stereotypes about what a disabled person “should” look like. Discrimination against disabled people is called ableism, and unfortunately, it remains widespread in our society.

Primarily working one-on-one with people living with chronic conditions, KYRIANNA creates surrealist watercolor portraits while also exploring a range of mixed media, installation, and performance art. Her work focuses on disability, incorporating themes of feminism, intersectionality, psychology, and nature.

She uses natural elements to represent the chronic symptoms her subjects live with daily, drawing parallels between the natural world and the conditions she portrays. The purpose of these artworks is to raise awareness of disability — especially invisible disabilities — share the stories of people with chronic conditions, and provide meaningful representation for disabled viewers.

Chronic Conditions Through the Lens of Nature also invites guests to participate in a hands-on “Body Scan” activity, encouraging visitors to reflect on how sensations and emotions “live” in different parts of their bodies and to associate colors with those feelings. A template is provided for guests to color their own self-portrait and take it home.

To learn more about the artist, or contact her about commissions/purchase of artwork, please visit www.kyrianna.art .

Love in Bloom — Valentine's Day Event

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:11:35 GMT

Love in Bloom — Valentine's Day Event

Love Is in the Air at ScienceWorks ��

Join Us for Love in Bloom — Valentine's Day activities all day on February 14

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love, creativity, and curiosity at ScienceWorks during Love in Bloom , a full day of Valentine’s-themed activities included with museum admission or membership.

Throughout the museum, enjoy hands-on experiences designed to spark kindness, imagination, and learning — perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves science with a heartfelt twist.

What’s Happening

�� Tinkering Studio: Valentine’s Helpers
Engineer miniature kindness-delivery robots to help transport cards, notes, or small gifts. This playful engineering challenge blends creativity, problem-solving, and a little love.

�� Galaxy Classroom: Stationery Workshop
Create a one-of-a-kind Valentine using bubbles, paper, and your imagination. Blow paint bubbles for colorful designs or craft a pop-up card — the choice is yours. Guests are invited to make cards that will be shared with the Ashland Senior Center, spreading kindness beyond the museum walls.

❤️ Exploration Station: Heart Pump Demonstration
Learn how your heart keeps everything moving and explore heart health in honor of American Heart Month.

�� Science Theater
Enjoy a free screening of Women in STEM: Picture a Scientist , celebrating the scientists whose work shapes our world.

�� Food and Treats
Vintage Vibes will be onsite in the Atrium serving festive dirty sodas all day. Super Smash Burgers will be on the plaza serving food until 3 PM.

With special activities, community connections, and thoughtful ties to heart health and kindness, Love in Bloom is a joyful way to spend Valentine’s Day together.

Come share the love — and stay curious! ��

Birding With Nate — 2025 Wrapped

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 23:28:27 GMT

Birding with Nate

2025 Wrapped

Hello ScienceWorks friends and Happy New Year!

I want to give a big thanks to everyone who is reading my posts. I have now been working at ScienceWorks for about one year and have really enjoyed watching the birds around the museum grounds and especially sharing what I find with all of you.

This post highlights some of the species and photos I didn’t get a chance to post about yet and is a brief recap of the birds I found this year.

Many common urban birds, like these battling European Starlings and this American Crow, can be found at ScienceWorks.

Adaptable birds such as these, along with goldfinches, House Finches, Brewer’s Blackbirds, and others, are common in towns throughout the Western U.S. and make up a large portion of the birdlife at ScienceWorks.

Common town birds at ScienceWorks:

Canada Geese
Common Raven
American Goldfinches
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Lesser Goldfinch

Other sightings were more surprising, like th e fearsome and cute Merlin, a tiny falcon that hunts small songbirds.

This Great Blue Heron was totally unbothered by cars and museum guests as it stalked the fields at ScienceWorks. While usually wading birds, Great Blues will also sometimes hunt small mammals, snakes, and frogs on dry land in open fields.

Spending so much time birding at ScienceWorks this year allowed me to document how the bird community changed throughout the shifting seasons. Many, such as an Orange-crowned Warbler, were observed just passing through on migration. House Wrens nested at ScienceWorks but left by late summer.

Many others, like th e Song Sparrow, breed elsewhere, but are at ScienceWorks in winter. The birds I choose for the Bird of the Month all relate to the time of year they show up at ScienceWorks.

Birds of the Month in 2025. Check out the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot for more photos.

April: Say's Phoebe
May: Tree Swallow
June: Western Kingbird
July: Northern House Wren
August: Western Bluebird
September: Chipping Sparrow
October: Cedar Waxwing
November: Oregon Junco
December: Greater White-fronted Goose

This year, we ended up with 66 species at ScienceWorks. I’ll see if I can find more in 2026 . My biggest surprises of 2025 were the Say’s Phoebe and a Lewis’s Woodpecker flyover. Stay tuned for more surprises in 2026!

Greater White-fronted Goose
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
Mallard
California Quail
Rock Pigeon
Band-tailed Pigeon
Eurasian Colored Dove
Mourning Dove
Anna’s Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Killdeer
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Golden Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Lewis’s Woodpecker
Acorn Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Merlin
Black Phoebe
Say’s Phoebe
Western Kingbird
Steller’s Jay
California Scrub-Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Tree Swallow
Violet-green Swallow
Barn Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Northern House Wren
Bewick’s Wren
European Starling
Western Bluebird
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
Evening Grosbeak
House Finch
Pine Siskin
Lesser Goldfinch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Bullock’s Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Brewer’s Blackbird
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Western Tanager

Happy Birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

Birding With Nate — December Bird of the Month: Greater White-Fronted Goose

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:30:34 GMT

Birding with Nate

December Bird of the Month: Greater White-Fronted Goose

Hello ScienceWorks friends!

Winter is the best time in Southern Oregon to find ducks and geese! We have been lucky at ScienceWorks in the last few weeks to have flocks of White-fronted, and other geese visiting the fields around the museum.

Greater White-fronted Geese can be found in Southern Oregon during spring and fall migration, as well as through the winter. I’ve heard their calls in the distance at ScienceWorks previously as they migrated through, but I was surprised recently to find a flock of about 125 resting and grazing in the fields just across E Main St from the museum.

White-fronted Geese are herbivores that graze in grassy fields during winter. They are not as common as the ubiquitous Canada Goose but can be found in large flocks where food is available.

They are called White-fronted Geese because of the white markings at the base of their bills. Juveniles lack the “white front”. Their sandy tan plumage, pink bills, and orange legs distinguish them from other geese.

They can be found in single-species flocks or mixed with other waterfowl. I recently saw them at Ashland Middle School with Canada Geese and a single Cackling Goose. White-fronted Geese are much smaller than Canada Geese but about the same size as Cackling Geese. Cackling Geese have basically identical plumage to Canada Geese and can be tricky to ID, but I was able to pick this one out because of its similar size to the White-fronted Geese.

Greater White-fronted geese often take off en masse in a spectacular display of noisy calls and whooshing wings before assuming their classic “V” formation for travelling efficiently through the air. I’ve been seeing them fairly often lately around ScienceWorks, but I don’t know if it’s the same individuals or if each sighting is a separate flock just passing through.

These birds may or may not continue to show up at ScienceWorks this winter, but keep your eyes on the surrounding fields next time you come to the museum, and look for them at Emigrant Lake, Agate Lake, or other places with extensive grazing opportunities near water.

Happy Birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

Birding With Nate — November Bird of the Month: Oregon Junco

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:25:10 GMT

Birding with Nate

November Bird of the Month: Oregon Junco

Hello ScienceWorks friends!

For November, I have chosen one of my favorite birds, the Oregon Junco. Oregon Juncos are found across Oregon

year-round and are abundant in the Rogue Valley during winter.

Oregon Juncos are not considered their own species, but are a color morph of the Dark-eyed Junco. Dark-eyed Juncos are very widespread and look a bit different depending on what part of the continent they are found. Oregon Juncos breed only in Western states. Slate-colored Juncos are the most common and widespread color morph of the Dark-eyed Junco but are rare in Southern Oregon.

Oregon Juncos are found in different places in the warmer and colder months. They breed in mixed forests with openings or near meadow edges from mid to high elevation, typically placing their neat little cup nests on the ground near the base of a shrub. As winter approaches, they move downslope to the valley floor where they form flocks of just a few, to hundreds of birds, and are common anywhere with a mix of open ground, shrubs, and trees.

No two Oregon Juncos look quite the same. There is a lot of individual variation, as well as differences between age and sex. They are all very cute, with dark heads, stubby pink bills, grayish to reddish-brown sides, backs, and wings, and white bellies. They also have white outer tail feathers, which they flash to each other as social signals. This may also help distract predators, similar to the wiggly blue tail in some lizards. Breeding juncos sometimes scold and flash their tails at me if I get too close to their nest.

Males have dark black heads and are a darker, richer brown than the females. Their earthy tones blend in well with the ground, and flocks of these highly social birds foraging in the leaf litter give the impression that the ground is alive and moving. Their constant, tiny calls to each other and white tail flashes give them away, however.

The light females are my favorite. I find their pastel color scheme elegant and pretty, and I like how each one is unique.

I love Oregon Juncos because they’re cute, fun to watch, and their subtly beautiful and variable color scheme reminds me of my home in Oregon. I also admire the ability of these hardy and adaptable birds to thrive in so many different habitat types and weather conditions. Look for them in your neighborhood and anywhere with a bit of dirt or leaf litter to forage in.

Happy Birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

Ripple Effect: Hands-On with Hydrodynamics — New Water Table Exhibit at ScienceWorks

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:51:44 GMT

Ripple Effect: Hands-On with Hydrodynamics — Now Open at ScienceWorks

We’re thrilled to announce that our newest exhibit, Ripple Effect: Hands-On with Hydrodynamics , is officially open! This immersive water table experience celebrates the restoration of the Klamath River ecosystem and highlights the many ways human choices shape our waterways. It’s a space where curiosity flows freely, where hands get busy, and where stewardship begins with play.

Earlier this month, the fabrication team, led by Tom Egan, made the long drive from Kansas and delivered the exhibit early on a Tuesday morning. ScienceWorks staff jumped right in to help unload, assemble, and learn the ins and outs of maintaining this exciting addition. Now, after months of dreaming, planning, and testing, Ripple Effect is ready for you to explore.

A Vision Rooted in Water and Restoration

Ripple Effect was designed with a clear mission: to offer an accessible, interactive learning environment that sparks wonder and inspires care for the landscapes and watersheds of the Pacific Northwest.

From the Klamath River’s ongoing restoration to the creeks and streams in our own neighborhoods, this exhibit helps guests see how water connects us all. By experimenting with flow, motion, gravity, and design, visitors encounter real-world science concepts tied to our region’s ecology — and to the choices we make as individuals and communities.

For our youngest visitors, Ripple Effect also emphasizes kinesthetic and proprioceptive learning, inviting hands-on exploration that builds foundational science understanding. And for older guests, it’s a chance to dive deeper into hydrodynamics, engineering, and the delicate balance of natural systems.

What You’ll Find in Ripple Effect

Ripple Effect is packed with interactive features that encourage experimentation, collaboration, and discovery. Some of the highlights include:

Movable Water Wheels

There are multiple water wheels throughout the exhibit, and it is up to visitors to figure out how to make them spin! It’s a simple, powerful way to understand how topography and human structures affect rivers, and a fun puzzle of cause-and-effect.

Water Turbines

Stable turbines with LED lights illuminate when water flows through them, introducing visitors to the principles of hydropower and energy transfer.

Adjustable Waterfalls

Create cascades, release water freely, or block the flow entirely. Explore how dams change the rhythm of a river and how these changes have a ripple effect further downstream.

Dams and Waterways

Move, remove, and rearrange structures throughout the table to see how landscapes shift and water responds.

Aqueducts and Cascades

Guide water to different parts of the system to mirror how aqueducts support agriculture and human needs, and how these diversions impact natural waterways.

Heated Water

A built-in water heater and filtration system keeps the table comfortable year-round and helps maintain a clean, enjoyable environment.

Accessibility for All Ages

At just 2.5 feet high, the table is designed for easy access for guests of all ages and abilities. Everyone can participate. Everyone can play.

A Community-Supported Exhibit

Ripple Effect would not be possible without the generosity of our partners.

We’re deeply grateful to:

The Carrico Foundation , whose $50,000 grant supported the design and construction of the exhibit
The Ford Family Foundation , whose funding helped make the water table a reality

Their investment ensures that ScienceWorks can continue offering engaging, accessible experiences that connect visitors to the natural systems all around us.

Come Make a Splash

Ripple Effect is officially open, and we can’t wait to welcome you into this vibrant new space. Bring your curiosity, roll up your sleeves, and explore how your actions create ripples across our world.

Stay curious!

Our New Water Table Has Arrived

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:36:44 GMT

Our New Water Table Has Arrived

Big news: our brand-new interactive water exhibit has arrived! Earlier this week, the fabrication team made the long drive from Kansas and delivered the newest addition to ScienceWorks: Ripple Effect: Hands-On with Hydrodynamics . They rolled in early Tuesday morning, and our staff jumped right in to help with unloading and installation. During their visit, the fabrication team also trained our staff on how to care for this exciting new exhibit.

Ripple Effect is designed for curious minds of all ages. Guests can experiment with dams, turbines, and cascading channels to explore how motion, gravity, and design shape the flow of water. Along the way, you’ll dive into key STEAM concepts like:

Hydrodynamics: the science of how water moves and transfers energy
Hydraulics: how humans harness that motion to do work

It’s a hands-on space for kinetic and social play — a place where curiosity, compassion, and stewardship all begin with a splash.

We’re also deeply grateful for the community support that helped bring this project to life. The Carrico Foundation awarded ScienceWorks a generous $50,000 grant supporting the design and construction of the exhibit. The Ford Family Foundation also provided critical funding to help acquire the water table. Their partnership makes it possible for us to offer an engaging, accessible learning experience that connects visitors to the natural systems all around us.

To make room for installation and final troubleshooting, Pacific Crest Cove will be closed through the weekend. We do not have an opening date yet, as our team is fine-tuning every detail, but stay tuned. We will let you know the moment you can come splash, experiment, and play!

