Explora

05/13/2023

Come Find Me! Our Paper Invention area includes hanging lanterns, puppets, drawings, paper chains and more. What can you create and add to this collection?

05/13/2023

This Saturday, Sensory Friendly Time:
May 13, 9 - 10 am

We'll open an hour early for guests who prefer a less sensory-stimulating visit. Perfect for neuro-diverse learners, infants and little ones, and all visitors who prefer a calm, spacious environment.

Limited attendance. Tickets will be available to reserve ahead of time.
Adaptations include: Sensory Kits (noise reduction headphones, fidget objects, timers, social stories, and more!) Noise and light reduction (some exhibits might be turned off). Additional calming space for sensory breaks--always available for your ease!

05/12/2023

Explora is thrilled to thank Enterprise Bank and Trust for its generous support of our Career Pathways Internship (CPI) program! Enterprise funds have provided hands-on training and wraparound support for our amazing high school and college-aged interns as they develop career skills and provide quality services to our museum visitors and the community at large. Because of Enterprise, our 2022 and 2023 CPI interns have participated in weekly skills training, tailored mentorship, and targeted college and career pathways support. Thank you for supporting our future STEAM leaders!

05/11/2023

Come see the winning projects of the Explora Special Award Winners of 2023 Central New Mexico STEM Research Challenge! May 20 from 10 am-12 pm!

05/11/2023

Explora wishes to thank Luke Aughenbaugh for this great Google Review!! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

3 days ago: NEW

"It was a great interactive way to get my kiddo out of the classroom and into an environment where they were willing to ask broader questions; and it's an APS excused absence for educational growth, which is highly beneficial to my anxious kiddo."

05/10/2023

Up and coming at X Studio! Is your teen part of the fun yet? FREE Memberships!

1. Wednesday, May 10 from 4:00-6:00 pm: CNC Puzzles and Furniture Design--Spend a day doing puzzles, breaking furniture, and understanding why “wasting resources is a mortal sin” at IKEA.
2. Wednesday, May 17 from 4:00-6:00 pm: Screen Printing--Learn about the screen printing process and make your own design for printing on clothing and more!
3. Wednesday, May 24 from 4:00-5:00 pm: Makey, Makey Music--Use computer interfacing with Makey Makeys to create your own unique musical instruments that play wild digital music! Held in the Tech Lab.

05/10/2023

Explora in Your Community:

Join us for Family Science with hands-on activities exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math at these locations:

Los Lunas Public Library: May 9, 4 pm - 5 pm
Esther Bone Memorial Library in Rio Rancho: May 13, 10 am - 2 pm
Central and Unser Library: May 18, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

For more Explora events, check out our monthly calendar HERE: https://www.explora.us/events/

05/09/2023

Time to add the 'Bed of Nails' to your bucket list!
Adult Night: May 19th, 6 - 9 pm
"Magical Science"

Join us for an evening of mystical science and magical whimsy! Adult Night will feature magicians, Dan Gutierrez, Brenda Lamont, and Tom Plunkett plus special pyrotechnics from Explora's own Nathan Cournoyer. Drink color-changing beverages, lay on a bed of nails, and learn a few tricks of your own!

05/09/2023

Summer is just weeks away and we've got new camps just for you! See more at: https://www.explora.us/programs/camps/

1. Our Five Senses: Grade K-2, June 5-9.
Our senses help us experience the world around us, however, sometimes our senses can be deceived. In this camp, we’ll investigate our five senses: through various fun experiments, learn both how they work and how we can trick them!

2. Cosmetic Chemistry: Grades 6-9, June 12-16. Held at X Studio.
Ready, Set, Bake! Throughout the week you will learn new skills in chemistry, calculating, baking, and building. Then use these talents to participate in a final bake-off challenge! What glamorous products will you create?

3. X Studio Everyday AI: Grades 6-9, July 10-14 and 17-21.
Are you curious about how responsive tech like Chatbots, Snapchat and facial recognition work? This camp provides computer-based activities exploring a variety of AI concepts: ethical issues, creative expression, and AI’s relationship to the future. Use machine learning to make predictions, investigate bias in applications, and create novel works of art! Presented in partnership with the Computer Science Alliance, with funding assistance from the National Science Foundation and New Mexico State University.

05/08/2023

If you were to invent something with flexible hybrid electronics, what would you create? The NM MESA students at Bernalillo Middle School have been considering this question in a fascinating, six-part product-development series. During the week focused on marketing a new invention, students learned from a marketing industry expert currently on an international exchange internship at Explora. They also crafted a 30-second commercial, performed market research, found potential partners for sales and manufacturing, and established a target audience for their products, along with brand establishment, logos and slogans.

Programs like these are the foundation of innovative, immersive, learner-driven education, made possible with our partners at Bernalillo Middle School and Next-Flex. It is amazing to not only see these young people build real-world skills by fully conceptualizing their own products but also get viable exposure to a field of which they may one day be a part.

05/06/2023

Come Find Me!!

