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The Science Zone Opens Two National Traveling Exhibits: How People Make Things and Ocean Bound

Casper, WY – September 27, 2025 – For the first time ever, The Science Zone is hosting two major traveling exhibits simultaneously. Beginning Saturday, September 27th, visitors can experience How People Make Things, from the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and Ocean Bound, from The Sciencenter in Ithaca, New York. Both exhibits will be on display at The Science Zone through January 4, 2026.

To celebrate the arrival of these exhibits, The Science Zone will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Casper Chamber of Commerce on Friday, September 26th at 11:00 a.m. The public is invited to attend.

The Science Zone will then officially open the exhibits on Saturday, September 27th, with extended activities. The museum will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. local industry partners will host interactive demonstrations highlighting the connections between science, technology, and Wyoming businesses.

About How People Make Things

Inspired by the factory tour segments from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, this exhibit brings manufacturing to life. Visitors can explore four key processes—molding, cutting, deforming, and assembly—through real factory tools and hands-on experiences.

Guests can mold spoons from wax, use die cutters to create objects, shape wire into springs, and assemble toy trolleys, all while learning how raw materials are transformed into the everyday items we depend on.“

This exhibit brings children close to the real stuff—the nuts and bolts of how products are manufactured, which is very easy to feel removed from these days,” says Jane Werner, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

How People Make Things was created by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in collaboration with Family Communications, Inc., the producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and the University of Pittsburgh Center for Learning in Out-of-School Environments, with support from the National Science Foundation and The Grable Foundation.

Deform press penny wire with kids
Storm Drains 2

About Ocean Bound

Take a deep dive into the science of watersheds and their connection to ocean health. Visitors will:

  • Make it rain in a giant 3-D watershed model.
  • Pilot a two-station “submersible” from mountain streams all the way to the ocean.
  • Spot aquatic species and ecosystems while learning how they are affected by human activity.
  • Play interactive games to stop pollutants, save water, and protect wildlife.

Ocean Bound empowers families to discover how everyday choices impact water systems and encourages them to become “Watershed Warriors” in their own communities.

A Day of Discovery for the Whole Family

“With these two exhibits, visitors can explore the science behind how the things we use are made, while also understanding how our everyday actions affect the natural world,” said Steven Schnell, Executive Director of The Science Zone. “It’s the perfect pairing of hands-on making and environmental stewardship.”

Families, educators, and curious minds of all ages are invited to join The Science Zone for this exciting launch.

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Event Details

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

  • When: Friday, September 26, 2025 – 11:00 a.m.
  • Where: The Science Zone – 222 E. Collins Dr., Casper, WY 82601
  • With: Casper Chamber of Commerce

Grand Opening Celebration

  • When: Saturday, September 27, 2025 – on display through January 4, 2026
  • Museum Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Community Partner Interactives: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For more information, visit TheScienceZone.org or call (307) 473-9663.