Free Film Screenings: Finding Gulo & Person of the Forest

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:33:54 GMT

Free Film Screenings at ScienceWorks

Art, Film, and Conservation: A Celebration of Nature at ScienceWorks

Last week, ScienceWorks had the honor of hosting a special screening of Mass for the Endangered , presented by Anima Mundi Productions . The film’s stunning visuals and moving score inspired deep reflection on the beauty and fragility of our natural world.

After the screening, guests gathered in the “nose” of the ScienceWorks building to collaborate on a community art project celebrating endangered species. Artist Karen Haken conceptualized the stunning design and oversaw the community artwork and installation. The finished piece — a vibrant collection of drawings depicting diverse flora and fauna — now adorns the windows like a radiant, hand-drawn stained glass mural. Read more about it in this Ashland.News article .

In honor of this beautiful work of collective creativity, we invite you back for another free event on Sunday, November 30 at 3 PM . ScienceWorks is proud to host a duo of free documentary screenings in partnership with the DC Environmental Film Festival. These two award-winning short films celebrate the power of citizen-led science and grassroots stewardship in protecting endangered wildlife amid a changing climate.

The films will be shown back-to-back with a short intermission in between, followed by a discussion led by Executive Director, Gabriela Chavarria. Admission to the film screenings is free and includes entry to the Science Theater and the Anima Mundi art exhibit. Museum exhibits require separate admission. Space is limited, so please book your tickets in advance .

�� Finding Gulo

Finding Gulo follows a backcountry ski guide & field biologist who set out to document an elusive population of wolverines in Washington's Cascade Range. Co-directors Colin Arisman and Tyler Wilkinson-Ray note, “Our goal was to make a film that tackled a serious issue without it being overly serious. We wanted it to be fun to watch and humorous — mirroring the way that [protagonists] Steph and Dave work together.” From montages of the activist team’s quixotic quest to lay photographic traps for the wolverines, we jump to cute action footage of the creatures themselves, then to gorgeous ski footage just in case your attention was flagging.

�� USA | 27 min

�� Person of The Forest

In the vanishing lowland rainforests of Borneo, new research is underway to uncover and understand the unique cultural behaviors in wild orangutans, before it’s too late. There, wildlife photographer Tim Laman, researcher Cheryl Knott and National Geographic young explorer Robert Rodriguez Suro have documented orangutans making pillows, fashioning umbrellas, and displaying regional greetings. The project, 20 years in the making, offers a fascinating glimpse into the habits of wild orangutans, as well as a window into human evolution. With their habitat disappearing at an alarming rate, this research may prove to be key in protecting this critically endangered species.

�� Borneo | 17 min

Event Details

�� Sunday, November 30

�� 3 to 4 PM

�� ScienceWorks Science Theater

�� Free admission to the film screenings and Anima Mundi art exhibit, museum exhibits require separate admission

�� Wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase

Mushroom Season Magic

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 22:22:19 GMT

Mushroom Season Magic

Why do Mushrooms Love the Fall?

Autumn is mushroom season in The Rogue Valley, and the forests around us are bursting with fungal activity. But what is really going on beneath our boots?

When the rains return to the Rogue Valley, something magical starts to happen on the forest floor. Seemingly overnight, mushrooms push up through soil, bark, and moss in a dazzling array of shapes and colors. What we see on the surface is only part of a vast underground network called mycelium . This hidden web lives year-round in soil and decaying plant matter, breaking down dead wood, leaves, and other organic material. When the weather cools and the fall rains arrive, the combination of moisture and mild temperatures creates perfect growing conditions for fungi. Fungi absorb water quickly, and once the soil is damp enough, mycelium gets to work producing mushrooms. These fruiting bodies release spores into the air, spreading the next generation of fungi.

Nature’s Decomposers and Recyclers

Fungi play a vital role in forest health and soil carbon cycling. They are the great decomposers, transforming fallen leaves and rotting logs into nutrients that other organisms can use. Without them, forests would be buried in undecomposed plant material, and nutrients would remain locked away instead of returning to the soil. Here in the Rogue Valley, autumn sets the stage perfectly for this transformation. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, oak and maple leaves carpet the forest floor. The scent of damp earth rises with the first steady rains, and that’s when the hidden fungal networks beneath our feet wake up and get to work.

Some fungi form close partnerships with trees, called mycorrhizal relationships . In this underground alliance, fungi help trees absorb water and minerals, while the trees provide sugars made through photosynthesis. These invisible exchanges are essential to the health of our forests and the balance of entire ecosystems.

Fungal Stars of The Rogue Valley

The Rogue Valley hosts a fascinating diversity of mushrooms each fall. You might spot the golden glow of chanterelles, the ringed caps of turkey tails. In spring and early summer you can catch the earthy scent of morels. Each has its own niche in the ecosystem, breaking down different materials or partnering with particular trees.

One especially unique local resident is the endemic Psathyrella aquatica , commonly known as the Rogue mushroom. First identified in the Rogue River in 2010, this extraordinary species is the world’s only known aquatic gilled mushroom ! Scientists still study how it manages to grow and release spores in such an unusual habitat, right here in Southern Oregon.

Exploring the Magic

Next time you’re hiking after an autumn rain, take a moment to look closely at the forest floor. Notice the variety of shapes, textures, and colors. Remember that what you see is just a small part of a much larger living network beneath your feet. A network that recycles, supports, and sustains the world around us. The magic of mushroom season is really the magic of life transforming life. It is a reminder that even decay can be beautiful.

Curious to Learn More?

Check out the Oregon Mycological Society for more information, resources, and a network of fungi fans.

Important Reminder: Mushroom identification can be tricky — some edible varieties closely resemble poisonous species. Always verify with a qualified expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.

Discover the Explore Store: Gifts That Spark Curiosity

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:48:14 GMT

Discover the Explore Store: Gifts That Spark Curiosity

Looking for gifts that inspire wonder? Stop by the Explore Store at ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum and discover treasures for curious minds of all ages — no admission required!

You’ll find books, plush animals, science kits, jewelry, and toys that make perfect presents for budding scientists, adventurers, and lifelong learners alike. From crystal and mineral sets to cuddly critters and clever gadgets, every item in the Explore Store connects to the spirit of discovery that makes ScienceWorks special.

And here’s even better news: our pre-tariff prices mean you can find high-quality gifts at great value. Whether you’re holiday shopping, celebrating a birthday, or just picking up something fun after your museum visit, the Explore Store has something to delight every explorer.

Shop local. Stay curious.

Visit the Explore Store during museum hours — you don’t need a ticket to shop!

Explore ScienceWorks' New Cave Exhibit

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:03:55 GMT

Explore ScienceWorks' New Cave Exhibit

ScienceWorks is pleased to announce that its newest exhibit, Subterranean Science: Exploring Life in the Dark is officially open! This original cave exhibit features interactive glowing mineral displays, touchable rocks, live insects, taxidermy bats, and natural history displays which immerse visitors in the subterranean world of Oregon caves.

Just like real caves, this exhibit took a long time to form (though in our case it took one year instead of several million). Thanks to a generous grant from the Brabson Family Foundation , we were able to achieve our vision through hard work, creativity, and a lot of help from our community.

Retrofitting our old and outdated Dark Science exhibit was the first part of the process. It involved demolition, electrical upgrades, and the installation of an entirely new, accessible concrete floor. Some of the exhibit cases were over twenty years old, and were warped, frayed, and in need of a little persuasion to come out.

After the demolition and floor work were complete, exhibits coordinator and designer Liz began building the new habitats for our cave-dwelling insects. These enclosures need to be watertight, to provide good airflow and drainage, to offer lots of climbing opportunities, and to be naturalistic. Liz sculpted realistic rock formations out of foam using blades and heat guns, then sealed them with water-proof concrete paint and silicone.

Reptile and insect expert Josh Jackson, of J & S Reptiles in Grants Pass generously donated his time, expertise, and equipment to outfit the habitats with live plants, state-of-the-art lighting and heating systems, and automatic misters to keep temperature and humidity levels just right for our bug friends.

The finished insect habitats are bioactive — meaning that they are home to a healthy community of isopods, springtails, and live plants that keep the tank clean and enrich the soil. Our Madagascar hissing cockroaches and blue death-feigning beetles moved in at the start of October, and now they're all settled into their new life at ScienceWorks.

Our friends at Crater Rock Museum in Central Point were a huge help, loaning us fluorescent minerals for the glowing portion of the exhibit. Curator Jillian Kettley generously shared some incredible specimens and connected us with the museum’s specialty UV lamp provider. Now ScienceWorks has a professional 950-watt UV lamp that really makes our minerals pop!

The Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau , along with the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve , also collaborated with us to add a Dark Sky Awareness section to the exhibit. This display features a magnificent full-wall deep space photo mural of the Orion Complex, captured by local photographer Jasman Lion Mander in Cave Junction, along with educational materials about the Monument’s status as a Dark Sky zone and ways to limit light pollution in your own neighborhood. The Friends also generously joined us at Monster Ball 2025 to share information about the new exhibit and their own preservation efforts — all while dressed as cave people!

Subterranean Science isn’t just home to live creatures and minerals, it also houses a collection of taxidermy bats loaned to us by our kind neighbors at the Clark R. Bavin National Fish & Wildlife Forensic Laboratory; and a variety of local cave insect specimens on loan from Southern Oregon University’s Insect Collection .

To showcase these specimens, our team created custom display frames that combine precision technology with handcrafted artistry. Each piece is housed in a specially designed, CNC-cut frame (CNC stands for “computer numerical control"), a process that uses computer-guided tools to cut materials with incredible accuracy. Exhibit manager and fabricator Addison Carroll designed the frames and exhibit title sign using drafting software, cut them on the CNC machine in the ScienceWorks workshop, and then meticulously sanded and hand-painted each one.

It has been a labor of love and a true community effort to create this exhibit, and we cannot wait to welcome you to ScienceWorks to experience Subterranean Science: Exploring Life in the Dark!

Monster Ball 2025

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 20:51:07 GMT

Monster Ball 2025

A huge thank-you to everyone who braved the rain and joined us for this year’s Monster Ball! We absolutely loved seeing your amazing costumes and feeling your energy and excitement fill the museum. Despite the drizzle, there was a big buzz in the air — the kind that only happens when community comes together.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals, businesses, and community partners who helped make Monster Ball such a success, especially Ashland High School Theatre students, Ashland Aerial Arts, Arpeggio Wines, Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau, Creative Dance for Children, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Vintage Vibes Soda, Super Smash Burgers, and the family of Sarah Wood. We think Sarah would feel pleased.

Thank you all for bringing your spirit, creativity, and curiosity to ScienceWorks. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

Birding With Nate — October Bird of the Month: Cedar Waxwing

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 22:35:19 GMT

Birding with Nate

October Bird of the Month: Cedar Waxwing

Hello ScienceWorks friends!

Your bird of the month for October is the Cedar Waxwing. These beautiful, elegant birds can be found in Southern Oregon year-round. In fall and winter, they form large, noisy flocks as they roam the countryside in search of berries to feast on.

Waxwings are easy to identify by their velvety, caramel-latte-colored feathers, crested heads, bandit-like masks, and bright red and yellow accents on their wings and tails.

Waxwings are named for the bright red waxy substance on the end of some of their wing feathers. Juveniles are streaked and mottled.

I found a big flock of these guys on October 22, socializing in the big cottonwood trees next to the covered bike parking at the south end of ScienceWorks. They created quite a beautiful autumn color palette with the bright orange-yellow leaves of the cottonwoods.

I caught these birds showing some interesting behavior. They were collecting plant fibers and passing them to each other, as well as feeding each other berries. I’m not exactly sure why they do this, but waxwings and many other birds will give “nupt i al gifts” of nest material or food during courtship to prospective mates. These guys aren’t nesting this time of year, but it may be a case of them practicing their moves during the off-season.

These birds didn’t come to ScienceWorks for the pretty foliage, however. They discovered a couple of small fruiting madrone trees and were feasting on the ripe berries. Between cramming as many berries as they could into their stomachs, they rested and flirted in the cottonwoods.

Birds aren’t big on savoring their food. Their supercharged metabolism and active lives mean they have to eat A LOT! I came back the next day to take more photos, and the madrones were picked almost clean with no waxwings in sight! A Cedar Waxwing party is an entertaining spectacle. They busily move about, constantly making super high-pitched calls to each other and devouring fruit. It’s pretty satisfying to watch them gobble down berries almost as big as their heads in one giant gulp.

Southern Oregon seems to be having a big year for madrone berries, and I’ve been hearing waxwings everywhere in recent weeks. Listen for their distinctive high-pitched calls and watch for them zooming through the air in tight flocks. If you have madrone trees in your neighborhood, you’re likely to see a large flock of these beautiful birds feasting and socializing in the branches this fall or winter. Keep an eye out near any fruiting trees or shrubs.

Happy Birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

Cleaning Week at ScienceWorks

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 21:40:18 GMT

Cleaning Week at ScienceWorks

It’s been a big week behind the scenes at ScienceWorks. From October 1 to 5, the museum was closed to the public for our annual Cleaning Week — a time when our staff, with the assistance of our intrepid volunteers, roll up their sleeves to make sure everything is in top shape for another year of building, exploring, and playing.

This year, Cleaning Week was packed with projects. Our team continued work on the Subterranean Science exhibit, giving the display cases some finishing touches before mounting them in place. Around the museum, every surface got a good scrub and touch-up, and a few spots even got a fresh coat of paint. The carpets and theatre chairs are freshly cleaned, and everything feels crisp and renewed.

We also turned our attention to the behind-the-scenes essentials, like our education supply closets. Those got completely emptied, sorted, and restocked so we’re ready for a full calendar of field trips and camps this year. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing every bin, box, and microscope slide is right where it should be.

Amidst all the scrubbing and organizing, we also took two days to focus on something just as important: our strategic planning process, Full STEAM Ahead . We reviewed hundreds of comments and ideas gathered from our community interviews, reflecting on what you’ve shared about your hopes for ScienceWorks. Using that feedback, we began shaping goals for the museum’s future, from improving how we serve our community, to creating a more stable, sustainable financial foundation. We’re so grateful to everyone who’s taken the time to share their ideas with us, and especially to the many local leaders who joined us during our summit.

