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Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab Staff Spotlight: Mary Kate Robbett

The most recent addition to the Spark!Lab crew, this former NMAH ambassador has already brought her enthusiasm and museum experience to thousands of young visitors.

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab Staff Spotlight: Nyssa Buning

Having been involved with Spark!Lab in several capacities, this Lead Facilitator continually strives to enhance the visitor experience.

Encouraging Innovative Thinking

Because Everyone Is Inventive

The Spark!Lab team makes a commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab Staff Spotlight: Antanesha Mayfield

This Spark!Lab veteran loves hearing about kids’ inventions almost as much as she loves her new baby girl.

Encouraging Innovative Thinking

A Toolkit for Developing Innovators

Tricia Edwards shares practical tips for creating innovative learning environments

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab Staff Spotlight: Natalia Febo

Even in her time away from the Smithsonian, this Lead Facilitator is a master maker.

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab Staff Spotlight: Jocelyn Knauf

Although she doesn’t describe herself as ‘an inventor,’ Spark!Lab’s Floor Manager espouses the exhibit’s innovative spirit — in visitors’ lives and her own.

Spark!Lab

A Spark!Lab for Grownups

Recently, I got to visit TechShop in nearby Arlington, VA. What I realized following our visit is that TechShop is basically the grownup version of Spark!Lab.

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab Staff Spotlight: Tim Pula

Infusing his projects with a passion for the invention process, Spark!Lab’s Interpretive Exhibit Coordinator develops clever and practical solutions.

Spark!Lab Network

Spark!Lab + Detroit = Innovation

We opened our fifth Spark!Lab National Network location at the Michigan Science Center

Spark!Lab

The Great Connector Quest

With its high-volume visitation, Spark!Lab is always on the lookout for durable materials that complete our activities. Sometimes though, we have to invent them ourselves.

Spark!Lab

Spark!Lab Staff Spotlight: Laurel Miller

Spark!Lab’s Interpretive Exhibits Manager is all about cultivating innovation and creativity.

Spark!Lab

As 2015 draws to a close, year-in-review lists flood the news. We read about the year’s most notable people, best books, biggest stories (and scandals), and even the coolest inventions. As I do my own reflecting on the year that’s passed, Spark!Lab features prominently.

Encouraging Innovative Thinking