Calling all future zoologists and explorers! Join us for the grand opening of our newest exhibit, STEM in the Wild. Explore a wild and wonderful world of zoology and biomimicry at the Science Mill in Johnson City.
Lions, tigers, and STEM, oh my! Get ready to head off the beaten path with STEM in the Wild, our newest exhibit where science meets the wild. This isn’t your average trip to the zoo, and you won’t want to miss this limited time experience. You’ll explore the world of biomimicry, where nature’s unique adaptations inspire real world solutions to human challenges. We’re highlighting some of the most interesting animal features, like the horn of a kudu and the shape of a toucan’s beak with its temperature regulating abilities. This exhibit shows how engineers have used those ideas to create new technology that solves everyday problems. Come and observe how some of the smartest problem solvers on Earth are covered in fur, feathers, or scales!
ACTIVITIES
Camo Chameleon - Test your eyes against one of nature’s best hiders! Chameleons have a secret superpower: they can disappear into their surroundings. You’ll design and color your own camouflaged chameleon, choose the perfect spot to hide it in its “habitat,” and then see if you can find the others. Will you be able to spot them all, or will some stay hidden in plain sight?
Off the Food Chain - From sharp teeth to lightning speed, animals have adaptations that help them snag a meal or avoid becoming one. At Homeschool Day: Wild Wonders and Saturday at the Safari, students will uncover how energy from the sun powers the entire food chain, from plants to top predators. They’ll compare herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, design animals to fit within a food chain, and discover how humans can change the balance of nature. It’s a wild lesson in survival strategies!
Fur Real: Animal ID - Step into the role of a wildlife detective! Become a Wildlife Forensic Specialist and examine real fur samples under the microscope to uncover clues about which animal each sample came from. Observe the structure, thickness, coloration, and texture of each hair. Can you match the fur to the right animal?
HANDS-ON WORKSHOP
Take your learning further with a fun, hands-on casting workshop! Workshop is $20 per person and includes the lesson and all workshop materials. Spots are limited.
Schedule: 11am-12pm, 1pm-2pm, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Wild Impressions - Learn about the physical and chemical changes that occur when making a cast, including how materials change state, harden, and set. Using painting techniques, students will develop artistic skills, including mixing colors, applying layers, and adding detail to their pre-made cast to create a finished piece that reflects both scientific understanding and personal expression.