Looking for something to do with the family over Spring Break?
Britannia Mine Museum is launching its Terralab Learning Space and will be introducing special educational programming for families and COVID-19 bubble groups.The museum’s Terralab is an exhibit and programming space that allows for public and student engagement on the innovative exploration of sustainable mining, using the concept of plants as natural miners and the move towards sustainable resource extraction.
“We are excited to launch our new Terralab [Science Technology Engineering Art and Math, or STEAM] Learning Space and although it won’t be fully running during COVID, we plan to host special mini educational programming sessions like the ones during Spring Break for kids and cohort families to enjoy,” said education curator Diane Mitchell in a news release.“We hope to inspire kids to learn more about STEAM related fields, and discover innovations and new knowledge related to responsible resource management.”
A release from the museum says from March 13 to April 1 at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. every day, the organization will host “Mini Mud Monsters” sessions in the Terralab space, where families or COVID-19 bubble groups can learn about microorganisms in our freshwater ecosystems.The idea is to provide participants with insight on organisms in streams, creeks, rivers and wetlands.
“Known as bioindicators to scientists and those who monitor the freshwater environments, benthos range in their tolerance to pollution and can help to better understand the health of an aquatic environment,” reads the release.There are other activities for Spring Break as well.
The museum has also set up a self-guided “Designed to Fly” activity in the Machine Shop, exploring how aerial tramways were stars of the show in the earlier years of the Britannia Mine. Aerial tramways are like ski lifts or zip-lines for rocks.Bubble groups can visit the Machine shop to design and test a rock carrier using a mini zip-line, exercising their creative brains to predict, test and evaluate ideas.
All Spring Break activities at the Museum are designed to be COVID-safe, organized in small bubble groups, with enhanced sanitation procedures in place, and are included with regular Museum admissions.Go to for more information.