Okay, not *me* but do come find the Thermal Camera in our 'Light, Shadow, Color' exhibit area on the first floor, and see your own unique temperature profile!

05/05/2023

The James-Webb telescope is providing new discoveries on the daily. So what fascinating sights will you behold? Come find out on Friday, May 12th at the Open Space Visitor Center Star Party with The Albuquerque Astronomical Society!

05/05/2023

Thanks to Attractions of America for citing Explora as one of the TOP Science Museums in the US (we're #13!). Read more here: https://www.attractionsofamerica.com/thingstodo/top-10-best-science-museums-us.php

05/04/2023

Explora in Your Community: Join us for Family Science with hands-on activities exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math at these locations:

1. Erna Fergusson Public Library: May 3, 10:15 am -12:15 pm
2. Los Lunas Public Library: May 9, 4 pm - 5 pm
3. Esther Bone Memorial Library in Rio Rancho: May 13, 10 am-2 pm

For more Explora events, check out our monthly calendar: https://www.explora.us/events/

05/04/2023

Starting June 4th: Explora Summer Camps! AM and PM sessions for Pre-K through 12th Grades, with aftercare available! Dozens of fascinating and fun topics to choose from to keep your kids engaged and active. Campers staying all day will be supervised during lunchtime. Visit our site for details, pricing, and a menu of class themes: https://www.explora.us/programs/camps/

05/03/2023

Join us for FARM CAMP! Week-long programs starting June 4th: 9-3pm.

Each full-week camp is a multi-age, collaborative, in/outdoor experience. Farm campers spend time learning about the enrichment of soil, pollinators, food of the future, and more! Options are available for pre-K-12th grades, and registration is open now! Visit here: /www.explora.us/programs/camps/explora-farm-camps/

05/03/2023

Time to get your teen to X Studio: a safe, fun, STEAM-integrated learning and social center for your 13-19 year olds. And it's FREE!

Coming up this week:

1. Wednesday, May 3 from 4:00-6:00 pm: Airbrushing and Pinstriping--Get into a flow state while learning the ins and outs of prepping, masking, and laying down some flat, glossy detail, in this airbrushing and pinstriping basics class.
2. Thursday, May 4 from 6:00-8:00 pm: Work at X Studio Sessions--Do you need help with writing a resume, applying for a scholarship, or figuring out financial aid? Join us at X Studio: a time for collaboration, mentorship, and wrap-around assistance.

05/02/2023

Adult Night: May 19th, 6 - 9 pm
"Magical Science"

Join us for an evening of mystical science and magical whimsy! Adult Night will feature magicians, Dan Gutierrez, Brenda Lamont, and Tom Plunkett. Drink color-changing lemonade, lay on a bed of nails, and learn a few tricks of your own!
Get your tickets now: www.explora.us/programs/adult-night/

05/02/2023

Sensory Friendly Time: May 13, 9 - 10 am

We'll open an hour early for guests who prefer a less sensory-stimulating visit. Perfect for neuro-diverse learners, infants and little ones, and all visitors who prefer a calm, spacious environment.

Limited attendance. Tickets will be available to reserve ahead of time.
Adaptations include: Sensory Kits (noise reduction headphones, fidget objects, timers, social stories, and more!) Noise and light reduction (some exhibits might be turned off) Additional calming space for sensory breaks--always available for your ease!

05/01/2023

Summer is right around the corner with Explora’s education team hard at work supporting librarians as they integrate STEAM learning into Summer Reading projects and programs. Using the theme of All Together Now, librarians from across New Mexico met both in person and virtually for a variety of engaging Explora workshops. Some explored the finer workings of magnets, while others engineered recyclables with materials-rich learning kits shipped in advance of the course. Explora is pleased to partner with New Mexico State Library, along so many others throughout New Mexico. We look forward to hearing how your families engage with libraries this summer!

04/28/2023

Children’s Museums Are Growing Intellectually and Emotionally

What a fantastic article highlighting the vibrance, depth, and importance of youth-oriented science centers. Look for a quote from our Co-Executive Director, Kristin Leigh inside!

Institutions around the United States are offering more interactive learning to a broader age group, including practices that address mental health.

04/28/2023

Explora in Your Community: Join us for Family Science with hands-on activities exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math at these locations:

1. Edgewood Public Library: April 22, 10:30 am-2:30 pm.
2. Loma Colorado Library in Rio Rancho: April 29, 10 am-2 pm.
3. Erna Fergusson Public Library: May 3, 10:15 -12:15 pm

For more Explora events, check out our monthly calendar: https://www.explora.us/events/

04/27/2023

Final Call for April: Membership Special--get yours now!

Buy an Explora membership and receive a free, one-time use family pass* to share with friends or other family! *Pass allows entry for up to six people during our regular business hours.

www.explora.us/become-a-member/

04/27/2023

Register now for Explora Summer Camps!
Engaging, creative, and hands-on STEAM learning for your preK-12th grader:

Here's what's coming up for your youngster at https://www.explora.us/programs/camps/

1. X Studio Cosmetic Chemistry: Grades 6-9, June 12-16.
Investigate the chemistry of cosmetics in this lively DIY! Make soap, mix makeup, investigate the properties of gel nails, and more as we get deep into the science of beauty.

