October STEM programs at the Museum of Nature and Science

The Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science, 411 N. Main St., will offer free Science, Technology, Education and Math programs for children and families this October. Admission to the museum and programs are free.

“Nature & Science Discovery Pre-K”
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursdays
Nurture your little one’s love of science! Explore insects with hands-on explorations, stories, and crafts Thursdays in October. Recommended for ages 2 to 5 with an adult caregiver.

“Saturday Family Science – Tracking Wildlife”
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Learn about local biodiversity and how to find and identify the tracks of local animals. No registration required. Recommended for ages 6 and older, adult caregiver participation is required.

NEW! “Teen Takeover: LEGO™ Challenge”
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12
The museum hits different when it is only open to teens. Play with the exhibits, make, and experiment with S.T.E.A.M. activities, eat snacks, and play games during these extended hours just for teens. No registration required. This program is for teens ages 12 to 17, enforced.

“STEAMpunk – Robert Goddard, engineer”
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
Discover the stories behind science heroes who break barriers and explore the application of their research through hands-on experiments and activities. Robert Goddard is credited with developing the first liquid-fueled rocket. Test fizzy rockets and learn about chemical reactions that create energy. No registration required. Recommended for ages 6 and older.

“Live Animal Feedings”
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, and Oct. 15
It’s brunch time! Watch and learn how different species of animals eat, and what they eat. Animal feedings take place in the gallery at the Museum of Nature & Science. No registration required, all ages.

“Animal Encounters”
11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 22
Get up close and personal with the reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates of the Nature Center. Learn about the desert’s biodiversity and take a closer look at the museums’ residents. No registration required, all ages.

Registration open for November “Conservation Pre-K” 
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 and Nov. 30
Learn about endangered and threated animals, how they live, and what we can do to protect them. Through open discussion, hands-on activities, and stories your little one will get to know a new animal each time. Please register in advance, in-person at the Museum of Nature & Science by Oct. 29. Recommended for ages 2 to 5 with an adult caregiver.

The Museum of Nature & Science is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1, Stop 1. Visit the Museum System website at: https://www.las-cruces.org/museums or follow the Las Cruces Museums on Facebook and Instagram @LCMuseums.

For information, contact Stephanie Hawkins, Education Curator, at 575/532-3372 or by email at shawkins@las-cruces.org.