The second annual Tinkerfest is coming to the Museum of Discovery from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 15, offering the public a chance to build and create without limits. The event is put on by the Arkansas Discovery Network, a six-museum partnership in the state for which the Museum of Discovery serves as the hub.
More than 40 tinkering stations will be set up both inside and outside of the museum. Visitors will have the opportunity to create with 3D printers, disassemble a vehicle, meet robot makers, participate in water balloon catapulting duels, build and launch rockets, learn to crochet, create a cardboard city and much more.
According to Joel Gordon, the museum’s Visitor Experience Director, Tinkerfest grew out of the Maker Movement, which has recently soared in popularity globally.
“In Arkansas, we are ahead of the trend when it comes to the movement,” Gordon says. “. We have always been makers because we rely on self-reliance.” Gordon says Tinkerfest is one of a handful of maker faires in the nation.
The event will promote the museum’s STEAM initiative mission (science, technology, engineering, art and math.) Gordon says it also will teach people the importance of creating through trial and error.
“Tinkering teaches us that it is OK to fail because when you do fail, you learn why and then work that much harder to succeed.”
Tinkerfest is sponsored by the Argenta Arts Foundation, Regional Recycling and Waste District, Arkansas School for Math, Sciences and the Arts, and Custom XM.
There is no extra cost to attend Tinkerfest. Regular museum admission will apply: $10 for adults, $8 for children, free for members. To view the full list of activities or to learn more about Tinkerfest, visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.
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