April STEM Programs at the Museum of Nature and Science

The Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science, 411 N. Main St., will offer free programs for children and families this April.

Admission to the museum and programs are free.

"Nature & Science Discovery PreK"
10 a.m. Thursdays
Nurture your little one's love of science! Investigate weather through hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts every Thursday in April. No registration is required. Recommended for ages 2 to 5 with an adult caregiver.

"Live Animal Feedings"
11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, and April 8
What we eat is important to our health and for the animals in the Nature Center it's no different. Learn about the enrichment activities we use during mealtimes and more while you watch the animals display their natural instincts. Turtles are publicly fed on the first Saturday of the month. Snakes are publicly fed on the second Saturday of the month. Animal feedings take place in the gallery at the Museum of Nature & Science. No registration is required, and this event is open to all ages.

"Saturday Science - Egg Drop"
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 8
Put your engineering skills to the test and create a device that will protect an egg from cracking when it hits the ground. No registration is required. Recommended for ages 6 and older, adult caregiver participation is required.

"Teen Takeover: Custom Keycaps"
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12
The museum hits different when it's only open to teens. Play with the exhibits, make and experiment with S.T.E.A.M. activities, eat snacks, and play games during these extended hours just for teens. Test your tie dye skills and make a one-of-a-kind T-shirt. One T-shirt will be provided. You may bring as many as two additional clothing items to dye. No registration is required. This program is for teens 12 to 17.

"FOSSILS!"
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 15
Explore the 3.5-billion-year odyssey of life with a geologist and real fossil specimens. Learn about marine animals like moss animals and lamp shells which have lived for millions of years. No registration is required. This event is open to all ages.

"STEAMpunk - Paper Rocket Flight Test"
11 a.m. Saturday, April 15
Discover the stories behind science heroes who break barriers and explore the application of their research through hands-on experiments and activities. Sydney Hamilton, Ph.D., always wanted to fly and now she works at Boeing as an Aerospace Structures Stress Manager where she leads a team to support airplane, aircraft, and satellite repairs. Inspired by her award-winning work we will test the structural integrity of paper rockets. No registration is required. Recommended for ages 6 and older.

"Animal Encounters: Mexican Grey Wolf"
11 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22
Join us as we introduce you each month to a different resident of the Chihuahuan Desert. Learn about the tracks they leave, the sounds they make, and ways to help with their conservation. No registration is required. This event is open to all ages.

"Teen Science Café: 3D Modeling"
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25
Students ages 12 to 17 are invited to have dinner with engineers from the New Mexico State University Department of Engineering and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Learn about the different kinds of engineers and use 3D pens to make a model car. Dinner and activity supplies are included. No registration is required.

The Museum of Nature & Science is accessible on RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1, Stop 1. Visit the Museums System website at: www.lascruces.gov/Museumsor follow the Las Cruces Museums on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @LCMuseums.

For information, contact Stephanie Hawkins, Education Curator, at 575/532-3372 or by email at [email protected].