Aquaponics Greenhouse Grand Opening: Where Technology Meets Biology!
Saturday, February 16
February is a big month for the Mill! We are celebrating our 4th birthday and the grand opening of an exciting addition: our 1,000-square-foot Aquaponics Greenhouse.
In this new experience, found only at the Science Mill, visitors will walk into a working aquaponics system where they can see how fish, plants and microbes work together to create healthy food. They will see how tilapia, prawns, koi and snapping turtles provide the food to grow fruit, vegetables and tropical plants in vertical growing tubes, floating rafts and in a giant living wall.
This unique ecosystem represents the technology, beauty, practicality and science for sustainable agriculture and healthy eating.
We are marking this momentous occasion with presentations, activities and games that highlight the intersection of technology and biology.
Activities run from 11:30am-2:30pm:
Science Mill biologists will be available all day to share fun facts and info about the Aquaponics Greenhouse as well as other exhibits demonstrating the importance of technology in biologic research.
Herpetologist Ryan Collister from the Austin Nature and Science Center will bring a variety of snakes for kids to touch and hold while they learn about the amazing lives of these reptiles.
The Science Mill’s new hands-on Doing Science-Outside! activities will let the whole family use current scientific technology for monitoring and measuring the health of ecosystems.
A live demo will show visitors how to build their own DIY aquaponics kit with easy-to-find materials from local stores.
Guest speaker Sarah Baker will share how her degree in Marine Science led to her current position in the seafood industry, and discuss her passion to help provide healthy and sustainable agriculture to the world.
Visitors will be entered in a raffle to win one of three DIY aquaponics kits. Drawing will be held at 2:30pm and you do not need to be present to win.
Visitors can take on our BioTech Quest! Get a special challenge sheet, and visit some of the other Science Mill exhibits that highlight biology and technology! Can you find them all? Turn in your completed challenge sheet at the front desk for a chance to win one of three fabulous prizes! BioTech Quest will run all day long, 10am-4pm. Winners will be notified by email.
All grand opening activities, demos, speakers and games are included with Science Mill admission. We are open 10am-4pm on Saturday, February 16.
Tickets for this event will be available at the door.
Support for educational programming generously provided by HEB Tournament of Champions
