One thing that’s always been important to me with my girls is never forcing my own limiting beliefs on them. For example, I’ve always been hung up on the idea that I’m not good at math, and I don’t love science. I made it through school, obviously, but my true loves were writing and language. Never Biology or Algebra. But I don’t ever want to even hint at the idea that I don’t like a certain school subject, for fear of passing on my same insecurities to the girls. If they want to study biochemistry, so be it. If they need me to help with their AP Calculus someday, I will grin and bear it because I never want them to think they are less than capable.
So when the Science Mill in Johnson City, TX (just about an hour outside of San Antonio) invited us to tour their new Aquaponics Greenhouse, along with the rest of the museum, I was in! While trigonometry may not be my thing, I was genuinely curious about the concept of Aquaponics, and a Sunday road trip with the girls sounded like just about the best day ever. Johnson City is probably most famous for their holidays lights display every Christmas, but this was actually our first visit. The museum is nestled amongst cute antique shops and quaint bakeries, all just waiting to be explored.
The first thing you’ll notice about the museum is interactivity is built in right from the start. Cora made a virtual robot for her personalized QR code, which she could then scan into each exhibit and complete tasks throughout the facility. We experienced a real-time topography map made of sand, and this light sculpture is a replica of a Romanesco Broccoli that is a natural example of a Fibonacci fractal? So cool!
On to the Aquaponics greenhouse! In very simple terms, in this new experience, found only at the Science Mill, visitors walk into a working aquaponics system where they can see how fish, plants and microbes work together to create healthy food. The girls and I were able to 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. Amazing, right?
Beyond just the new Aquaponics Greenhouse, the Science Mill also offers:
The Bio Lab, where visitors can:
- explore microscopic life in samples found from local Town Creek and other locations
- learn how zebra fish help scientists conduct biomedical research to understand genetics and human health
- learn about the different gases that are necessary for survival, by watching plants exhale oxygen, pumping air into a pig’s lung, measuring the level of carbon dioxide in the air and in your breath before and after exercising
- see endangered axolotls and learn how their DNA helps scientists better understand the human genome
The Virtual Body Table, a unique touchscreen display tool that allows people to explore different structures of the human body, as well as a lion, moose, grey seal, golden eagle and chimpanzee to gain a deeper understanding of the functions and processes inside the body.
The Molecular Detective Exhibit, designed to show how scientists use super-fast computers to unlock the genetic code of living organisms.
The Paludarium, a living ecosystem where all of the living elements (mosses, plants, crabs, and fish) and non-living elements (the water, air, and rocks) interact with one another and are linked through nutrient cycles and energy flows.
The Colossal Robotic Hand, a 26-foot-tall, stainless steel robotic hand constructed from more than 450 individual, custom designed, stainless steel triangles. It is impressive in a stationary position, but with a remote joystick mimicking the robot hand, visitors can easily operate the Hand, making each of its giant fingers move, much like their own.
These experiences are just a few examples of the 50+ high-tech, high-touch exhibits offered at the Science Mill, a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for visitors of all ages. By igniting visitors’ curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on a path to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The Science Mill is located at 101 S. Lady Bird Lane in Johnson City, TX. More information can be found at www.sciencemill.org. Go check it out, and let me know what you think!
XO,
A
P.S. We received complimentary admission to the Science Mill, but all opinions are my own!
