Welcome to the Innovation Lab
At the Science Center of Iowa, curiosity is something we build with. Tucked inside the museum is one of our most dynamic spaces: the Innovation Lab. It’s where creativity meets technology and learners of all ages discover that they are capable of making remarkable things.
Whether you’re brand new to making or already designing your next big invention, the Innovation Lab is your invitation to try, tinker, and create.
What Is the Innovation Lab?
The Innovation Lab is SCI’s makerspace-style learning environment, a hands-on space designed to spark problem-solving, fuel creativity, and foster collaboration.
On any given day, you might find families coding a robot, designing a laser-cut puzzle, using a sewing machine, building a skyscraper out of plastic straws, experimenting with electronics, or exploring artificial intelligence tools in approachable, human-centered ways. The Lab intentionally blends high-tech and low-tech experiences because innovation isn’t about the fanciest tool — it’s about what you create with it.
Open Hours: Drop In and Try Something
During Innovation Lab Open Hours on Fridays and Saturdays, guests can drop in and explore hands-on activities that are included with museum admission. Themes change weekly, meaning no two visits are exactly the same. One week might focus on fiber arts and sewing, while another might feature robotics, microcontrollers, or LEGO engineering challenges.
The experience is designed to be welcoming and include something for every age group. You don’t need to know how something works before you begin, our facilitators will guide you through the process!
Arrive.
Explore a station.
Test an idea.
Improve it.
Share it.
That’s innovation in action!
Tools That Empower
The Innovation Lab offers access to an exciting range of tools and technologies, including:
- Code
- Microbit controllers, Root Robot, Sphero Indis, Cutebot Robots, Dot and Dash Robots, Cubelets
- Build
- Lego, Strawbees, Makedos, 3DUX, Power Tools
- Design
- TinkerCAD, 3D Pirnters, Glowforge Laser Cutters
- Make + Mend
- Sewing Machines, Knitting supplies, Crochet supplies, Loom weaving,
- Explore
- VR Headsets, AR Visualizers, Generative AI Technology
These tools are pathways, not endpoints. Visit the Science Center of Iowa’s Innovation Lab to discover these and so much more!
Beyond Drop-In: Workshops for Schools, Adults, and Teams
When the Lab isn’t hosting public Open Hours, it becomes a hub for deeper learning experiences.
School & Youth Workshops
Classes, clubs, and youth organizations can participate in private Innovation Lab workshops or invite SCI’s mobile Spark Lab to bring maker learning directly to their site. These sessions are customizable, hands-on, and built to align with learning goals.
Adult Maker Workshops (18+)
Hosted monthly, adult workshops offer an opportunity to dive deeper into more complex projects — from laser-cut design to advanced fabrication. These sessions provide a supportive environment to build skills and confidence.
Team-Building Experiences
Innovation is collaborative. Our team-building workshops are customizable for corporate groups and organizations looking to spark creativity, communication, and hands-on problem-solving.
Special Workshops
During special events like the Girls in Science Festival or Des Moines Mini Maker Faire, the Innovation Lab hosts special workshops to teach maker skills like Soldering, Weaving, Machine Learning, Board Game Design, 3D Modeling, and more!
Your Invitation to Innovate
What could you build?
What problem could you solve?
What story could you tell through making?
Stop by during Open Hours or during a special event, sign up for a workshop, or reach out to explore a private experience. At the Science Center of Iowa, innovation isn’t reserved for experts — it’s for everyone.