Free admission to OK Science Museum during 2018 Tinkerfest

“Have you ever repaired something that was broken? Toyed with a recipe? Taken something apart just to see what was inside? That’s tinkering.”

Oklahoma Christian University students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to take apart cars, launch rockets, learn about 3D printing and try their hand at carpentry during the Science Museum of Oklahoma’s 2018 Tinkerfest program on Saturday.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission to the museum and all Tinkerfest activities will be free thanks to the event’s presenting sponsor, the National Science Foundation Oklahoma Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.

According to the museum’s website, the “celebration of curiosity and creativity” will encompass the entire museum and grounds, with more than 65 activities by 40 guest tinkerers, including the Bella Foundation SPCA, City of Edmond Parks and Recreation, FIRST LEGO League, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, Okie Comics, the Oklahoma City Orchestra League and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.

The activities, which include book binding, candle making, DJ/turntablist, dog house construction, pumpkin carving, driving robots, creating edible slime and more, are part of the museum’s initiative to put tinkering back at the core of learning.

“It gives us the chance to turn an idea into reality,” Science Museum of Oklahoma President and CEO Sherry Marshall said. “When we tinker, we discover how to act on ideas, we craft our thoughts into actions, we collaborate and we let our imaginations run wild.”

All the museum’s permanent exhibits, including Science Live and the newly upgraded Kirkpatrick Planetarium, will be available during Tinkerfest. While advanced registration is not required, guests interested in attending Tinkerfest must check in at the museum’s box office to receive a wristband granting access to the museum and all activities. Parking is free at the museum, with additional parking available at Remington Park. Free shuttles to and from Remington Park will be available from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

While volunteer signups have closed for 2018, the museum encourages any student who has a skill, project or trade they have always wanted to share during Tinkerfest 2019 to email them for more information. Oklahoma Christian campus clubs and organizations can also volunteer year-round by contacting the museum.

“Our inaugural Tinkerfest in 2017 set the bar high, and this year Tinkerfest is back with even more to explore,” Marshall said. “It is an experience like no other for our community.”

The information above comes from the Science Museum of Oklahoma press release.

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