STEM Courtyard Expansion Project

Wildfires are a serious threat every year to the families that live in the adjacent proximity to the Cube, which is why we plan to bring the Fire Ranger Watchtower to LA. In 2022, the L.A. Times covered a story that indicated wildfire risk will grow sixfold over the next 30 years due to climate change. Families and Communities need to think about their risks and what they can do to protect themselves. This exhibit will feature the science behind wildfires, the understanding of how the element of air is a factor, the land around us that fuel wildfires, the tools we use to fight fires, and the ways to prepare for & prevent wildfires. Additionally, the need for a diverse fire fighting workforce will be inspired.​

Dinosaur Trails is designed to create a sense of curiosity, thrill, and excitement to the Cube. Throughout the trails several dinosaurs are waiting to be discovered by our bold visitors. The main features to the exhibit will be 3 full sized articulated dinosaurs, an animatronic T-Rex, and a fossil dig pit. Additionally, a digital scavenger hunt educational game will create a layer of engagement and grade specific learning to the trails.

The L.A. River Water Table is envisioned to be a 45ft long water table model of the Los Angeles River. Here visitors will learn of the river that connects our city, the architectural landmarks along the river, the habitat it creates, and the path of our watershed to the ocean. As part of the exhibit children will use their creativity as they design rafts from Legos to float down the river. Protecting the watershed, water storage, and human impact on the ocean are all part of the inspiring lessons of the river.

The Cube’s carousel will feature a variety of animals from the local hills for children to get to know. Around the carousel and in the gardens will be information on the animals, their habitats, and what threatens them. The impact of global warming on our local wildlife will be a focus of the educational content along with ideas of how we can help our local animals thrive.

Meandering throughout the STEM Courtyard from the Wildlife Carousel to the iconic Entrance Cube will be the Butterfly Gardens. Over 200 different butterfly species travel through Los Angeles on their routes across California. The gardens will be filled with native plants to provide nourishment to free flying butterflies on their migration journey. Vignette alcoves in the gardens will educate our guests on local butterflies, their habitat, the impacts of development, and the effects of global warming.

The Outdoor Amphitheater is envisioned to serve multiple needs: to be the place for field trips to gather for live science demonstrations, to be the place for guest lecturers to share advances in science research, and to be the place for awards and presentations to the community.

STEM Courtyard Expansion Programming