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Spark!Lab

Reinventing the Shopping Cart

The first shopping cart was patented in 1940 and was reinvented in 1946. We are challenging our young inventors in Spark!Lab to update it for the 21st century.

Spark!Lab

National Week of Making in Draper Spark!Lab

As part of the National Week of Making, we gave a few visitors a sneak peek of Spark!Lab.

Spark!Lab

Has 3D Printing Become a Crutch?

My go-to tool in designing and maintaining activities for Spark!Lab is a 3D printer. I've designed and printed over 100 different parts. Is 3D printing a crutch?

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab, Looking Back and Moving Forward

2014 was a giant year for Spark!Lab that saw our staff spread our message across the United States and around the world. This year should be equally—if not more!—exciting.

Spark!Lab

Let’s Think Like Inventors

As we prepare to open the latest Spark!Lab National Network site, our new partners share their thoughts on adopting the Spark!Lab spirit.

Spark!Lab

Inventing to Fuel the Inventive Thinking of Spark!Lab Visitors

Follow along as our new Interpretive Exhibit Coordinator goes through the invention process to solve a problem in Spark!Lab.

Spark!Lab

An International Spark!Lab Workshop

Recent visiting colleagues toured hands-on spaces at the Smithsonian and learned the process of developing activities.

Spark!Lab

To get inspiration for themes and activities as we develop the new Spark!Lab, the team has been taking "field trips" to different collections areas in the Museum. Here are some highlights from our visits to the Physical Sciences and Medical collections.

Spark!Lab