For decades, Discovery Place has been sharing the “magic” of science from the western Piedmont with all ages of knowledge-seekers. How lucky are we in North Carolina that we have such an amazing set of resources to indulge our curiosities of the world around us? If you aren’t familiar with the Discovery Place Labs, this is your lucky day. And you don’t have to be a kid to come in and explore. I highly recommend checking out our NC Science Trail calendar for the latest DP Labs events coming your way.
Discovery Place Science is home to five state-of-the-art science labs that inform, challenge and engage people of all ages across diverse scientific fields including anatomy, botany, computer science and engineering.
The science labs build upon problem solving, collaboration, research, communication and creativity—skills that we all need to be successful in the modern world. Step inside the labs for daily hands-on workshops that nurture curiosity, encourage questions and inspire observation of the world around us!
Explore More Me Lab
From fingerprints to DNA, discover the fundamentals of human health and anatomy in the Explore More Me Lab. Examine the unique characteristics of human beings and gain a better understanding of how we think and behave, what goes on inside of our bodies and how we’re all connected as humans.
Plus, use hands-on technology, research and training to answer some of life’s big questions about physiology, nutrition and biomedical sciences—from how to keep your body healthy to what it means to be human.
Explore More Life Lab
Get closer to the natural world and observe the relationship between organisms and their environment in the aquarium-terrarium system in the Explore More Life Lab. Participate in a dissection or conduct your own experiment!
Dive into biodiversity, ecosystems and come face-to-face with living animals like cockroaches and turtles. Explore underwater life at the hands-on touch tank with aquatic species including sea cucumbers and sea stars.
Explore More Future Lab
Enter the world of physical sciences in the Explore More Future Lab and prepare to think critically and explore unconventional ways to solve real-world challenges.
Discover the intersection of science and technology and experiment with forces that are controlled only by the laws of physics and chemistry. Program robots, develop coding and test artificial intelligence to learn how science can transform the future.
Explore More Collections Lab
There are about 70,000 items in Discovery Place’s permanent collections. From paleontology artifacts to biological specimens to historic technologies, these collections document and preserve the natural world and human cultural history while encouraging responsible stewardship of our communities.
Pull up a lab stool and peer into a microscope to take a closer look at hundreds of unique artifacts on display in the Explore More Collections Lab. Identify and connect objects with the natural world in rotating featured collections, from shells to spiders to scientific instruments.
Thinker Space Lab
Looking for a creative activity? Tinker, innovate and test in the Thinker Space Lab with hands-on programs, science experiments and design challenges led by experienced specialists.
Learn new skills like basic woodworking, sewing and soldering; try innovative technology like laser cutting and 3D printing; and collaborate with guest artists, engineers and tech enthusiasts. Share ideas, design, test and show off new creations!
With state-of-the-art science labs, extraordinary exhibits and world-class educational experiences, Discovery Place Science inspires all ages to build a lifelong love of learning.
Come science with us!