It’s been a tremendously invigorating week for all of us. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, inside and out, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to a cleaner, brighter, and more inspired ScienceWorks.

Come see what’s new — the doors are open, and curiosity is waiting!

Birding With Nate — September Bird of the Month: Chipping Sparrow

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:33:06 GMT

Birding with Nate

September Bird of the Month: Chipping Sparrow

Hello ScienceWorks friends!

For September, I present to you the humble chipping sparrow.

Chipping sparrows aren’t the most colorful or spectacular birds in Oregon, but these little creatures are pretty dang cute as they hop around looking for food, making tiny calls to each other to keep in contact.

Chipping Sparrows are one of a bewildering variety of sparrows and other little brown, streaky birds found in this area. Sparrow ID can be tricky, but if you spot a group of very small, stout-billed birds with streaky backs, un-streaked chests and bellies, and a neat little pattern on their heads and faces, chances are they’re Chipping Sparrows. They are much smaller than most other sparrows, weighing only about 12 grams (less than ½ ounce)!

This first year White-crowned Sparrow has very similar plumage, but looks much bigger than Chipping Sparrows in the field.

Chipping Sparrows are found in areas with a mix of bare ground, short grass, and scattered shrubs and trees for perching and shelter. Their grey-brown streaky plumage provides excellent camouflage as they forage for food on the ground.

I’ve been seeing quite a few Chipping Sparrows along the fence line near the SOU Farm at ScienceWorks in the past few weeks. The valley floor in Southern Oregon begins to slowly fill with sparrows in late summer and early fall. Some species breed in other parts of the continent, while others, like the Chipping Sparrow, breed locally but in different habitat than where they winter. Chipping Sparrows breed in oak savannahs and high-elevation meadows, but they’re common throughout low elevations in the Rogue Valley during fall and winter.

Birds are often able to expand their range and habitat choices after nesting. No longer tied to their nests and hungry nestlings, they have more freedom to move around and explore. In fall and winter, they often form flocks, sometimes mixing with other species. These Chipping Sparrows were hanging out with White-crowned Sparrows (the first I’ve seen this fall), bluebirds, and finches. More birds means more eyes looking out for predators, so everyone benefits — although these guys do sometimes squabble and chase each other, and the other species, around!

Look for Chipping Sparrows hopping around the parking lot and landscaping near the south end of ScienceWorks, or in any open space with perches, during fall and winter. In breeding season (mid-spring through early summer), places like Table Rocks and Lily Glen Park host many nesting Chipping Sparrows. I usually hear their thin, high pitched “contact calls” before I see them. See if you can spot or hear these cute little guys next time you visit ScienceWorks.

Happy Birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

Own a Piece of Mural Fest: Auction Open Now

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:52:11 GMT

Own a Piece of Mural Fest: Auction Open Now

This summer, ScienceWorks was proud to host the 2nd annual Southern Oregon Mural Fest , a joyful celebration of creativity, community, and artmaking. Over two days in June, sixteen incredible artists transformed blank 8’ x 8’ panels into large-scale murals exploring the theme of History . The public was invited to watch the entire process unfold while chatting with artists about their vision and techniques.

Despite a bit of rain on the first day, spirits stayed high, and by the second day the sun came out to shine on what felt like a true community festival. With live music, beloved local food trucks, and the hum of conversation between neighbors, visitors, and artists, the atmosphere was vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring. Mural Fest wasn’t just about watching art being made — it was about celebrating together, experiencing creativity in action, and feeling part of something bigger than ourselves.

Now, these one-of-a-kind mural panels are available to take home through the Mural Fest Silent Auction , open online through October 31 . Proceeds go directly to the artists, helping them continue their work, with 15% supporting the future of Mural Fest itself. Buying a mural doesn’t just bring a striking piece of contemporary art into your home or business, it lays the financial foundation for this event to continue into a third year and beyond.

Now more than ever, we need to come together to support what we love and want to see more of in our community. By bidding on a mural, you're not only capturing the spirit of summer 2025, you’re investing in local artists, public art, and a unique festival that brings joy, connection, and inspiration to Southern Oregon.

The murals will remain on display at ScienceWorks until September 30 . Come see them in person before they’re gone, then place your bids online to make one your own. After October, the unsold panels will be painted over for next year’s event — a reminder that the beauty of connection can be fleeting unless we choose to preserve it.

�� Browse the auction and place your bids here: Mural Fest Auction Site

Visit the Mural Fest Website and Instagram Page .

Birding With Nate — Over 50 Species Spotted at ScienceWorks

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:56:52 GMT

Birding with Nate

Over 50 Species Spotted at ScienceWorks!

Hello ScienceWorks friends!

I am pleased to announce that as of the creation of this post, 54 species of birds have been recorded on the ScienceWorks eBird account.

Very few things bring me more satisfaction than making lists of the birds I have observed, so here they are! These species have all been seen or heard on the ScienceWorks grounds since December of 2024.

Canada Goose
Mallard
California Quail
Rock Pigeon
Band-tailed Pigeon
Eurasian Colored Dove
Mourning Dove
Anna’s Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Killdeer
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Golden Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Black Phoebe
Say’s Phoebe
Western Kingbird
California Scrub-Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Northern House Wren
European Starling
Western Bluebird
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
Evening Grosbeak
House Finch
Pine Siskin
Lesser Goldfinch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Bullock’s Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Brewer’s Blackbird
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Western Tanager

Some of these species are common on the ScienceWorks grounds year-round.

Others, like this gorgeous Rufous Hummingbird, the Bullock’s Oriole, and the Orange-crowned Warbler, have only been seen once or a few times — likely just passing through on migration. Soaring birds such as Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, and even a lucky Golden Eagle have also been spotted cruising overhead.

Yet others, like this Brown-headed Cowbird and our friends the Trees Swallows and House Wrens, have only been found during breeding season. Some, such as the White-crowned Sparrow, breed elsewhere and visit Southern Oregon as winter migrants, departing by mid-spring.

Is 54 species a lot? 54 species is pretty solid for a location in town over just 9 months, and it’s about what I’d expect. The truth is, birds are common, diverse, and everywhere. Many species can commonly be found in your yard

or nearby park. Jackson County has logged over 340 bird species! I expect many more of these will get added to our ScienceWorks list in the future. Birds make it easy to connect to nature. They’re colorful, abundant, and sing beautiful songs to announce where they are!

54 species is pretty solid for a location in town over just 9 months, and it’s about what I’d expect. The truth is, birds are common, diverse, and everywhere. Many species can commonly be found in your yard or nearby park. Jackson County has logged over 340 bird species! I expect many more of these will get added to our ScienceWorks list in the future. Birds make it easy to connect to nature. They’re colorful, abundant, and sing beautiful songs to announce where they are!

Want to contribute to the ScienceWorks eBird hotspot? You can make your own eBird account and submit lists to our hotspot. If you’re a photographer but aren’t confident in your bird IDs, email pics to me at nate@scienceworksmuseum.org, and I will ID them for you. I can walk you through how to upload them to eBird and/or use them for future social media posts with permission and credit.

I expect more species as fall migration continues. Look out for more posts about them coming soon! Happy Birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

Coming October 25: Monster Ball!

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:15:03 GMT

Coming October 25: Monster Ball!

Get ready to howl at the moon!

Monsters of all ages are invited to our annual Halloween celebration! Monster Ball transforms the museum into a spooky playground filled with hands-on activities, crafts, workshops, performances, and more.

This year we’re very excited to announce that the annual Ashland High School Haunted House is moving to ScienceWorks! Guests can choose from two versions of this beloved tradition — the-scariest-of-scary or just-a-little-bit-spooky — so there’s something for everyone.

We’re also thrilled to welcome back Ashland Aerial Arts , bringing their breathtaking performances to the Ball once again. And when it’s time to refuel, Super Smash Bros will be serving up family-friendly fare with options for omnivores, vegetarians, and the gluten-free.

Come dressed in your most creative costume and join the contest, judged by Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) costume professionals Jessie Weigel and Callie Segotta , with OSF actor James Ryen returning as emcee.

Experience three “ Bite-Sized ScienceLIVE ” performances: Ghost Bubbles, our electrostatic Van de Graaff Generator, and the Vacuum Chamber. Try karaoke in the Jam Room, and be among the first to see our newly renovated cave exhibit highlighting Oregon’s unique geology and biodiversity.

Check back often for updates — more surprises and spooky fun will be revealed soon!

Save the date:

Saturday, October 25

4 to 8 PM

$19 - Youth and Students (with school ID)

$21 - Adults

*Members will receive one complimentary drink voucher per ticket

Costumes encouraged. Wonder guaranteed.

Two Films, One Planet: Free Climate Week Screenings at ScienceWorks

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 22:28:56 GMT

Two Films, One Planet: Free Climate Week Screenings at ScienceWorks

ScienceWorks is proud to participate in Climate Week NYC by hosting a free film screening in partnership with the DC Environmental Film Festival. Join us on Saturday, September 27 at 3:30 PM in the Science Theater for two award-winning documentaries that explore the human stories behind climate change.

The films will be shown back-to-back with a short intermission in between, followed by a discussion led by Executive Director, Gabriela Chavarria. Admission to the film screenings is free and includes entry to the Science Theater only. Museum exhibits require separate admission. Space is limited, so please book your tickets in advance.

�� Chasing Time

If a single photo can inspire change, what can a million images do?

Over the course of the 15-year Extreme Ice Survey project, photographer James Balog and his team brought some of the world’s first and most compelling visual evidence of climate change to the global stage as he depicted the rapid melting of glaciers around the world. Thoughtfully helmed by acclaimed director Jeff Orlowski-Yang (Chasing Ice, Chasing Coral, The Social Dilemma) and first-time filmmaker Sarah Keo, Chasing Time is a meditative exploration of time and mortality, following James and his crew as they bring the decades-long project to a close, cataloging more than one million images in the process. The short documentary reunites James and the Emmy-award-winning team behind Chasing Ice to capture the end of the epic undertaking and spotlight the power of an intergenerational effort to seed hope and inspire action toward a sustainable future. A beautiful tribute to the power of images and the importance of mentorship, the team examines the legacy their efforts have made on the world.

�� USA | 2024 | 39 min

�� Herders at the Edge

As the Naadam summer festival approaches, horse trainer Amraa and 11-year-old jockey Jantska prepare their stallion for the race. Jantska dreams of becoming a racehorse trainer, but Amraa hesitates to encourage this path, as climate change increasingly threatens their way of life. Set in Mongolia, one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, the film reveals how even the cherished tradition of horse racing is being impacted. Through the story of Amraa’s family, it portrays the physical and emotional struggles of Mongolia’s broader nomadic communities, offering a perspective on the cultural erosion intensified by climate change.

Produced by Zaya Delgerjargal, a 2024 Yale Reporting Fellow and Climate Science Fellow at Reuters, this short film reveals how global challenges ripple into cultural traditions and personal dreams.

�� Mongolia/USA | 2025 | 18 min

Event Details

�� Saturday, September 27

�� 3:30 to 5 PM

�� ScienceWorks Science Theater

�� Free admission to the film screenings (does not include museum admission)

�� Wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase

Last Chance to Experience Paleoart Through Time

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 23:20:34 GMT

Last Chance to Experience Paleoart Through Time

For the past several months, visitors at ScienceWorks have had the chance to step into a world where science and imagination meet: Paleoart Through Time. This unique installation by graduating SOU sculpture student Drew Hogan has traced how our understanding of prehistoric species has evolved over the last century, from the early 1900s to today.

Through sculptures both interactive and contemplative, Drew’s work explores not only dinosaur species but also the artistic interpretations and cultural touchstones that have shaped how we see them. Visitors of all ages have delighted in discovering how paleoart reflects both scientific progress and creative expression.

As September comes to a close, so too does this special exhibit. Paleoart Through Time will be on display until September 28 , and we encourage you to experience it while you still can. Whether you’re fascinated by dinosaurs, curious about the history of science, or inspired by artistic innovation, this exhibit offers a rare opportunity to see the past — and our changing understanding of it — through new eyes.

Don’t miss your chance to journey through time, art, and discovery before the exhibit moves on.

�� Closing Date: September 28
�� ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum

New exhibit coming soon: Subterranean Science !

Creative Dance for Children — 10-Week Fall Session

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:29:35 GMT

Creative Dance for Children — 10-Week Fall Session

We’re excited to partner with Creative Dance for Children for another season of joyful movement classes for kids 8 and under!

The fall session starts September 19 and runs for 10 Fridays through December 12. Classes are designed for children ages 8 and under and will be held in our Pacific Crest Cove exhibit space — a fun, colorful environment perfect for expressive exploration.

Class Schedule:
FRIDAYS - September 19 to December 12
9 AM to 9:45 | Tiny Tots | Ages 18 months to 3 years

10 AM to 10:45 | Tiny Tigers | Ages 2.5 to 4.5 years

3:45 PM to 4:30 Shooting Stars Ages 5 to 8 years

Age guidelines are flexible, if you’d like to make a special request, reach out to CDFC directly!

*Please note: there are no classes October 3, 31, and November 28.

Registration & Pricing:

Register through Creative Dance for Children and enjoy a special ScienceWorks member discount:
Drop-in rate: $10 (members), $15 (non-members)
Full 10-week series: $85 (members), $125 (non-members)

This program offers a wonderful opportunity for little ones to develop coordination, confidence, and creativity — all while having a blast.

Come dance with us!

Creative Dance for Children Contact Information

Instructor: Cassie Preskenis

www.CreativeDance.me

CreativeDance@mind.net

541-326-8112

Fall Camps are Open for Registration

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:00:32 GMT

Fall Camps Are Open for Registration

School might be out, but science is always in at ScienceWorks. Our fall camps are the perfect way for young scientists (grades K–5) to spend the day exploring, experimenting, and creating. Each camp runs from 9 AM to 3 PM and is packed with hands-on activities, playful learning, and plenty of discoveries to take home.

Check out what’s coming this season:

�� Spooktacular Science

October 10 | 9 AM to 3 PM | Grades K–5

Get ready for a frightfully fun adventure. Curiosity meets creepy cool science with chemistry explosions, floating phantoms, DNA extraction, and spooky slime. Come for the chills, stay for the science!

