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| Established | 2001 |
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| Location | Ashland, Oregon, United States |
| Type | private: science, industry |
| Visitors | 55,000 visitors per year |
| Director | Dr. Gabriela Chavarria |
| Website | |
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| | |
| Established | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Location | Ashland, Oregon, United States |
| Type | private: science, industry |
| Visitors | 55,000 visitors per year |
| Director | Dr. Gabriela Chavarria |
| Website | |
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum in Ashland, Oregon, is a science museum which serves as a hub of science and education in Southern Oregon. In 2001, through a cooperative arrangement with the Kirlin Charitable Foundation and Southern Oregon University, ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum began leasing the 26,000-square-foot building previously occupied by the Pacific Northwest Museum of Natural History. Hundreds of volunteers retrofitted the building, built exhibits, and began implementing the strategic plan to bring hands-on science learning to the region. Though the museum became a 501c3 nonprofit organization in 2001, it did not open its doors to the public until 2002.
The museum offers a variety of programs, including field trips for school children, summer camps, live science demonstrations, birthday parties and event rentals, weekend themed programming, and monthly community STEAM Socials. [1] [2] Field Trips are offered Wednesday through Friday, with two available time slots.
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum currently offers a wide range of educational experiences designed to deepen an understanding of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in a fun, interactive environment. From hands-on workshops and camps to after-school programs and field trips, their programs provide opportunities for learners of all ages to explore, experiment, and discover. The dedicated educators tailor each experience to meet the diverse needs of the museum guests, ensuring that every participant is engaged. ScienceWorks also offers a summer Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program, giving teens ages 13 - 15 the chance to build leadership experience while assisting with camps for younger children.
ScienceWorks offers an after-school program in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley for students in middle school. Designed to inspire creativity and inclusivity, this program provides activities in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
In 2023, ScienceWorks changed from a STEM-based museum to a STE(A)M-based museum, incorporating the arts into their programs and exhibits. This included the creation of a permanent rotating gallery space which showcases local artists and their work as an educational tool. In 2024, ScienceWorks partnered with the community organization MuralFest to host public art displays and live mural-making over a two-day event. In 2025, ScienceWorks again hosted MuralFest, and expanded their support to host murals both inside the museum's gallery space and in their plaza.