2. Be Greater Than Average--World of Robotics: Grades 6-9, June 19-23.
Code, create, battle, and team up for STEM fun with robots and new friends! Discover all of the amazing applications performed with varied types of robots, learning from members of the award-winning R4Creating robotics team. Learn to problem solve and develop an understanding of robots both big and small during this interactive camp hosted by guest educators from Be Greater Than Average.

3. Calling All Pollinators: Grade PreK, June 26-30. (Held at the Agri-Nature Center).
Bees, butterflies, birds, moths, and bats all play a vital role in the viability of our available food sources and healthy ecosystem. What types of plants do different pollinators like? Come discover all this and more!

04/26/2023

Time to get your teen to X Studio!

Here's a sampling of what teens can do this April and May (and if they don't have a membership yet, they can still just show up!):

1. April 26 from 4:00-6:00pm: Bike Maintenance & Repair in the Makerspace--Albuquerque can be a rough place to be a bike! Get your bearings on brakes, brackets, boots and beads, in this intro to being responsible bike caregivers.
2. April 26 from 6:00-8:00pm: Hack-a-thon! in the Makerspace--Resurrect a dead piece of electronics, design a new piece of tech, or make friends while working on an ongoing group project. Hang, joke, hack!
3. April 27 from 4:00-8:00pm: Tutoring Thursday in the Tech Lab--Come get help with homework, study for a test, or connect with a mentor who can edit an essay or job application.
4. April 28 from 4:00-6:00pm: Crafternoon in the Makerspace--Chill out and connect with peers through crafting.

04/26/2023

Calling all Parents and Teachers! Please tell us your interest and experiences in virtual learning programs:

Explora has partnered with the Association of Children's Museums and museums across the country to learn about virtual programming possibilities for young children's learning advancement. We'd love your input: https://tinyurl.com/bdcu36mt

04/25/2023

On Wednesday, April 19, Explora joined PNM and KOB 4 in the Pay It 4ward campaign, live during the evening newscasts. Contributions made during the event support Explora's STEAM initiatives and early childhood programs. Thank you for tuning in and helping us raise over $2,300! If you’d still like to help Explora, you can make a one-time or recurring donation on Explora’s donation page: https://esccma.explora.us/Donation.aspx?CR=GNFND

04/25/2023

Native STEAM Day at Explora!

Have family in town for the Gathering of Nations? Explora's Native Staff Affinity Group invites you all to join us on Saturday, April 29 from 10:00-3:00 for Native STEAM Day. Join us for a day of educational family fun, and interact with Native STEAM professionals from around the state!

04/24/2023

We are grateful for our many partners throughout New Mexico, who help us bring essential programs to rural communities around the state. In one recent outing, Explora worked with teens at the Los Lunas Public Library, exploring science-art connections as they used pigments to make their own paints. These specific handmade paints were then used to create original works of art, just like Renaissance masters! In the words of library staff, “Explora’s family science...and workshop for teens has greatly helped our local families. For this, we are truly grateful.” Explora appreciates the support of Meta and the Los Lunas Data Center, which helped us bring hands-on, materials-rich STEAM content to Valencia County.

04/22/2023

Got Space? View a tapestry of stars with TAAS tomorrow night! ✨🌠

04/21/2023

Saturday April 29,2023 10am - 5pm. We welcome your family to Explora during Gathering of Nations weekend! Family friendly interactive exhibits with something for everyone. Over 250 interactive exhibits and activities in Science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Hosted by Exploras Native Affinity Association.

04/21/2023

April 30th: come enjoy these Mexican short film screenings!

04/21/2023

Time to get your teen to X Studio!

Is your teen looking for ways to stay busy with friends? Explora's X Studio connects youth with scientists, game designers, professional makers, and more! Sign your teen up for a no-cost membership to X Studio teen center: https://www.xstudionm.org/home_login.

Here's a sampling of what teens can do this April (and if they don't have a membership yet, they can still just show up!):

1. April 26 from 4:00-6:00 pm: Bike Maintenance & Repair in the Makerspace--Albuquerque can be a rough place to be a bike! Get your bearings on brakes, brackets, boots and beads, in this intro to being responsible bike caregivers.

2. May 3 from 4:00-6:00 pm: Airbrushing and Pinstriping--Dial in the CFM and get into a flow state while learning the ins and outs of prepping, masking, and laying down some flat, glossy detail, in this airbrushing and pinstriping basics class.

04/20/2023

Join us: May 4th, 2-4pm for Bubble, Bubble Workshop!

Explore the power of surface tension as you try out a variety of wands, build bubble sculptures, create bubble art, and observe colors in bubbles in this STEAM-rich workshop. FREE with registration: https://forms.gle/ieWom959utay6os48