$90 members | $110 non-members

✨ SpellWorks Academy

October 13 | 9 AM to 3 PM | Grades K–5

Step into a world where spells are real and potions bubble. Campers will make wands and potions, reveal secrets with invisible ink, invent their own spells, and create magical creatures. A day of wonder is waiting — are you ready to unleash your inner wizard?

$90 members | $110 non-members

�� Dinovember

November 11 | 9 AM to 3 PM | Grades K–5

Travel back to the age of dinosaurs. Put on your paleontologist hat and explore footprints, dig for fossils, craft dino-armor, and mix up mud slime. This prehistoric adventure will leave you roaring with excitement!

$90 members | $110 non-members

ScienceWorks camps are designed to spark imagination while meeting kids where they are. Our educators create a welcoming, inclusive space where every child can explore, discover, and thrive.

�� Spots fill fast — register today and give your young scientist an unforgettable day of discovery at ScienceWorks!

Field Trip Registrations for 2025–26 Are Now Open

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:00:17 GMT

ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum is thrilled to welcome school groups back this fall!

Teachers and educators — it’s time to start planning your next adventure in discovery! Field trip registrations for the 2025–26 school year are now open at ScienceWorks. Whether your students are exploring physics, diving into ecosystems, or experimenting with engineering design, our interactive workshops are designed to inspire curiosity and connect directly to classroom learning.

We serve students from preK to grade 12, across the Rogue Valley and northern California. Each hands-on workshop is carefully tailored to your grade level and aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Our goal is to make science come alive for your students while providing meaningful connections to core curriculum.

Every program incorporates the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices , including:

Asking questions and defining problems
Developing and using models
Planning and carrying out investigations
Analyzing and interpreting data
Using mathematics and computational thinking
Constructing explanations and designing solutions
Engaging in argument from evidence
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

In addition, our workshops align with key NGSS disciplinary core ideas , such as:

Physical Science 2: Motion and Stability — Forces and Interactions
Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: Engineering Design; Links Among Engineering, Technology, Science, and Society
Earth and Space Science 3: Earth and Human Activity
Life Science 2: Ecosystems — Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Field Trip Details

Days: Wednesday–Friday
Time Slots: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM or 12:30 PM–2:30 PM
Capacity: Up to 120 students per visit
Pricing: $9 per student ($5 per student for Title 1 schools), all school staff free, 1 additional free chaperone per 5 students, $9 per extra chaperone

Optional Workshops

Each workshop runs one hour for up to 30 students and is designed to be engaging and grade-appropriate:

Owl Pellet Dissection — $125: Students explore owl biology by dissecting sanitized pellets and examining their findings.
Chain Reaction Machines — $85: Build a Rube Goldberg machine using musical instruments and other tools.
LEGO Space Challenge — $60: Construct prototype rockets, launchpads, and space habitats with LEGO.
Ozobot City — $60: Learn city engineering by coding Ozobots to navigate a student-designed town.

ScienceLIVE Add-On

By popular demand, ScienceLIVE shows are back for Friday field trips! These 30-minute interactive demos, performed by our educators, add a thrilling finale to the day.

Fee: $75

Availability: Fridays only

Please email education@scienceworksmuseum.org if you would like to book one of these dynamic shows.

At ScienceWorks, students don’t just learn about science — they experience it. From building and experimenting to problem-solving and designing, each field trip is an opportunity for young learners to connect with big ideas in a fun, engaging environment.

�� Plan your visit today!

Learn more about our field trip program and register now:

Teen Takeover Returns

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:59:41 GMT

Teens Take Over at ScienceWorks!

After-School Program Returns for a Second Year

We’re excited to announce that our after-school program, Teen Takeover , is back for the 2025–2026 school year. In partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley (B&GCRV), ScienceWorks is once again opening its doors to middle schoolers for afternoons filled with science, creativity, and fun.

This 100% free program is designed for students in grades 6 – 8 and runs every Monday and Tuesday from 2:30 to 5:30 PM, beginning September 8. Teens will get hands-on with STEAM activities, explore interactive exhibits, and discover new ways to engage with science. Expert staff from Boys & Girls Clubs provide guidance and support, ensuring each student feels welcome and empowered to learn.

But it’s not just about science — students will also have access to homework help in a supportive environment. And with food provided each afternoon, teens will have the energy they need to focus, learn, and connect with peers.

ScienceWorks would like to thank AllCare Health for helping to fund this program and making it possible for local youth to explore, grow, and thrive.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Register today through the B&GCRV website .

Birding With Nate — August Bird of the Month: Western Bluebird

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 23:14:52 GMT

Birding with Nate

August Bird of the Month: Western Bluebird

Hello ScienceWorks friends!
Your bird of the month for August is the Western Bluebird. Bluebirds are familiar and beloved birds found across the United States. In Southern Oregon, they live in open spaces with scattered perches and can be seen year-round.

August can be a tricky time for bird identification. With breeding season over, most birds aren’t singing, and many are dispersing from their breeding territories, appearing in less predictable places. Juvenile birds add to the challenge, as they often look and sound different from their parents. Still, the extra difficulty brings opportunity — you may spot young birds in surprising places.

I was surprised to find a flock of mostly juvenile Western Bluebirds (hatched this spring) near the solar panels and pine trees in the southwest corner of ScienceWorks this month. I recorded a few last winter, but these are the first I’ve actually seen on the ScienceWorks grounds.

Bluebirds are famous for their striking blue and orange coloring, but only adult males display the bright blue plumage. Females are a more subtle cool gray with soft blue highlights. Juveniles are spotted across the chest and back. Bluebirds are thrushes — the same family as American Robins and Hermit Thrushes. Most thrushes have spots, but robins and bluebirds lose them as adults. The bright blue streaks in this guy’s wing are a preview of what’s to come when he molts into his adult feathers.

Like other thrushes, bluebirds feed on both fruit and insects. This adult male was plucking insects from the grass while the juveniles practiced hawking insects from the solar panels and pines. Purple stains on the panels suggest they’ve been feasting on blackberries too!

Bluebirds are charming little animals with their cute round eyes, cheery whistles and songs, bright colors, and social nature. Bluebirds nest in cavities, including bird houses, and are one of the few bird species where a breeding pair will sometimes have helpers — other bluebirds, often last year’s young, that assist in feeding the chicks. Outside of breeding season, they become more nomadic, forming foraging flocks from late summer until the next spring.

Hopefully, we’ll keep seeing Western Bluebirds at ScienceWorks for weeks to come. Look for them here, in oak savannahs, open parklands, mountain meadows, and other open spaces. With fall migration around the corner, stay tuned for more posts about the amazing birds of Southern Oregon. Happy birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

Closed for Cleaning Week Oct 1-5

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 21:54:02 GMT

Heads up, ScienceWorks friends!

We’ll be taking a short pause from October 1 to 5 to deep clean the museum, tackle some important maintenance, and start transforming the space for our spookiest event of the year — Monster Ball!

The museum will reopen after this brief closure, and we can’t wait for you to see what we’ve been working on. Mark your calendars for Monster Ball on Saturday, October 25, from 4 to 8 PM — a night of science, fun, and frightful delights!

Stay curious... and stay spooky. ��

Support Local Kids in Foster Care with School Supplies

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 21:11:03 GMT

Support Local Kids in Foster Care with School Supplies

ScienceWorks is excited to host a school supply donation drive in support of our local foster community! We’re partnering with the Jackson County Foster Parent Association, which collects supplies year-round to help children in foster care start school with the tools they need to succeed.

Now through September 28, you can drop off donations in the bin located next to our front desk. Pencils, notebooks, backpacks, crayons — every item makes a difference for a child in our community.

Join us in helping local kids feel prepared and supported this school year. Together, we can support curiosity, learning, and confidence.

Behind the Scenes: How Do You Make a Cave?

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 16:57:26 GMT

A behind-the-scenes look at building Subterranean Science: Exploring Life in the Dark

In the natural world, caves form over millions of years through geological processes including erosion, chemical reactions, volcanic activity, and tectonic shifts. But at ScienceWorks, we needed our own cave on a much shorter timeline for the new exhibit Subterranean Science: Exploring Life in the Dark .

So how do you make a cave in a museum? You call in our Exhibits & Facilities Coordinator, Liz Koonce!

To create the new exhibit cases, Liz lined the inside of a wooden box with sheets of pink insulation foam, secured with silicone. She sprayed in expanding foam to add rocky textures, and carefully carved out stalactites and stalagmites with a knife. Using a soldering iron, Liz etched cracks and fissures into the foam “rock faces,” then added the finishing touch, using a heat gun to melt away the rough foam texture, revealing smoother, "water-worn" surfaces like those found on ancient stone.

Once the structure cured, Liz coated the entire cave in latex-based concrete paint and sealant to create a durable surface.

With the foundation in place, she used a dry-brush technique with concrete pigments to layer on shadows, highlights, and natural tones — transforming pink foam into something that truly looks like stone.

The final details? Moss and lichen elements, just like you’d find in a real cave system. Now this handmade cavern is ready to host its first residents: the creeping creatures of our new subterranean science exhibit.

Come see Liz’s incredible work at the grand opening of Subterranean Science: Exploring Life in the Dark during Monster Ball on October 25 . Step inside and discover what mysteries lurk underground!

Coming This Fall: Subterranean Science – Exploring Life in the Dark

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:01:08 GMT

Subterranean Science: Exploring Life in the Dark will officially open during our annual Monster Ball on October 25.

Coming This Fall: Subterranean Science – Exploring Life in the Dark

If you’ve been to ScienceWorks recently, you may have noticed that our old Dark Science Cave has been cleared and is ready for something new. We’re excited to announce that a reimagined cave exhibit is on its way — bringing back life underground with a fascinating mix of biology, ecology, and a little bit of mystery.

The redesigned Subterranean Science exhibit will feature live “creepy crawly” creatures that thrive in the dark. Visitors will get an up-close look at these low-maintenance, light-sensitive species while learning about UV light, nocturnality, and cave ecosystems.

Launching in late October, the exhibit’s new residents will include live Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches and Blue Death-Feigning Beetles, housed in naturalistic, bio-active habitats that reveal the hidden lives of bugs and cave-dwelling species. Alongside them, preserved specimens of local cave insects and bats will be displayed, as well as glowing minerals and antique mining tools that tell the story of life and work underground.

This project is made possible through the generous support of the Brabson Family Foundation, with additional donations from the Clark R. Bavin National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory. Expertise and input from the Friends of the Oregon Caves National Monument and the National Park Service have also helped shape the exhibit.

ScienceWorks is delighted to welcome live ambassador species back to the museum after many years, and to partner with local organizations to increase awareness of regional ecology, biodiversity, and conservation.

Subterranean Science: Exploring Life in the Dark will officially open during our annual Monster Ball on October 25. We can’t wait to see you there!

A Big Weekend at ScienceWorks: Circus & Compost

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:03:02 GMT

ScienceWorks is buzzing with special guests and exceptional programming the weekend of September 6 & 7!

What do compost piles and circus acts have in common?

They both turn a big mess into something amazing — with a little balance and teamwork! ��

Join us for a weekend of wonder at ScienceWorks!

On Saturday, Sept 6, step right up for Cirque De ScienceWorks — enjoy circus-themed activities, sweet treats, and a special Q&A with Flynn Creek Circus artists. Then, on Sunday, Sept 7, dig into the science of compost with hands-on fun and insights from the Ashland Climate Collaborative.

Two days, two amazing adventures — all free with admission or membership!

Cirque De ScienceWorks

Flynn Creek Circus is in town and so we’re celebrating the magic of the circus on Saturday, Sept 6 with hands-on fun, circus-inspired activities, sweet treats, and special guests.

At noon meet the incredible Flynn Creek Circus artists in a special Q&A in the Science Theatre — your chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories and ask questions about life under the big top.
Try your hand at balloon animals, plate spinning, beginner-friendly optical illusions, and even test your balance on our “stepping stones” walk.
Play circus-themed games in the Galaxy Classroom, hosted by Funagain Games .
Pick up some popcorn and cotton candy to snack on while you explore circus skills, creativity, and curiosity.

Whether you’re juggling, balancing, or simply enjoying the show, the circus truly comes alive when YOU join the fun!

�� Saturday, September 6
⏰ 11 AM to 2 PM
�� ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
�� Free with membership or admission

Also on Sept 6, aspiring performers ages 7–18 can step into the spotlight at the Flynn Creek Youth Circus Clinic , a half-day workshop 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM under the Big Top — where award-winning coaches will teach acrobatics, aerials, and more! Register at FlynnCreek.com

Compost in a Jar: A Hands-On Workshop

What happens to banana peels, apple cores, or coffee grounds when you toss them into the compost? Families can discover the science of decomposition up close with Compost in a Jar , a special workshop facilitated by experts from the Ashland Climate Collaborative .

On Sunday, September 7, from 11 AM to 2 PM, participants of all ages will roll up their sleeves and build their very own miniature compost system inside a glass jar. With a little bit of food scraps, dry leaves, paper, soil, and water, plus a lid with small ventilation holes, participants will set the stage for nature’s recyclers — microbes and fungi — to get to work.

The process doesn’t end at the museum. Each visitor will take their jar home, complete with instructions for care. Over the weeks that follow, you’ll be able to watch the contents slowly transform into rich compost. Families are encouraged to photograph the jars at different stages to document the changes. You'll see science in action right on your windowsill!

Volunteers from Ashland Climate Collaborative, including master composters , will be on hand to guide participants step by step, share tips, and answer questions about composting and food waste prevention. Expect a little bit of mess (because science is hands-on!) and a lot of curiosity. All supplies will be provided.

This activity is part of the Climate Collaborative’s September focus on composting and food waste reduction. By creating a compost jar, families can explore how simple choices, like keeping food waste out of the landfill, can have a real impact on our climate.

Best of all, September 7 is First Sunday at ScienceWorks — admission is only $5 per person .

Whether you’re a budding scientist, an eco-curious family, or just someone who wants to see what banana peels become when given time, Compost in a Jar is a fun way to stay curious and experiment together.

�� Join us Sunday, September 7, 11 AM to 2 PM at ScienceWorks. Free with admission.

