News
A Quieter Way to Explore: Special Quiet Hours at the Exploreum
Quiet Hours provide an opportunity to experience the Exploreum in a calmer, more relaxed environment, with fewer people and a reduced level of sensory stimulation.
Create with Light at the Exploreum’s Illumination Station
What happens when art, engineering, and light come together? You get Illumination Station!
What You’ll Discover at the Schroeder Family Exploreum in Joplin, MO: A Hands-On Adventure in Learning and Discovery
If you’re searching for family-friendly activities in Joplin, Missouri, the Schroeder Family Exploreum is quickly becoming one of the region’s most exciting destinations.
Meet the Bubble Monster: Where Science Comes to Life!
At first glance, visitors see colorful, shimmering bubbles stretching and swirling into incredible shapes. But look a little closer, and you’ll find an opportunity to explore some amazing scientific concepts.
Come Celebrate the Artemis Missions With Us!
Did you know that the Joplin region is helping send astronauts back to the Moon? Come discover how our community is playing a role in NASA’s Artemis missions while experiencing the excitement of space exploration through hands-on STEM activities!
Meet Helix: The Exploreum’s Official Robot Mascot!
After weeks of incredible creativity, community participation, and enthusiastic voting, we’re thrilled to introduce the newest member of the Schroeder Family Exploreum family…
Inspiring Every Young Mind: Why STEAM Matters for All Kids
Together, we can inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, creators, innovators, and leaders.
More Than Just Play: What is a STEAM Science Center?
If you’ve driven through downtown Joplin recently, you’ve likely seen the excitement surrounding the grand opening of the Schroeder Family Exploreum. It’s a massive win for our community! But as parents and educators look for things to do with their kids, a common...
Full STEAM Ahead: Celebrate National STEAM Day at the Schroeder Family Exploreum!
Get ready to unleash your curiosity, spark your imagination, and dive headfirst into the worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math! The brand-new Schroeder Family Exploreum in downtown Joplin is hosting its National STEAM Day Festival, and it is...
What Is the Schroeder Family Exploreum?
At the Schroeder Family Exploreum, we believe the best learning happens when children of all ages are actively engaged in the process of discovery.
Why STEAM Education Is Becoming Essential in the Age of AI
Technology is changing fast. Tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can now write, draw, code, and even help make decisions. As this happens, the skills people need to succeed are changing too. That’s where STEAM (science, technology, engineering, math, AND...
Featured in the Joplin Globe – Schroeder Family Exploreum to be Artemis II launch party site
The Schroeder Family Exploreum in Joplin has partnered with NASA for an event tied to the upcoming Artemis II mission. The Exploreum also is looking to its own spring launch. Neely Myers, Exploreum executive director, said it applied to NASA to become the local NASA...
Beep bop boop—there’s a new face at the science center, and it needs a name.
The Schroeder Family Exploreum is proud to introduce its brand-new robot mascot, a friendly and curious character designed to spark imagination, inspire discovery, and bring STEAM learning to life for visitors of all ages. To mark the occasion, the organization is...
The Universe Just Got a New Map — And It’s Bigger Than We Thought
Imagine trying to map a forest at night. Previously we could only see the brightest campfires. Now we can see the entire forest.
Could Humans Really Live on Mars?
The short answer is… possibly, but it would be extremely difficult.
Art in Engineering: The Hidden Gear of Innovation
Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum of logic.
Groundhog Day: The Only Holiday Where We Trust a Rodent Meteorologist
Every year on February 2nd, millions of people wake up and ask the same, deeply serious question: Did a groundhog see his shadow? And honestly...We're okay with that. Groundhog Day is the one holiday that fully commits to chaos. No gifts. No fireworks. Just a small,...
Finding Your Passion When You’re Young: The Sky’s the Limit
When you’re young, one of the questions you hear the most is: “What do you want to do with your life?”It’s a big question—sometimes an overwhelming one. Many young people feel pressure to have everything figured out early, but the truth is that passion isn’t always...
Why Volunteer with the Exploreum in 2026?
Looking for a fun way to give back, learn something new, and make a real impact? Volunteering with the Exploreum in 2026 puts you right in the middle of hands-on science, creativity, and discovery. As a volunteer, you’ll help visitors explore interactive exhibits,...
Why STEAM is Important for Adults
At the Exploreum we believe that STEAM—science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics—isn’t just for kids. Learning and creativity don’t have an age limit. For adults, exploring STEAM concepts can spark curiosity, improve problem-solving, and encourage...
You Can’t Be What You Can’t See: Why Continued Donor Support Matters
When young people see themselves represented in the faces of the scientists, engineers, artists, and innovators of the supporting organizations of the Exploreum, they realize that they too belong in those roles.
How STEAM Sparks Collaboration and Teamwork
At the Exploreum we see all the time how STEAM activities naturally encourage collaboration. Science, technology, engineering, art, and math often involve projects too big to tackle alone. When children, teens, and adults work side by side, they discover the value of...
Outdoor STEAM: Learning in Nature
Nature offers endless opportunities for children to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) in ways that are fun, hands-on, and memorable.
Learning Through Play: Why Challenges Build Problem-Solving Skills
At the Exploreum, we know that play is more than just fun—it’s an essential part of learning. When kids and teens (and even adults) engage in games and challenges, they’re doing more than entertaining themselves. They’re practicing critical thinking, developing...