Museum brings hands-on activities to rural students

2026-07-20 — A student from San Juan Elementary school dissects owl pellets as part of the anatomy and physiology unit.

In June, the Bradbury Science Museum’s education team hit the road as part of the annual Summer Science on Wheels program, bringing fun, hands-on science experiences directly to elementary students in Northern New Mexico.

Museum educators visited elementary schools throughout the region to lead interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities designed to spark curiosity and excitement by introducing students to core scientific concepts using everyday materials and real-world applications.

Educator Chelsea Redman, organizer of Summer Science on Wheels, has been involved in this program for several years.

“My favorite part is sharing my passion for science with the youth in our community,” she said. “The privilege of seeing the twinkle of curiosity and fascination in their eyes is the most rewarding part.”

Activities this summer included lessons on biology and human body systems, paper circuits and solar bugs, and straw rocketry. Redman and her colleagues, including Bradbury Science Museum Association educator Sarah Herman from Barranca Mesa Elementary and Karen Chavez of the Laboratory’s Math and Science Academy, designed each lesson and interactive activity to align with New Mexico curriculum standards. The education team impacted nearly 500 students and 130 adults with their learning activities.

Summer Science on Wheels is part of the Bradbury Science Museum’s broader effort to support STEM education across Northern New Mexico, particularly in rural areas. The program reflects the Laboratory’s commitment to community outreach and education, helping to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

“Curiosity is where every scientific journey begins,” said Patrick Moore, director of the Bradbury Science Museum. “Through Summer Science on Wheels, we're giving students the chance to explore, ask questions and imagine themselves as the innovators and discoverers of tomorrow,”

The Bradbury Science Museum is located at 1450 Central Ave. in downtown Los Alamos. Operated by Los Alamos National Laboratory, it is free and open to the public year-round with interactive exhibits on the history of Los Alamos National Laboratory, national security and cutting-edge science.