�� Sunday, September 7
⏰ 11 AM to 2 PM
�� ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
�� Admission is free for Members | $5 for Non-Members

Discover Drones: Fall OLLI Class at ScienceWorks

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:39:22 GMT

ScienceWorks at the OLLI Open House: Exploring the Future of Drones

On August 6, ScienceWorks joined the excitement at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Open House, held from 1 to 4 PM at the SOU Student Union. This annual event is OLLI’s biggest of the year, bringing together community members, SOU staff, and partner organizations to showcase upcoming courses and activities.

Education Manager Johnnie Snow and Exhibits & Facilities Coordinator Liz Koonce represented ScienceWorks with one of our favorite tools for hands-on exploration — drones! We had multiple drones on display for visitors to hold, explore, and ask questions about. The afternoon was filled with lively conversations about drone technology, their use across different sectors, and the big questions surrounding safety and legality.

This fall, Johnnie and Liz will dive deeper into this topic by teaching “Introduction to Drones” through OLLI. Designed for beginners, this four-week course will guide participants in learning how to safely and confidently operate drones, while gaining insight into regulations and procedures. Guest speakers from environmental science and military/defense fields will highlight how drones are used in conservation, disaster response, and strategic operations.

�� Introduction to Drones – In Person

Dates: September 17 to October 8
Time: Wednesdays, 9 to 10:30 AM
Location: ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum, 1500 E. Main St.
Instructors: Johnnie Snow & Liz Koonce
Enrollment: Limited to 10 participants

No prior experience with drones or technology is required — just curiosity and a willingness to explore!

Monster Ball Decoration Donations Needed

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 17:40:18 GMT

Help ScienceWorks Get Spooky for Monster Ball!

�� Do you have extra Halloween decorations hiding in your attic or garage? ScienceWorks is on the hunt for gently used décor to help transform the museum into a spooky-fun wonderland for this year’s Monster Ball!

We’re looking for all kinds of festive frights: pumpkins, cobwebs, skeletons, spooky lights, and more. Your donations will help set the scene for our community’s favorite Halloween party, where families and friends come together to celebrate with costumes, dancing, and hands-on fun.

Donating is easy — just bring your decorations to the front desk during regular museum hours (Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM).

Save the date: Monster Ball is happening Saturday, October 25, 4 to 8 PM . Come join the fun and see your generosity in action!

��️ Your spooky stuff = more magic for everyone! ��✨

September STEAM Social: Burning to Learn!

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 17:31:40 GMT

Smoke & Wildfire – Preparing Together, Burning to Learn

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled due to insufficient sign-ups.

Discover how creativity, curiosity, and community can make wildfire readiness empowering — and fun — at Burning to Learn! This special STEAM Social blends science, art, and hands-on activities for all ages, making wildfire preparedness approachable, inspiring, and even joyful.

Start your evening with a Fire & Smoke Preparedness Passport from Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative (SOFRC) . Collect stamps as you visit each engaging station — completed passports will win a prize!
Build your own DIY air filter and explore a smoke inversion demo with Smokewise Ashland, Ashland Fire & Rescue , and SOFRC staff .
Learn how to assemble a Go-bag with tips and free materials from Silvia Ceron of the Oregon Department of Human Services .
Discover home hardening and defensible space strategies with Teresa Vonn of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office .
Learn about wildfire science through art in the Blaze & Brush workshop.
Test your skills in the Tree ID activity from Kara Baylog of the OSU Extension Service .

The evening also features engaging presentations from SOFRC staff and the Be Ready, Be Set wildfire readiness talk with Kelly Burns, City of Ashland Emergency Management Coordinator .

Leave with new skills, fresh ideas, and the confidence to make wildfire preparedness a part of your everyday life.

�� Friday, September 12
⏰ 6 to 8 PM
�� ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
�� Free for Members & SOU Students | $10 for Non-Members
��️ Includes full access to the museum’s exhibits
�� Sip and learn: beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase

Every second Friday of the month, ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum invites the community to hang out at the museum for a multigenerational evening of science, creativity, and fun. Enjoy a variety of beverages, including wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options, while participating in a different hands-on activity or workshop each month. These social evenings are open to all ages, making them perfect for families, friends, and anyone curious about exploring the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)!

ScienceLIVE at OSF Green Show

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 23:51:37 GMT

As You Light It: A Green Energy Quest

As You Light It: A Green Energy Quest

Friday, August 15

6:45 PM

Oregon Shakespeare Festival Green Show Stage

Free

ScienceWorks is thrilled to team up with former education director Ash Friend to present a brand-new performance, As You Light It: A Green Energy Quest , at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Green Show stage.

As You Light It is a lively, all-ages interactive performance written by Ash Friend and inspired by Shakespeare’s As You Like It; this 45-minute science show brings together storytelling, hands-on demonstrations, and renewable energy education with humor and a touch of Elizabethan flair.

Students, families, and curious minds of all ages are invited to join two “Science Bards” as they follow a group of exiles from Shakespeare’s Forest of Arden and explore the four "natural elements" as they were understood in Shakespeare’s time: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.

With help from the audience, the Bards investigate each element through the lens of renewable energy — asking, testing, and experimenting to discover: which element has the power to light the bulb and restore balance to Arden!

Full STEAM Ahead: Charting the Course for ScienceWorks

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 23:46:05 GMT

Full STEAM Ahead — Charting the Course for ScienceWorks

As we look ahead to our 25th year of operation next year, ScienceWorks is launching a new strategic planning initiative, and we want you to be part of it.

Our process is called Full STEAM Ahead: Charting the Course for ScienceWorks , and it’s grounded in a methodology called Appreciative Inquiry: a collaborative, strength-based approach rooted in listening, connection, and positive change.

ScienceWorks has always been a community-driven museum. Ever since we opened in 2002, we’ve aspired to be an engaging, hands-on hub for science, creativity, and discovery in Ashland and the greater Rogue Valley. Now, we’re asking for your help to shape our next chapter.

Why Appreciative Inquiry?

Rather than focusing on problems or deficits, Appreciative Inquiry uses storytelling to uncover the organization’s greatest strengths — the fuel that drives positive, lasting change. Through conversations and connection, we’ll build a shared vision for the future rooted in trust, pride, and collective wisdom. We’ll be exploring the “4-D Cycle”: Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny, a proven model for creating sustainable, community-informed transformation.

Paul Sheldon from the CREST at Willow-Witt offered this reflection after participating in one of our early sessions, “Special thanks for being such a good listener and for the great ‘appreciative inquiry’ conversation starters!”

How You Can Participate

Right now, we have a Full STEAM Ahead Appreciative Inquiry Station set up in Kranzler Hall, where visitors can share their thoughts, memories, and hopes for the future of ScienceWorks. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time guest, your voice matters.

We’ll also be conducting one-on-one interviews and small group conversations over the coming months, not just with our most dedicated fans, but also with those who don’t yet know us. We want a wide range of voices at the table as we imagine a more inclusive, impactful ScienceWorks.

Community leaders Irene Kai and David Wick recently joined one of our conversations and shared their enthusiasm, “We look forward to co-creating together.”

What Comes Next

At the heart of this process is a belief in the power of shared vision and possibility. With your input, we’ll build a plan that reflects our values, deepens our community connections, and strengthens our ability to meet future challenges with creativity and care.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage, and in the meantime, stop by Kranzler Hall and add your voice to the conversation. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Full STEAM Ahead!

Let’s imagine the future of ScienceWorks, together.

August STEAM Social: Summer Camp Edition

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 23:31:07 GMT

Summer Camp Isn’t Just for Kids — August STEAM Social Brings the Fun to All Ages

�� Friday, August 8
⏰ 6 to 8 PM
�� ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
�� Free for Members & SOU Students | $10 for Non-Members
�� $5 materials fee for all workshop participants
��️ Includes full access to the museum’s exhibits
�� Sip and learn: wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase

Think summer camp is only for kids? Think again. At ScienceWorks, we believe curiosity doesn’t age — and our August STEAM Social is here to prove it.

Join us for Summer Camp Edition , a playful evening of hands-on discovery, crafts, and good old-fashioned camp vibes designed for everyone — whether you're 6, 60, or somewhere in between.

Our interactive activity stations offer something for every explorer:

Scat Kitchen – Yes, we’re talking edible poop! Learn about animal scat in the tastiest way possible.
pH Potion Experiments – Mix and test colorful reactions like a real camp chemist.
Paper Forest – Craft your own leafy landscape, no hiking boots required.
Pipe Cleaner Bracelets – A classic camp craft with creative twists.

To help families gear up for back-to-school season, we’re welcoming special guests from Jackson County Library Services , Willow Wind School , and Ashland Schools Student Services , who will share helpful resources and info for the coming school year.

And the fun doesn’t stop there — we’re thrilled to host a live performance by local favorite Jen Joy with her touring show, Yo-yo Magic.Fun! This high-energy set combines impressive yo-yo tricks, a splash of magic, and an uplifting message about growth, effort, and staying open to new challenges. After the show, try your hand at some tricks during a hands-on yo-yo session with Jen!

So dig out your sense of wonder and join us for a joyful evening of summer camp fun — ScienceWorks style . You bring the curiosity, we’ll bring the marshmallows (okay, maybe not the marshmallows... but definitely the science and creativity).

See you August 8!

Thank You, US Bank Volunteers!

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 21:52:42 GMT

Thank You, US Bank Volunteers!

ScienceWorks extends a huge thank-you to the amazing team of volunteers from US Bank who spent the morning of July 30 lending their time, energy, and muscle to help beautify the ScienceWorks grounds.

Approximately 15 US Bank employees joined us as part of a team-building activity, working side by side with ScienceWorks staff members Liz Koonce (Exhibits and Facilities Coordinator) and Addison Carroll (Exhibits and Facilities Manager). Together, they tackled important outdoor projects in the Bear Garden , including clearing dead plants, digging up old stumps, and trimming back overgrown trees.

Their efforts made a visible difference — and not just to the landscape! Collaborative, hands-on help like this keeps ScienceWorks safe, welcoming, and inspiring for all our visitors. We’re deeply grateful for the generosity of our community partners like US Bank, whose commitment to service helps us grow (literally and figuratively).

Thank you, US Bank, for rolling up your sleeves and making a meaningful impact. We hope to see you again soon!

Thank-You to Our Future STEAM Leaders

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 02:21:32 GMT

Thank-You to Our Future STEAM Leaders

Over 40 Teens Applied to ScienceWorks’ New Internship Program!

We are blown away! More than 40 local teens applied to our new paid internship program at ScienceWorks, and we’re feeling incredibly inspired by the talent, curiosity, and drive in our community.

Each applicant created thoughtful video submissions and writing samples, and we want to express our heartfelt thanks for the time, energy, and creativity that went into every application. We see the effort you put in, and we are truly honored by your interest in being part of the ScienceWorks story.

This overwhelming response shows us just how much interest there is in STEAM opportunities for youth, and we’re taking note for future planning. Your enthusiasm helps shape what comes next at ScienceWorks.

We’re deeply grateful to our community partners who are making this program possible:

Women Living Leadership (WILL), United Way’s women’s initiative
Southern Oregon Education Service District (SOESD)

Because of their support, we’ll soon be welcoming new paid interns to the museum for mentorship, career development, and hands-on learning.

This week, we’re interviewing finalists and narrowing down the selection — not an easy task with such an amazing group of applicants! We can’t wait to announce the new interns soon and welcome them to the ScienceWorks team.

To everyone who applied: Thank you. Your voices, your ideas, and your excitement fuel our mission. We’re cheering you on and hope to stay connected. This is just the beginning!

Thank You, Camp Families — What a Summer!

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 18:45:17 GMT

There are only three weeks left of ScienceWorks Summer Camps!

We can’t believe it either — there are only three weeks left of ScienceWorks Summer Camps! It’s been an incredible season of creativity, discovery, and pure summer joy. From dissecting frogs to building homemade spectroscopes, we’ve loved every moment of learning and exploring with your curious campers.

To all the families who’ve joined us so far: Thank you for making this summer so memorable. Your support helps us keep science fun, hands-on, and meaningful for kids across our community.

We also want to extend a huge thank-you to Ashland School District for providing free lunches to our campers all summer long. This incredible partnership means that all campers — regardless of their home school district — have access to healthy meals while they explore, experiment, and play. It’s one more way our community is working together to support local families.

If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time! While all our ages 6–7 camps are now full, we still have openings in our 8–9 and 10+ age groups for the remaining weeks. Don’t wait — those spots won’t last long!

Looking ahead, we’ll be announcing our fall camp themes very soon, so keep an eye on our website and socials. This fall, we’re offering three one-day camps on:

October 10
October 13
November 11

We can't wait to welcome your campers back for more science-filled adventures this fall.

Until then — stay curious, stay cool, and thank you again for being part of the ScienceWorks camp family!

A Heartfelt Thank-You to the Carpenter Foundation

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:52:34 GMT

We’re feeling incredibly grateful.

ScienceWorks would like to extend a huge thank-you to the Carpenter Foundation for their generous $15,000 grant in support of our programming. In a time when so many nonprofit organizations are weathering instability in philanthropic and public funding, this kind of flexible, meaningful support makes an enormous difference.

This grant helps us bridge the gaps — the ones created by rising costs, shifting attendance patterns, and the unpredictability of today’s funding landscape. With this support, we can keep creating hands-on exhibits, inspiring young scientists, running camps, and building a space where curiosity can thrive.

Gifts like this allow us to stay nimble and keep showing up for our community — with joy, imagination, and science.

Thank you, Carpenter Foundation. You make the wonder possible.

Flynn Creek Circus Brings Big-Top Wonder Back to Ashland

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:51:29 GMT

Performing at ScienceWorks starting September 5

The Big-Top is back — and more magical than ever! ScienceWorks is delighted to welcome Flynn Creek Circus to our field for the third year in a row, bringing their signature blend of circus-theater, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and irreverent comedy to Ashland audiences of all ages.

Founded in 2002, Flynn Creek Circus is an award-winning touring company that’s redefining modern circus arts. Known for their all-human cast of world-class performers, the company performs under a beautiful red-and-white-striped tent, and inspires the next generation with storytelling that’s as daring as it is delightful.

