Charlotte, NC on-location photography of Discovery Place, Charlotte's hands-on science museum located in downtown Charlotte NC. In this image, children explore and play in the "Explore More Life" lab, where visitors can engage in real-world science, design and conduct experiments and experience aquatic life.

Labs

Innovate. Invent. Inquire.
Perform your own experiments and create your own inventions! Labs at Discovery Place Science are one-of-a-kind environments where you can investigate real-world issues facilitated by Discovery Place Science educators. 

Enjoy a month of lab workshops included in Museum Admission! 

March:

Daily Labs

  • Science Stories | Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.
    Shop Science Classroom on Level 1
    Join us for an interactive storytime featuring both new and classic children’s books that illuminate scientific phenomena.
  • Tiny Tinkering | Daily from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    KidScience on Level 1
    Our youngest guests are invited to tinker, make, and play with loose parts, tools, and unexpected materials.
  • Growing Up Green | Daily February 1 – April 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    KidScience on Level 1
    Learn about how we depend on our environment and how the smallest of actions can help our shared home.
  • Wild Innovations | Daily February 1 – April 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Thinker Space on Level 3
    We’re getting Wildly Innovative in Thinker Space! Engineer a structure to help humans coexist with wildlife, develop a creative Call to Action for a cause you are passionate about, or get LOUD and design a musical instrument to mimic the sounds of the rainforest.
  • Spotlight Challenge: Tree of Life |Daily February 1 – April 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Think It Up on Level 3
    Jane Goodall once said, “the difference between humans and animals is not one of kind, it’s one of degree, and we are more like them than we are different.” What are some similarities you share with your favorite animal? Showcase those similarities creatively using recycled materials.

Weekday Labs (Monday–Friday)

  • Doctor for a Day | Weekdays in March from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    Explore More Me on Level 2
    Our classic experience with a Jane-themed spin! If you were at a remote research camp, could you handle all the medical emergencies that might arise when you are hundreds of miles from the nearest hospital? Come practice your first aid skills!
  • From Molecules to Medicines | Weekdays in March from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
    Explore More Me on Level 2
    Explore the world of biomedical science from the microscopic to macroscopic level.
  • Engaging with the Environment | Weekdays in March from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Explore More Me on Level 2
    Explore the human connection to the environment by learning about the science of sunshine, analyzing the amazing animals who help us survive, and conducting some green chemistry.

Weekend Labs (Saturday & Sunday)

  • Just Like Jane | Weekends in March from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    Explore More Me on Level 2
    Just like Jane Goodall’s research challenged commonly accepted beliefs of the time, this lab experience highlights how far we’ve come with our scientific knowledge of the human body and encourages guests to imagine how far we can go!
  • Franklin’s DNA Extraction | Weekends in March from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Explore More Me on Level 2
    Extract real DNA from a strawberry while learning about one of the groundbreaking scientists who assisted in capturing the first images of DNA, Rosalind Franklin.
  • Bits and Bots | Weekends in March from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    KidScience on Level 1
    Discover the parts and purposes of computing devices and try your hand at coding simple sequences.
  • Future Engineers | Weekends February 1 – March 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    KidScience on Level 1
    Complete challenges inspired by different types of engineering and explore what type of engineer you might like to be!

Drop-In Mini Sessions

  • Fact or Fiction: HIV
    Explore More Me on Level 2
    Separate fact from fiction to add some clarity to this commonly misunderstood infection.
  • Science Over Pseudo (Debunking Phrenology)
    Explore More Me on Level 2
    Learn about how phrenology became a widely accepted pseudoscience and the heroes who used real science to fight against systemic medical racism.

Special Features

  • LEGO Letterpress | March 1-2 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    Sun Terrace (indoors) on Level 3
    Ever tried printing with LEGO®? In this workshop, you’ll get to experiment with a new-school approach to letterpress printmaking using LEGO tiles! Guests ages 5 and up will learn step-by-step how to design, ink, and pull their own print and will get to bring their masterpiece home. Our youngest guests are welcome too! Children ages 4 and under are invited to explore STEM challenges that use the classic brick in unexpected ways.
  • Member Storytime: The Lion Queen | March 8 at 10:00 a.m.
    Location to be determined
    Join us for an interactive storytime all about Rasila Vadher, the first woman guardian of Asiatic lions.
  • Inspired Plastics with Hadia Ghandour | March 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Thinker Space on Level 3
    Discuss sustainability and conservation topics while creating art from recycled plastics with guest expert and TEDx Speaker Hadia Ghandour.
  • From the Field: Brain Injury Experts | March 29 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Explore More Me on Level 2
    March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, so come learn about the impact of and recovery from brain injuries with the professionals from Carolinas Rehabilitation.
  • Our Future Waterways: River Restoration with Catawba Riverkeeper | March 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Living Planet Lab on Level 1
    Join the team from Catawba Riverkeeper to learn about native plant restoration in our community.