Young campers from the Lincoln Children’s Museum will get a hands-on look at science and construction in action this week. As part of the museum’s STEM-focused summer camps, children entering first through third grade will visit the Project O Street construction site at 14th and P Streets on Wednesday.
Campers will learn how concrete is mixed, explore construction equipment, and see how science, engineering, and problem-solving are used on a major infrastructure project. Museum CEO Tara Knuth says the experience helps children connect classroom concepts to the world around them and shows that STEM careers, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, are part of everyday life in their own community.
Throughout the week, campers have been conducting messy science experiments, including making slime and salt dough. The construction site visit will give them a chance to see similar scientific principles applied on a much larger scale. Project O Street is a major downtown redevelopment effort aimed at replacing aging infrastructure, improving public spaces, and enhancing the experience for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird says the project is a once-in-a-generation investment and that partnering with the Lincoln Children’s Museum helps turn the construction site into a classroom where STEM concepts come to life. She will join the young campers at the construction site.