This year’s new show, “The Bridge,” is an original fairytale inspired by Nordic folklore, a mischievous goat, a stubborn shadow, and a mysterious wolf. Directed and choreographed by Blaze Birge and David Jones alongside the talented Flynn Creek cast, the show is a visual feast of acrobatic stunts, theatrical artistry, and poetic metaphor, all narrated by the unlikely duo of a troll’s goat and his shadow.

From gravity-defying aerials to sly humor and magical moments, "The Bridge" explores the space between worlds — human and myth, wildness and will — with a wink and a cartwheel. This show is family-friendly, wildly imaginative, and like nothing else you’ll see this season.

Join us under the tent at ScienceWorks starting September 5 for an unforgettable circus experience.

��️ Get your tickets today at flynncreekcircus.com

�� All thrill, no filler — just human skill, spectacle, and story.

Flynn Creek Youth Circus Clinic 2025

For ages 7 - 18

Under the Big Top Tent at ScienceWorks

SEPT 6

9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

This clinic brings award winning coaches to share their craft with students of all levels. Explore a spectrum of circus disciplines including Chinese Pole, Partner Acrobatics, Aerial Rope, and Duo Rope. Students are broken into small groups for maximum contact time. Whether a beginner or an experienced student, we've got curriculum to challenge and entertain.

Calling All Sponsors: Help Us Keep Monster Ball Affordable for Local Families

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:18:59 GMT

Calling All Sponsors: Help Us Keep Monster Ball Affordable for Local Families

At ScienceWorks, we believe that every family should have the chance to celebrate, explore, and have fun together — no matter their budget. That’s why we’re asking for your help.

Monster Ball, our annual Halloween party and community celebration, is one of our most anticipated events of the year. It’s a night full of science experiments, costumes, music, creepy crafts, and spooky surprises — all designed to ignite curiosity and imagination for kids and grownups alike.

We’re committed to keeping Monster Ball affordable and accessible, which means no extra charges for activities, and low-cost tickets for families. But hosting an event like this takes resources — and we can’t do it without support from sponsors like you.

Whether you can give $500 or $5,000, ScienceWorks would be thrilled to recognize your organization for supporting the work we do. Your sponsorship directly helps us cover the cost of materials, staffing, and setup so that families don’t have to pay more to participate.

Want to learn more? Reach out to us at sponsors@scienceworksmuseum.org and we’ll be happy to share more details.

�� Let’s make this Halloween unforgettable — together.

Birding with Nate — July Bird of the Month: Northern House Wren

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:10:48 GMT

Birding with Nate

July Bird of the Month: Northern House Wren

Slide 1

July Bird of the Month: Northern House Wren

Hello ScienceWorks Friends! This month I’ve chosen a classic backyard bird and another breeding-season migrant. House Wrens are common and familiar birds across the Western Hemisphere.

Slide 2

Northern House Wrens spend the winter in the southern U.S. and Mexico, migrating to Oregon in the spring to nest. Like the Western Kingbird and House Finch I’ve posted about before, House Wrens have adapted well to human-altered landscapes and are common nesters in neighborhoods across the country.

Slide 3

House Wrens prefer habitats that mix small open spaces with dense shrubs and brush piles. They’re not picky about what plant species grow in their territory, as long as the foliage is thick and complex. Wrens skulk low in bushes looking for bugs to eat. Their plain brown plumage and habitat choice would make them hard to find, if not for their cheerful bubbling song. These birds sing tirelessly, and I sometimes hear them at ScienceWorks late into the afternoon.

Slide 4

I often hear these birds in the Ashland Watershed, near brush piles or areas with dense shrubs. They’re also common along the brushy areas of Bear Creek and in suburban settings where there are enough bushes and shrubs present. At least one pair nested in the small natural area at ScienceWorks, next to the SOU Thalden Pavilion. Another pair likely holds territory in the dense blackberry thickets along the bike path near the SOU Farm.

Slide 5

House Wrens are cavity nesters, which means they look for enclosed spaces to make their nests, such as birdhouses or old woodpecker holes. House Wrens are bold around humans and are famous for nesting in old shoes, overturned flower pots, or any other human refuse the right size to fit a little bird nest. They’ll even try to nest in garages if the door is left open!

Slide 6

House Wrens are cute, charismatic little creatures that are fun to watch and listen to. You may be able to attract them to your yard with a birdhouse and a bit of “disorganized” landscaping. What they lack in colorful feathers they make up for with their classic, colorful song, and feisty personality.

Slide 7

Try to find this little songster, and our other spring migrants, before they leave at the end of the summer. And keep an eye out in August for the next ScienceWorks feathered friend!

Happy Birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

July Gallery of Heroes - Disability Pride Month

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 02:09:12 GMT

ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum Presents:

Gallery of Heroes — A Disability Pride Moth Exhibition

Honoring the work of people with disabilities, and their contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

Slide 1 - "Science" [a photograph of Dr. Geerat Vermeij holding a conch shell.]

Dr. Geerat Vermeij is a Paleoecologist and professor at U.C. Davis who studies the evolutionary characteristics of mollusks. Having lost his eyesight at three years old due to childhood glaucoma, his hands became his eyes in his research and life. He can correctly identify the species and age of mollusk shells based on the bumps, ridges, size, and textures of the shells.

Slide 2 [black text on multi-colored ground]

"Being aware, to me, is so essential in science. Because by being aware, you are made a better observer, and observation is really where all of it begins. If you don't observe, then it's very hard to be puzzled by anything, and if you aren't puzzled by anything, then how can you ask scientific questions?" - Dr Geerat J Vermeij

Slide 3 - "Technology" [photo of Hugh Herr]

Hugh Herr was one of the best climbers in the United States until an accident led to the below-knee amputation of both of his legs. After his amputations, he began his life’s work - developing better limb prostheses. He currently develops wearable robotic systems to enhance human physical abilities, making a significant impact on people's lives.

Slide 4 - [black text on multi-colored ground]

"Humans are not disabled. A person can never be broken. Our built environment, our technologies, are broken and disabled. We the people need not accept our limitations, but can transcend disability through technological innovation." - Hugh Herr

Slide 5 - "Engineering" [photo of Dr. K. Renee Horton]

Dr. K. Renee Horton always longed to become a NASA Astronaut but was unable to enlist due to being partially deaf. She still felt the call to science and she currently works for NASA as an Airworthiness Deputy on the Electric Powertrain Flight Demonstrator project, developing hybrid electric airplanes meant to reduce the carbon footprint of air travel.

Slide 6 - [black text on multi-colored ground]

"My hearing loss grounded me from being an astronaut, but it hasn’t limited my ability to soar when I put my mind to it." - Dr. K. Renee Horton

Slide 7 - "Arts" [photo of Yinka Shonibare]

With roots in London and Nigeria, Yinka Shonibare uses his art to explore cultural identity, colonialism, and globalization. At 18, he contracted a neurological condition which paralyzed one half of his body. Shonibare’s disability requires him to use creative assistants to help him with his work. They focus on his ideas and direction to create beautiful, world renowned works of art.

Slide 8 - [black text on multi-colored ground]

"Art making is a form of alchemy, in a way, because you are trying to make gold from nothing. When it works very well is when you manage to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary." - Yinka Shonibare

Slide 9 - "Mathematics" [photo of Henrietta Swan Leavitt]

Henrietta Swan Leavitt, a scientist and mathematician in the early 1900s, made groundbreaking discoveries in measuring star distances despite being deaf and facing challenges as a woman in science. Leavitt's work provided astronomers the first standard tool to measure the distance to other galaxies.

Slide 10 - [black text on multi-colored ground]

"In addition to these larger labors, Miss Leavitt took part in various minor investigations. She gave considerable time to the discovery of new celestial objects. Altogether, she found 4 new stars, 2400 variable stars, or about one half of the known variables, and various asteroids and other objects." - Solon I. Bailey, "Henrietta Swan Leavitt"

Popular Astronomy (1922) Vol. 30, No. 4, Whole No. 294

ScienceWorks for Teens: Camps, After-School, & Internships

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:57:05 GMT

ScienceWorks is a place where teens can grow and thrive.

[Español abajo]

At ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum, we believe in nurturing curiosity and supporting young people at every stage of their development — especially during the transformative teen years. Whether a teen is discovering a new interest, exploring future career paths, or building confidence through hands-on learning, ScienceWorks offers opportunities to grow and thrive.

A key part of that growth is access to meaningful STEAM education — an interdisciplinary approach that connects Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics . STEAM learning encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking — skills that are essential in today’s world and tomorrow’s careers.

From summer day camps to after-school programs, teens ages 10 and up are a vital part of the ScienceWorks community. Here's how:

Camps & Programs for Young Teens

Our summer and school-year day camps engage kids ages 10 – 12 with exciting, age-appropriate STEAM challenges that spark imagination and build skills. We also offer a summer Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program, giving teens ages 13 - 15 the chance to build leadership experience while assisting with camps for younger kids.

After-School Programs

In collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley, we offer a free after-school program for students in grades 6 – 8. These sessions provide a welcoming environment for exploration, creativity, and connection — all while reinforcing school-year learning through playful science.

New! Teen Mentorship Program — Now Accepting Applications

We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new paid internship opportunity for teens ages 14 – 17. We’re launching a Teen Mentorship Program, a unique, grant-funded initiative that offers real-world experience in a museum setting. We’re currently accepting applications for four paid intern positions at $15.05/hour, up to 160 hours total, over 2 to 3 months.

What Interns Will Do

Interns will rotate through several ScienceWorks departments, or select a focus based on their interests, including:

Education & Public Programs: Support hands-on activities, special events, and family-friendly science engagement.
Exhibits: Learn how we maintain and improve exhibits, and help ensure they’re fun and functional.
Operations & Guest Services: Greet guests, help with admissions, and keep the museum welcoming and tidy.
Development & Feedback: Help collect visitor data, contribute to outreach efforts, and make your voice heard!

Each intern will receive one-on-one mentorship, guided by ScienceWorks staff, to help build professional skills, explore STEAM careers, and gain confidence in a supportive environment.

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for teens who are:

curious, respectful, and eager to learn
interested in STEAM fields, museums, or related topics
reliable, with good communication skills
excited to try new things and be part of a team

We are committed to increasing representation of girls and young women in STEAM careers. We strongly encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups, including girls and young women, to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, disability, or any other protected status.

Ready to take your next step with ScienceWorks?

�� View the full job description

Applications due by July 18, 2025.

This is more than a job — it’s a launchpad. Join us in building the next generation of creative thinkers, leaders, and problem-solvers.

Stay curious, and we hope to see your application soon!

ScienceWorks es un lugar donde los adolescentes pueden crecer y prosperar.

En el Museo de Ciencias de ScienceWorks, creemos en fomentar la curiosidad y apoyar a los jóvenes en cada etapa de su desarrollo, especialmente durante los años de transformación de la adolescencia. Ya sea que un adolescente esté descubriendo un nuevo interés, explorando futuras trayectorias profesionales o desarrollando confianza a través del aprendizaje práctico, ScienceWorks ofrece oportunidades para crecer y prosperar.

Una parte clave de ese crecimiento es el acceso a una educación CTIAM significativa, un enfoque interdisciplinario que conecta la ciencia, la tecnología, la ingeniería, el arte y las matemáticas. El aprendizaje CTIAM fomenta la creatividad, la colaboración y el pensamiento crítico, habilidades esenciales en el mundo actual y en las carreras del futuro.

Desde los campamentos de verano hasta los programas después del horario escolar, los adolescentes de 10 años en adelante son una parte vital de la comunidad de ScienceWorks. Aquí te explicamos cómo:

Campamentos y Programas para Adolescentes Jóvenes

Nuestros campamentos de verano y de día, durante el año escolar, involucran a niños de 10 a 12 años con emocionantes desafíos CTIAM adaptados a su edad que estimulan la imaginación y desarrollan habilidades. También ofrecemos un programa de verano de Consejeros en Formación (CIT), que brinda a adolescentes de 13 a 15 años la oportunidad de desarrollar experiencia en liderazgo mientras colaboran en campamentos para niños más pequeños.

Programas Después del Horario Escolar
En colaboración con Boys & Girls Club del Rogue Valley, ofrecemos un programa gratuito después del horario escolar para estudiantes de 6º a 8º grado. Estas sesiones proporcionan un entorno acogedor para la exploración, la creatividad y la conexión, reforzando el aprendizaje escolar a través de la ciencia lúdica.

¡Nuevo! Programa de Mentoría para Adolescentes
Estamos emocionados de anunciar una oportunidad de pasantía remunerada para adolescentes de 14 a 17 años. Estamos lanzando un Programa de Mentoría para Adolescentes, una iniciativa única y financiada con subvenciones que ofrece experiencia en el mundo real en un entorno de museo.

Detalles de la pasantía

4 posiciones de pasantía remunerada a $15.05/hora, hasta 160 horas en total, durante 2 a 3 meses
Rotación por departamentos o enfoque en áreas de interés:
Educación y Programas Públicos
Exhibiciones
Operaciones y Servicios al Invitado
Desarrollo y Retroalimentación

¿Qué harán los pasantes?

Recibirán mentoría individualizada para desarrollar habilidades profesionales y explorar carreras en CTIAM
Trabajarán en un entorno de apoyo para ganar confianza

¿Quién debe aplicar?

Adolescentes curiosos, respetuosos y ansiosos por aprender
Interesados en campos CTIAM, museos o temas relacionados
Confiables, con buenas habilidades de comunicación y entusiasmo por trabajar en equipo

�� Ver la descripción completa del trabajo (en Inglés)

Nos comprometemos a aumentar la representación de niñas y mujeres jóvenes en las carreras CTIAM. Animamos encarecidamente a las personas de grupos históricamente subrepresentados, incluidas las niñas y mujeres jóvenes, a que se postulen. Se considerará a todas las candidatas cualificadas, independientemente de su sexo, raza, etnia, discapacidad o cualquier otra condición protegida.

Aplicación

Para aplicar, por favor prepara:

Un video corto: una breve introducción sobre ti o algo que te parece interesante
Una muestra de escritura breve: comparte qué te gusta de la ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería, arte y/o matemáticas (CTIAM) y qué experiencias esperas tener durante una pasantía en ScienceWorks

Puedes subir tus archivos aquí abajo o enviarlos por correo electrónico a jobs@scienceworksmuseum.org . Asegúrate de incluir tu nombre e información de contacto. Presentar solicitud antes del 18 de julio.

