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Spark!Lab Network

The Spark!Lab National Network takes hands-on invention learning beyond the Smithsonian and into educational and cultural organizations around the US and abroad.

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A facilitator works with a young girl on a Spark!Lab invention activity (Michigan Science Center)
Spark!Lab Network

About the Spark!Lab Network

The Spark!Lab Network brings hands-on invention learning to the nation—and beyond.

SparkLab and Smithsonian logos on the window looking into the Holland Museum SparkLab space. Five children and one adult woman can be seen through the window, working at tables, but the people are out of focus.
Spark!Lab Network

Holland Museum Joins Spark!Lab National Network

Spark!Lab opens in a Michigan town with a rich history of invention.

One woman works on an activity as 3 others look on. A sign on the vertical board in front of her reads Try It!
Spark!Lab Network

The Spark!Lab National Network Comes to Washington

Network members discussed challenges, brainstormed new ideas, and, of course, networked!

A young boy experiments with the wind tunnel at Spark!Lab in Detroit
Spark!Lab Network

Spark!Lab + Detroit = Innovation

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

A group of children participate in a Spark!Lab activity on opening day
Spark!Lab Network

Lemelson Center Joins the Spark!Lab National Network

Draper Spark!Lab is now open for business at the National Museum of American History!

U-Sketch pick your color green orange blue lavender purple black

Story Tags

  • Art (Relevance: 6.25%)
  • Asian Pacific American inventors (Relevance: 6.25%)
  • Kid inventors (Relevance: 6.25%)
  • Spark!Lab (Relevance: 31.25%)
  • Spark!Lab Network (Relevance: 100%)
Spark!Lab Network

The Growing Spark!Lab National Network

As we expand the Spark!Lab National Network to Alaska, artist Sara Tabbert provides some perspective on creativity in the state.

Sparky logo
Spark!Lab Network

Invention in Alaska

Our next Spark!Lab partner is shedding light on invention in Alaska—even though they only get a few hours of daylight in the winter.

School children make musical instruments out of craft supplies at Spark!Lab in Ukraine.
Spark!Lab Network

Spark!Lab National Network Established

The success of Spark!Lab led the Lemelson Center to establish the Spark!Lab National Network, an active community of museum professionals who foster inventive creativity in families in their own neighborhoods.

Spark!Lab Network

An Arsenal of Ideas

I made my first trip to Ukraine in October 2011. Three years later, I am marveling at the transformation of Art Arsenal.

Spark!Lab Network

Grand Opening: Spark!Lab at Science City

On August 5th, we celebrated the grand opening of another Spark!Lab National Network site.

Spark!Lab India staff fold paper to make traditional kites.
Spark!Lab Network

Setting Up Spark!Lab India

For the past year, the Lemelson Center has been working with partners in India to establish a Spark!Lab in Gurgaon, a city about 30 minutes from Delhi.

Spark!Lab Network

Visiting Spark!Lab in Reno

The Spark!Lab team recently traveled to Reno to visit our National Network partners at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum. Here’s a little bit more about our adventure!

Spark!Lab Network

Creating the Spark!Lab National Network

Shortly after the Lemelson Center opened Spark!Lab at the National Museum of American History in November 2008, we started receiving inquiries from museums, libraries, community centers, and individuals from across the country.

Sparky logo
Spark!Lab Network

Igniting a Spark in the High Desert of Nevada—Sounds Dangerous, Right?

Our Spark!Lab partners in Reno, NV, are sparking their community's interest in innovation and helping to change the cultural landscape in Northern Nevada.

Spark!Lab Network

Sourcing Materials in Kyiv

While in Ukraine setting up Spark!Lab, we went shopping for supplies and got to really explore Kyiv.

Spark!Lab Network

Dispatch from Kyiv

One of our favorite parts about working in Ukraine has been the enthusiasm of our volunteers.

VIEW 2728 Matching Results

Found 2728 Stories

  • Agriculture and horticulture (Relevance: 5.2052785923754%)
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  • Photography, film, television, and video (Relevance: 3.8856304985337%)
  • Power generation, motors, and engines (Relevance: 3.4457478005865%)
  • Spark!Lab (Relevance: 3.5190615835777%)
  • Textiles and clothing (Relevance: 3.3724340175953%)
  • Transportation (Relevance: 5.975073313783%)
  • Women inventors (Relevance: 3.3357771260997%)
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