The Great STEMporium entertains, educates
From slime to robots to owl-pellet dissection, activities to amuse and challenge scientists of all ages can be found at the Great STEMporium in Lewes.
Owners Cari Miller and David Stobie launched the venture so kids and families can explore science, technology, engineering and math, known as STEM, through hands-on projects and experiments.
“We like to sneak in education with fun,” Miller said. “We liked the concept and thought it would work. It’s been great to see the kids’ faces light up.”
Visitors to the STEMporium, formerly Bill’s Bait and Tackle, are escorted into a high-ceilinged space housing tables and booths. Miller credits local restaurant designer Rebecca Fluharty for creating an industrial/laboratory feel with wood and steel elements.
Once seated, children select an activity from a menu of appetizers, main courses, sides, desserts or carry-out options; prices range from $2 to $16 per activity.
Appetizers are warm-up experiments, such as making 3D fart molecules or slime, to get the creative juices flowing. Main courses, like building a robot or erupting volcano, allow children more time to explore a challenge or build a project.
A smorgasbord of slime side projects blends polymers, ions and molecules for a messy good time. Miller said children can also create projects, such as a binary necklace or wooden fidget ships, to take home.
“I have to say, I never dreamed I’d get to open a business,” Miller said, “let alone one that’s this fun!”
Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are suggested for groups of seven or more. Party packages are also available.
The Great STEMporium is at 18388 Coastal Highway in the Coastal Plaza shopping center, beside Go Brit! and Verizon. Go to greatstem.com.