¡Mantén la curiosidad y esperamos ver tu solicitud pronto!

Vote for ScienceWorks — Rogue Valley Times Community Choice Awards

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:14:31 GMT

�� We’ve been nominated — now let’s bring it home! ��

A few weeks ago, we asked for your help getting nominated in the Rogue Valley Times Community Choice Awards — and thanks to YOU, ScienceWorks is a finalist in three categories:

Kids Camps
Art Gallery/Museum
Family Entertainment

Now we need a BIG SHOW OF SUPPORT to win at least one of them!

��Vote here: https://rv-times.com/contests/cca/#/gallery/490011512

You’ll find the camp voting button right under our photo. Scroll a little further to vote for the museum and family entertainment categories too!

You can vote once a day, so keep those votes coming and help us shine!

Thanks for supporting ScienceWorks — we couldn’t do it without you!

Post-Parade Playtime in the Park

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:25:41 GMT

Post-Parade Playtime in the Park

Post-Parade Playtime in the Park
�� Lithia Park, in front of the Butler-Perozzi Fountain
�� Friday, July 4
�� 11 to 3 PM — Immediately following the parade

Join ScienceWorks in the park after the 4th of July parade for bubbles, lawn games, and hands-on fun for all ages! We’ll be set up near the Butler-Perozzi Fountain in Lithia Park with playful activities to keep the celebration going. Bring your curiosity (and maybe a picnic blanket) and enjoy a joyful afternoon in the heart of Ashland.

Free and open to everyone!

ScienceWorks' Liz Koonce Elected to Oregon Museums Association Board

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:04:28 GMT

ScienceWorks' Liz Koonce elected to Oregon Museums Association board.

ScienceWorks is pleased to announce that our very own Exhibits & Facilities Coordinator, Liz Koonce , was recently elected to the board of the Oregon Museums Association (OMA).

Founded in 1978, the Oregon Museums Association is a volunteer-run, nonprofit membership organization that empowers Oregon's museums to thrive. OMA members include more than 250 Oregon museums, individual museum professionals, students, and museum-related businesses. The organization provides professional development, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the museum field. OMA board members play a vital role in shaping the organization’s operations and future, impacting museums across the state.

In addition to her role at ScienceWorks, Liz holds a master's degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon, where she discovered her passion for exhibit design while working as an Exhibitions Assistant for three years at another OMA institution, the Museum of Natural & Cultural History (MNCH) . After several years working as a landscape architect designing parks, gardens, and playgrounds, Liz focused her career on interpretive educational exhibits, bringing together her design expertise and her background in plants and ecology.

Liz is honored to serve as an OMA board member and is excited about what’s ahead for Oregon’s museum community — and for ScienceWorks.

Observer - A film about how observation shapes our understanding

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:50:52 GMT

Join us at ScienceWorks for a special screening of Observer

Observer — a film about how observation shapes our understanding

�� Sunday, July 27

�� 4 to 6 PM

�� ScienceWorks Science Theater

�� Free admission to film

�� Wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks available for purchase

Join us at ScienceWorks for a special free screening of Observer — a thought-provoking and beautifully crafted film that invites us to see the world with new eyes.

In Observer, filmmaker Ian Cheney embarks on an experiment in which he brings a series of keen-eyed observers — scientists, artists, a hunter — to a range of locations around the world, often without telling them where they are going, and asks them simply to describe what they see.

What unfolds is a deep exploration and celebration of the power of observation: what happens when you find new ways to sense and perceive the world around you? With customary whimsy and a small painted red square that Cheney brings on every journey, the film is an invitation to viewers to find beauty and meaning in even the most quotidian of locales.

Whether you're a scientist, artist, nature lover, or simply a curious observer, this screening is for anyone who delights in seeing the world a little more deeply. Learn more at www.observerfilm.org

This event is likely to sell out, so please reserve your tickets in advance. Seating is general admission — no assigned seats — so come early, grab some popcorn, and stay curious!

Creative Dance for Children Comes to ScienceWorks

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:47:11 GMT

New Summer Dance Program for Kids 7 and Under!

New Summer Dance Program for Kids 7 and Under!

We’re thrilled to announce a special summer collaboration with Creative Dance for Children (CDFC), bringing joyful movement and imaginative play to ScienceWorks for our youngest community members!

Starting Friday, July 11, CDFC will lead an 8-week dance series right here at the museum . Classes are designed for children ages 6 and under and will be held in our Pacific Crest Cove exhibit space — a fun, colorful environment perfect for expressive exploration.

Class Schedule:
FRIDAYS - July 11 to August 29
9 AM to 9:45 | Tiny Tots | Ages 18 months to 3 years

10 AM to 10:45 | Tiny Tigers | Ages 2.5 to 4.5 years

11 AM to 11:45 | Shooting Stars | Ages 5 to 7 years

Age guidelines are flexible, if you’d like to make a special request, reach out to CDFC directly!

Registration & Pricing:

Register through Creative Dance for Children and enjoy a special ScienceWorks member discount:
Drop-in rate: $10 (members), $15 (non-members)
Full 8-week series: $68 (members), $100 (non-members)

This program offers a wonderful opportunity for little ones to develop coordination, confidence, and creativity — all while having a blast.

Come dance with us this summer!

Creative Dance for Children Contact Information

Instructor: Cassie Preskenis

www.CreativeDance.me

CreativeDance@mind.net

541-326-8112

ScienceWorks Summer Camps Featured on NewsWatch 12!

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 22:27:00 GMT

KDRV NewsWatch 12 recently stopped by to spotlight our summer camps.

We were honored to be featured by KDRV NewsWatch 12 this week in a story about one of our favorite summer missions: helping kids stay curious and engaged through ScienceWorks Summer Camps.

In the segment, reporter Damien Alvarado visits ScienceWorks to see how hands-on, creative experiences are helping to prevent summer learning loss. Instead of forgetting what they’ve learned during the school year, kids at ScienceWorks are building on it through playful, purposeful projects that blend science, art, and imagination. From exploring Pokémon-inspired paleontology to writing and performing wildfire puppet plays, the activities go far beyond traditional lessons. They spark questions, invite collaboration, and make science approachable and fun.

Education Manager Johnnie Snow emphasizes the importance of connecting educational experiences to a child's own interests:

"We are not only learning the game, Pokémon, but also learning some of the science behind the creation of creatures. And we are a child-led program, so we are looking for what’s going to be engaging for our audience."

This summer, not only are we offering our traditional day camps for kids ages 6 – 12, we've also launched a new counselor-in-training program for youth ages 13 – 15. It’s a great opportunity for young teens to gain real-world experience and develop valuable skills. Whether it’s space science, nature exploration, or engineering challenges, each week offers fresh opportunities for discovery.

Availability Update:

Spots for ages 6 – 7 are filling quickly, but we still have moderate availability for ages 8 – 9 and plenty of space for campers ages 10 and up — so if you’ve got an older curious kid, now’s the perfect time to sign them up !

Scholarships Available:

Thanks to the generosity of AllCare Health, ScienceWorks is able to offer summer camp scholarships. At this time, each child is eligible for one scholarship, which covers one week of camp.

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to families who qualify for any food assistance program (WIC, EBT, SNAP, etc.) or the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). We’re also proud to offer scholarships to families of school teachers and staff.

To apply, simply fill out the application form . If approved, you’ll receive a discount code to use during registration.

While we can’t guarantee your first-choice camp will be available, we’ll do our best to accommodate your preferences — thank you for understanding.

�� Explore themes, check availability, and apply for scholarships at: scienceworksmuseum.org/camps

We’re grateful to KDRV NewsWatch 12 for showcasing the importance of summer learning — and to all our campers, families, and educators for making this summer unforgettable. Let’s keep the learning going!

Mural Fest 2025

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 19:37:52 GMT

A Celebration of Art, Community, and Creativity

This past weekend, the ScienceWorks plaza was alive with color, creativity, and community spirit as we hosted the Second Annual Mural Fest — and despite a little rain, the event was a vibrant success!

Saturday brought some unexpected showers, which meant rescheduling the live music to Sunday. But the spirit of the festival didn’t waver. Artists painted, visitors showed up with umbrellas and curiosity, and the sun returned just in time to make Sunday shine.

Throughout the weekend, muralists worked live on large-scale pieces right on the ScienceWorks plaza, transforming blank walls into powerful, imaginative artworks. A popular part of the event was the collaborative "paint-by-number" mural led by Central Art Supply . Visitors of all ages got the chance to pick up a paint pen and contribute — adding their own strokes to a beautiful, shared piece of public art. It was a joyful reminder that creativity truly is for everyone.

In an interview with KOBI News 5, project manager Jarrett Davidson shared his vision for expanding the celebration of murals across Southern Oregon — from Ashland to Talent, Phoenix, and beyond. “We would love to continue to showcase murals, showcase public art between the Southern Oregon cities... Ideally somewhere down the road we can have multiple stations of murals happening for the course of several days and showcase excellent artists of the valley, of our area.”

�� Couldn’t make it this weekend? No worries.
The murals created during Mural Fest will remain on display in the ScienceWorks plaza through the end of September — plenty of time to stop by, stroll through, and see how public art transforms a space.

��️ Want even more?
Head inside the museum to explore smaller works by Mural Fest artists in our Art in STEAM gallery , also on view through September.

�� Check out the full KOBI News 5 video on the event below, enjoy the Ashland.News story , and visit the Mural Fest website or Instagram to learn more about the artists and organizers.

Thanks to everyone who joined us — from muralists to musicians, food vendors to first-time painters — for making Mural Fest 2025 such a joyful, creative experience. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

Birding with Nate — June Bird of the Month: Western Kingbird

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 19:05:27 GMT

Birding with Nate

June Bird of the Month: Western Kingbird

Slide 1

Hello ScienceWorks friends! Your bird for June is the Western Kingbird, a bold and colorful character common in open spaces throughout the western United States.

Slide 2

Western Kingbirds spend the winter in Mexico or Central America and migrate to Oregon in the spring to breed. They have gray heads, chunky black bills, bright yellow bellies, and white stripes down the sides of their black tails.

Slide 3

Like the Say’s Phoebe that I posted about in April, kingbirds are flycatchers that hunt by hawking insects on-the-wing. They are fairly easy to spot and identify due to their bright colors, loud “squeaky toy” calls, and habit of choosing prominent perches out in the open. Look for them on power lines, dead trees, fence posts, or any other exposed perch.

Slide 4

Kingbirds are in the family Tyrannidae, also know as the tyrant flycatchers. Why all the kingly names? Tyrant flycatchers are named for their habit of chasing and harassing any and all other birds — and kingbirds are the most tyrannical of them all.

Slide 5

You might think the eagle, with its majestic, regal appearance, or the falcon, with its unparalleled aerial prowess, is the king of birds, but when it comes to attitude , the kingbird is king. Eagles, hawks, and falcons all get driven away by their fierce attacks. This is a bird that does not care! I once found a pair nesting under the baking Texas sun on the jetway of the Amarillo airport!

Slide 6

Unfortunately, this bird’s bold nature and lack of fear of nesting near human infrastructure can get them into trouble. I’m sad to report that I found one of these birds dead, hanging from a string or fishing line on a powerline at ScienceWorks. A sobering reminder that human trash can, and does, harm wildlife — and a call to appreciate the beautiful creatures we share Oregon with. Next month we’ll feature another charming creature for you all to enjoy.

Happy Birding!

And don't forget to add your own bird sightings to the ScienceWorks eBird Hotspot !

🚴‍♂️ Exciting news on the ScienceWorks field! 🚴‍♀️

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:34:51 GMT

We’re thrilled to welcome the cyclists of Bicycle Rides Northwest (BRNW) as they camp with us during their Oregon 2025 ride.

��‍♂️ Exciting news on the ScienceWorks field! ��‍♀️

We’re thrilled to welcome the cyclists of Bicycle Rides Northwest (BRNW) as they camp with us during their Oregon 2025 ride. BRNW is a nonprofit that’s been organizing fully supported, small-group biking tours since 1987 — complete with SAG vans, catered meals, showers, and community grant raffles that benefit local towns. They create unforgettable cycling adventures that celebrate the natural beauty of the Northwest while supporting the regions they visit.

Riders will explore scenic backroads, enjoy a couple of challenging climbs, and experience the best of Ashland’s vibrant food and arts scene. If you spot them around town grabbing a bite, browsing local shops, or catching a show at OSF, give them a warm Southern Oregon welcome! Want to host your own event? Our indoor and outdoor facilities are available to rent — just ask!

Welcome, BRNW — we’re excited to be part of your journey. ��

A Heartfelt Thank You to Providence BaseCamp

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 19:47:27 GMT

New Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at ScienceWorks Thanks To Providence Basecamp

We’re proud to share a big step forward in safety here at ScienceWorks: thanks to a generous donation from Providence BaseCamp, we now have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) onsite at the Exploration Station in Kranzler Hall, right near our main entrance and across from the restrooms.

This lifesaving device is a key part of our ongoing commitment to health and safety for everyone who walks through our doors — from school groups and summer campers to families and event guests. Having an AED on hand provides peace of mind in the event of a cardiac emergency, especially during our busiest seasons.

We’re also excited to report that every single member of our staff is now certified in First Aid and CPR. Earlier this year, we hosted a certification class at the museum to make sure our team is trained, prepared, and ready to respond. Between this training and our new AED, we’re better equipped than ever to keep our guests and community safe.

Thank you, Providence BaseCamp, for this important gift and for supporting health and wellness across Southern Oregon. And a special shout-out to our new Executive Director, Dr. Gabriela Chavarria, who joined us for the AED installation!

Thank you for being part of the ScienceWorks community. Stay curious. Stay safe.

Artist Talk with Sarah Burns — Siskiyou Crest Artist in Residence

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 02:32:55 GMT

Artist Talk with Sarah F. Burns

Sunday, June 29

3 - 4 PM

ScienceWorks Theater

Free admission to presentation

Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Southern Oregon artist (and Art in STEAM alum) Sarah F. Burns , the first artist in residence at the Acorn Woman Lookout, part of the new Siskiyou Crest Artist in Residence Program. This free presentation takes place Sunday, June 29 from 3 to 4 PM in the ScienceWorks theater.

