2019 brought exciting changes at the Science Mill, including a new gallery, new exhibits, and new events. Our staff has grown and so has the scope of our programs, bringing hands-on science to communities throughout Texas. With our 5th birthday coming up in February, we’ve been thinking about how far the Science Mill has come (over 200,000 visitors welcomed!) and where we’re headed next.
Here's a look back at 2019, along with a few previews of what’s planned for 2020. Thank you for being part of this year of discovery!
January
Snow Day kicked off 2019 with snowball slingshots, a snowball-swatting robot and more than 1,600 visitors. Snow Day returns January 18, 2020 with even more snow (over 30 tons!), music, live ice sculpture carving, and more!
February
The 1,000 square-foot Aquaponics Greenhouse had its grand opening in February. In this unique experience, visitors get an up-close look at tilapia, prawns, and koi that provide the food to grow fruit, vegetables and tropical plants in vertical growing tubes, floating rafts and a giant living wall. Ours is one of a kind, but you can DIY an aquaponic garden at home. Funding generously provided by the Elizabeth & Floyd McGown Charitable Fund.
Spring
2019 brought new and not-to-be-missed events: releasing butterflies at Butterfly Bonanza; touching and even tasting bugs at Incredible Insects; mixing sci-fi and high-flying tech at Drones and Droids, and the return of SHARK WEEK! Stayed tuned for more exciting events to come in 2020!
Congrats to the first class of STEM Scholars, who graduated in May! STEM Scholars participated in nine months of Homeschool Days, exploring topics from augmented reality to Oobleck.
Summer
STEM Summer Camps grew in 2019, with 27 camps across central and south Texas. Campers used STEM skills in two action-packed camps to survive a post-apocalyptic world and tap into their inner secret agent to design and create techy gadget to complete a secret mission.
Happy birthday, African Spurred tortoise hatchings! We asked you to help name the new arrivals and, after a close vote, we’re delighted to introduce Tortellini, Shelldon and Yasil.
October
Science Outside capped its first year with a family workshop at Pedernales Falls State Park, connecting 4th-7th graders with tech tools to conduct experiments in nature. (Registration for 2020 coming soon!)
November
We hosted our biggest bash yet at the Night of 5s Benefit, celebrating the Mill’s first 5 years and our vision for the next 5 years including new exhibits, site development, and STEM summer camp expansion. All proceeds directly supported Science Mill programs.
December
Masters of Disguise opened in December, with live animals and digital games that highlight amazing adaptations used to blend in, stand out and hide in plain sight. Catch it for a limited time in 2020!
Cue the confetti cannons! On December 22, 2019 the Science Mill welcomed its 200,000th (and 200,001st) visitor!
And some bonus news we received at the close of 2019:
The Science Mill is newly accredited by TEA to provide Continuing Professional Education trainings. Workshops will equip educators to ignite students’ curiosity and aid their exploration of STEM careers.