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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

10 Makerspaces in Iowa

Makerspaces: Where Ideas Take Shape in Iowa

Makerspaces across Iowa offer access to tools, technology, and creative communities. Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or entrepreneur, there’s a space near you where you can build, learn, and collaborate.

Iowa Makerspaces Directory

1. Area515 (Des Moines)

A community-driven workshop space in Des Moines offering a wide range of fabrication tools (woodworking, metalworking, CNC, 3D printing, laser cutting). Ideal for hobbyists, makers, and small entrepreneurs.

2. Tech Central – Des Moines Public Library (Des Moines)

Located at the Central Library, this makerspace/lab provides public access to laser cutters, heat presses, 3D printers, media conversion stations, embroidery machines and more.

3. Oak Studio Teen Tech Center (Des Moines)

Located at 1915 Grand Ave in Des Moines, this free makerspace is aimed at teens (ages 13-21) and operated by Oakridge Neighborhood Services. It offers access to advanced technology (3D printing, robotics, digital media, music production) and mentorship in a barrier-free environment.

4. Innovation Lab – Science Center of Iowa (Des Moines)

At the Science Center of Iowa, this educational makerspace supports one-off, hands-on experiences in engineering, robotics, AI, and emerging technologies. All ages are welcome to visit weekly themed open hours or register for specialized workshops to learn how to use cutting edge tools.

5. CRPL Maker Spaces – Cedar Rapids Public Library (Cedar Rapids)

The downtown library offers two dedicated maker rooms with equipment like 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and a certification process for independent use.

6. Iowa City Fab Lab (Iowa City)

A nonprofit makerspace offering access to tools like 3D printing, sewing, laser cutting, pottery in eastern Iowa. With flexible membership options, makers are encouraged to participate in classes, workshops, and even a monthly open woodshop time.

7. Creation Studio – Bettendorf Public Library (Bettendorf)

Located in the Bettendorf Public Library, this makerspace supports STEAM activities, open work hours, and community workshops, with tools for 3D printing, laser engraving, textiles and more.

8. Makerspace – Ankeny Public Library (Ankeny)

A library-based makerspace with equipment such as Cricut machines, sublimation printers, video/audio conversion and more. Get free training from their knowledgeable staff, then bring your own materials to use the maker tools independently.

9. Student Innovation Center Makerspaces – Iowa State University (Ames)

At Iowa State University, this set of makerspaces spans metal & wood shop, textiles & 3D printing, digital media, AI innovation studio and more — for students and interdisciplinary use.

10. Educational Makerspace – University of Iowa College of Education (Coralville/Iowa City area)

Located at the University of Iowa Kirkwood Regional Center, this makerspace supports future educators to learn 21st century skills with tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers and robotics for STEAM education.

Visit the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire on April 11th, 2026!

Ready to see some of Iowa’s coolest creatives? Join us at the Science Center of Iowa on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 for the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire to see some of the coolest maker tools on display!

Applications to be an exhibitor are open now through March 11th.

Don’t see your favorite Iowa Makerspace on this list? Let us know which ones we missed at makerfaire@sciowa.org!