Hosted in collaboration with the Siskiyou Crest Coalition, this special event includes a 45-minute slide presentation sharing Sarah’s immersive experience living and creating in the remote Acorn Woman Lookout — a unique vantage point deep in the Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion. Through photos, stories, and original artwork, Sarah reflects on her time off the grid in this ecologically rich and rugged landscape. Attendees will also have the chance to view a selection of her plein air paintings, created on-site during her stay.

Following the presentation, stay for a Q&A session with the artist and learn more about the Siskiyou Crest Coalition’s mission to promote ecological integrity, artistic exploration, and conservation of one of North America’s most biodiverse mountain ranges.

This event is free and open to the public — no registration required. Seating is limited, so we recommend arriving early to grab a spot. To explore the Siskiyou Crest Coalition’s ongoing projects, visit siskiyoucrestcoalition.org .

Come celebrate the intersection of art and nature at this unique and thoughtful afternoon at ScienceWorks!

CANCELLED — July STEAM Social: Burning to Learn

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 23:04:58 GMT

UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, we’ve had to cancel our July STEAM Social: Burning to Learn. We appreciate your understanding and hope you’ll join us next month for our August STEAM Social: Summer Camp Edition. Stay tuned for details — and stay curious!

July STEAM Social: Burning to Learn

Friday, July 11
6 to 8 PM
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
Free for Members & SOU Students | $10 for Non-Members
Suggested donation — all workshops
Includes full access to the museum’s exhibits
Sip and learn: beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase

Live entertainment by singer Ruby Helene Johnson

Get fired up for an unforgettable evening of science, art, and community at our July STEAM Social, Burning to Learn , featuring the vital work of the Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative (SOFRC). This special summer edition dives into the science of wildfire, the power of art, and the importance of education during an era of climate change and increasing fire risk.

Explore the dynamic forces that drive wildfires — topography, weather, and fuel — in our Blaze & Brush watercolor workshop, where you’ll create a foldable “fire triangle” filled with your own notes and illustrations. Build your own DIY air filter with Ashland Fire & Rescue and learn how to protect your home and health during wildfire season. Don’t miss the engaging presentation and Q&A with SOFRC's Amelia Liberatore and Terry Fairbanks, including a screening of the inspiring FireBright video and student-led work in the field. Families can enjoy looping short films, self-guided tree ID activities, and creative learning spaces for all ages.

This STEAM Social also supports the Fire Education for All campaign, a community fundraiser to replace critical funding lost during recent federal cuts. In lieu of our usual material fees, we’re inviting attendees to donate to the Fire Education for All campaign — supporting Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative (SOFRC), Lomakatsi, and ScienceWorks in providing fire ecology and Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) education for local K-12 students.

Come ready to learn, create, and connect in this meaningful multigenerational STEAM celebration — and help spark a future of fire-safe communities!

Stay curious!

June Gallery of Heroes: Pride Month

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 22:35:08 GMT

In celebration of Pride Month, our Gallery of Heroes exhibit honors five remarkable LGBTQIA+ professionals.

This June, in celebration of Pride Month, our Gallery of Heroes exhibit honors five remarkable LGBTQIA+ professionals — past and present — whose work in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) has left a lasting impact. Each month, we spotlight inspiring individuals whose work continues to shape the world — and this month, we’re proud to showcase trailblazers who reflect the strength and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. Stop by to explore their stories and celebrate the power of representation in STEAM.

Birding with Nate: Baby Birds at ScienceWorks!

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:34:37 GMT

ScienceWorks has babies!

Carrico Foundation Supports New Water Table Exhibit at ScienceWorks

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:54:25 GMT

Thank You to the Carrico Foundation for Supporting Our New Water Table Exhibit

We’re thrilled to announce that the Carrico Foundation has awarded ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum a generous $50,000 grant to support the design and construction of our proposed water table exhibit. This grant brings us one step closer to creating an engaging, accessible, and educational new experience for our community — one that highlights the Klamath River Basin, its diverse ecosystems, and the important restoration efforts currently underway.

The "Klamath River Water Table" exhibit will be a dynamic, hands-on play structure designed to mimic the Klamath Basin. As visitors follow the water's journey from the arid north to the coastal rainforest in the south, they’ll explore the river’s tributaries, learn about native species, and discover the human impact on the region’s water systems. Through this immersive experience, guests of all ages will gain a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity and cultural significance of this unique watershed.

More than just a fun feature, this water table will be a space for kinetic and social play that sparks curiosity, compassion, and stewardship. It’s designed to foster a love of learning and a sense of connection to our local environment — and we truly couldn’t do it without the Carrico Foundation’s support.

Thank you, Carrico Foundation, for helping us bring the story of the Klamath River to life! We look forward to welcoming visitors to this one-of-a-kind exhibit in the near future.

Brabson Family Foundation Supports New Cave Exhibit at ScienceWorks

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:18:07 GMT

Thank you to the Brabson Family Foundation for supporting the new cave exhibit at ScienceWorks!

The Brabson Family Foundation has generously granted ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum $18,000 toward the design and construction of a n updated cave exhibit highlighting the importance of our native Oregon cave systems. The proposal is to renovate our current cave space to improve safety and accessibility by leveling the floor and updating the displays. The new exhibit will focus more closely on the unique geology and biodiversity of our region’s caves, helping visitors connect with the natural wonders of Southern Oregon.

Thank You for Celebrating the Opening of "Paleoart Through Time"

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:58:12 GMT

A huge thank you to everyone who came out for the opening reception of "Paleoart Through Time"

A huge thank you to everyone who came out for the opening reception of Paleoart Through Time, our newest exhibit featuring the incredible work of sculpture artist Drew Hogan! It was awesome to celebrate Drew’s art with over 100 guests — a wonderful evening full of curiosity, conversation, and creativity.

Drew’s sculptures explore how our understanding of prehistoric species has changed over the last century, inviting us to reflect on the ways science and art work together to shape our vision of the past.

If you missed the opening, don’t worry, Paleoart Through Time will be on display at ScienceWorks through the end of September. Come see these stunning, thought-provoking pieces for yourself!

Join Us at Juneteenth: Help Shape the Future of ScienceWorks

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 20:04:30 GMT

Join Us at Juneteenth: Help Shape the Future of ScienceWorks

On Saturday, June 21 , BASE Southern Oregon will host their annual Juneteenth Celebration at Pear Blossom Park in Medford from 11 AM to 8 PM . This free, family-friendly event is a vibrant outdoor celebration of culture, freedom, and community — featuring live music, food, education, and entertainment for all ages.

ScienceWorks will be there too, and we’re bringing more than just hands-on fun. We’re launching the public phase of planning the museum’s future .

Our leadership team shares this message:

“ScienceWorks invites you to be part of developing our new strategic plan. As we prepare in 2026 to celebrate our 25th year of operation, we are exploring both who we have been at our best, and how we might make even more positive contributions to Ashland, the Rogue Valley, and the surrounding region. Our goal is to sustainably expand our reach and grow our impact in the community.

Join us at Juneteenth. Bring your stories of what you’ve most valued about ScienceWorks and your ideas to make it even better.”

Juneteenth , also known as Freedom Day , celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. First recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, it commemorates June 19, 1865 , when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery — over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

We hope you’ll join us in honoring this historic day and shaping the future of ScienceWorks together. Look for our booth and share your stories — your voice matters.

Join Our Volunteer Team

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 19:42:29 GMT

Come volunteer at ScienceWorks!

Love science, creativity, and community? Come volunteer at ScienceWorks! We’re looking for curious, friendly folks to help with summer camps, events, and exhibit experiences. Whether you can give a few hours a week or help with a one-time project, your time makes a big difference. Volunteers get behind-the-scenes access, build great skills, and become part of a fun, hands-on learning environment.

ScienceWorks at Britt Jurassic Park in Concert

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 19:32:56 GMT

Come join us to dig for fossils and learn about pterosaurs before seeing Jurassic Park in Concert

Step into the world of dinosaurs with ScienceWorks at "Jurassic Park in Concert" — an unforgettable live movie experience presented by the Britt Festival Orchestra . Before the iconic film begins on June 12 and 13 , guests can visit ScienceWorks inside Gate 1 from 5:45 to 8 PM to dig into our hands-on fossil exhibit and explore our popular pterosaur models up close.

This unique event combines HD projection of the original "Jurassic Park" film with a thrilling full symphony orchestra performance of John Williams’ score by the Britt Festival Orchestra. It’s sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making — and an evening of science, music, and imagination you won’t want to miss.

Thank You Community!

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 19:08:05 GMT

We’re sending a huge shoutout to the Ashland Food Co-op and every single shopper who rounded up for ScienceWorks

THANK YOU, COMMUNITY! We’re sending a huge shoutout to the Ashland Food Co-op and every single shopper who rounded up for ScienceWorks a total of 15,203 times in April. Thanks to your generosity, we received an incredible $6,289.45 donation! We’re honored by your support and excited to put these funds to work creating more hands-on science experiences and sparking curiosity in lifelong learners across Southern Oregon. Your small change is making big things happen. Thank you for believing in ScienceWorks!

Happy Father's Day

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:52:12 GMT

Dads get in FREE this Father's Day

Celebrate the science-loving dads in your life with a day of discovery at ScienceWorks. On Sunday, June 15, all dads receive free admission — no ticket needed. Bring the whole family and make some hands-on memories together!

Mural Fest 2025

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:53:54 GMT

We're excited to host the second annual Mural Fest on the ScienceWorks plaza this summer

We're excited to host the second annual Mural Fest on the ScienceWorks plaza this summer! Murals have a unique power to create shared landmarks — sparking conversation, connection, and inspiration. Ashland Mural Fest invites the Southern Oregon community to witness the creation of large-scale public art in real time. Come celebrate local artists and the vibrant role that public art plays in shaping and reflecting our community. There will be food, music, and more!

June 21 - 22
Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM (live music 5 to 9 PM CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN )
Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
Free

STEAM Social: Fire Works

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:27:05 GMT

Join us for a special edition of our STEAM Social series on Friday, June 13, as we spotlight the incredible work of Lomakatsi Restoration Project.

This month’s theme, “Fire Works,” explores wildfire resilience through the lens of Indigenous knowledge – including cultural fire, indigenous fire stewardship, ecocultural restoration, ecological science, and community action.

We’re honored to welcome Belinda Brown, Lomakatsi’s Tribal Partnerships Director and Chair of the Inter-Tribal Ecosystem Restoration Partnership. A citizen of the Kosealekte Band of the Ajumawi-Atsuge Nation (Pit River Tribe), Belinda brings decades of experience in tribal governance, natural resource policy, and Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK). She will present a talk on the cultural uses of fire by local Indigenous nations and the importance of collaborative restoration.

Cultural Practitioner Virginia Amoroso, citizen of the Ajumawi Band of the Ajumawi-Atsuge Nation (Pit River Tribe) and Shasta descendant, Lomakatsi educators, and invited ecocultural practitioners will guide a basket weaving activity, offer native plant identification, and share a powerful short film, "Tribal Hands on the Land."

This STEAM Social also marks the launch of a community fundraiser to support ongoing fire education for K-12 students, following recent federal funding cuts. In lieu of our usual material fees, we’re inviting attendees to donate to the Fire Education for All campaign – supporting Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative ( SOFRC ), Lomakatsi , and ScienceWorks in providing fire ecology and ITEK education for local K-12 students.

Let’s come together to learn, connect, and take action for a more fire-resilient future.

Friday, June 13
6 to 8 PM
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
Free for Members & SOU Students | $10 Non-members
Includes full access to the museum’s exhibits

Summer Camp Scholarships Now Available

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:02:29 GMT

Thanks to the generosity of AllCare Health, ScienceWorks is now able to offer summer camp scholarships.

Thanks to the generosity of AllCare Health, ScienceWorks is now able to offer summer camp scholarships. At this time, each child is eligible for one scholarship, which covers one week of camp.

To apply, simply fill out the application form. If approved, you’ll receive a discount code to use during registration.

While we can’t guarantee your first-choice camp will be available, we’ll do our best to accommodate your preferences. Thanks for your understanding!

Paleoart Through Time

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:52:37 GMT

First Friday Reception for Artist Drew Hogan

Paleoart provides context not just to our past but to our present. Graduating SOU sculpture student Drew Hogan's installation is a chronological exploration of how our understanding of prehistoric species has evolved from the early 1900s to now, with pop-culture touchstones. This installation will include a variety of sculptures — some interactive and some not — which explore the subject matter of dinosaur species, the materiality of the paleoart itself, and the artist’s evolution. Drew's sculptures will be on display in the Pterosaurs gallery through September 29 .

Come meet the artist at our First Friday event!

First Friday Reception for Artist Drew Hogan
Friday, June 6
5 to 7 PM
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
Free

Win a FREE Birthday Party at ScienceWorks!

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:37:16 GMT

We’re looking for birthday stars for our next round of party photos! Two lucky winners will receive a FREE ScienceWorks birthday party with all the perks.

Want to celebrate your big day at ScienceWorks for FREE? We're looking for two lucky families to win the ultimate ScienceWorks birthday party package! All you have to do is enter our Birthday Party Drawing.

Each winner receives:

A private birthday party for up to 20 guests (including adults)
Exclusive use of our NEW party room for 90 minutes
All-day museum admission for your group
A themed goody bag for each child (choose from: Astronaut Adventure Bag, Forest Friends Critter Kit, or Prehistoric Party Pouch)
One party workshop add-on of your choice, taught by a ScienceWorks educator:
Robotics in Space
Owl Pellet Dissection
Chain Reaction Machines
Survival Science
LEGO Bridge Engineering
Microscope Lab

 Contest Dates:
June 1 to June 30
Winners announced: July 1
Winners must redeem their party by September 28

To enter, just fill out our quick entry form online or in person at ScienceWorks. All entries must agree to a photo release.

Don’t miss your chance to win a fun-filled, science-packed birthday celebration!

Birding with Nate: May Bird of the Month

Mon, 12 May 2025 17:53:02 GMT