130 Main St, Buffalo,
NY 14202
Come explore the ideas and innovations that have fueled Buffalo’s prosperity and continue to power new ideas through wonder, discovery and imagination. Children and adults alike will enjoy exploring STEM concepts through hands-on experimentation as they are inspired by native innovators of our past, while considering the unlimited possibilities of their own creative and inventive future.
Exhibit Features
Pedal Power
Presented by Montgomery Family Foundation
Currently undergoing maintenance updates
Innovation Wall
Presented by Linde PLC
Children can imagine themselves as the inventors of tomorrow as they discover the many surprising innovations from right here in Western New York, including many inventions that are a part of our daily lives.
Launch from the Moon
Presented by Peter & Lee Randaccio
The rocket engine that brough Apollo 11 astronauts safely home from the moon was developed by Buffalo’s Bell Aerospace. Simulate a spacecraft liftoff by launching a water bottle up to the stars.
Silo Exhibit
Presented by General Mills Foundation
Find out more about the rich history of grain silos and then decorate one of your own in this touchscreen exhibit.
Moog Challenge
Presented by Moog
Learn about servo valves, invented by Moog, which enable high-precision control of position, pressure and force in a wide range of applications.
Big Coaster
Presented by Tina, Alex & Eric Chahin
Use your imagination to create a crazy coaster out of everyday objects. Physics, gravity and predictions of cause and effect are at play as children tweak, adjust and repeat until they achieve their desired outcome.
Fun is in the Air
Presented by Tina, Alex & Eric Chahin
After you’ve made your own flying device in the Tinkering Tank, test it out in our custom wind tunnel to experience the wonders of aerodynamics! How high will your flying device go?
NYS Early Learning Guideline
Lighting Buffalo’s Imagination is where children and adults are inspired by people, their ideas, and new possibilities to investigate, imagine, and create, explore materials and media and their properties, and connect, collaborate, and share ideas with others.
Primary Learning Domain: Exploring STEM concepts through hands-on experimentation
Secondary Learning Domains: Developing and exploring an appreciation for the arts. Fostering a sense of community and culture.
Social & Emotional Development
- Interaction with Adults All Ages
- Interaction with Peers Ages 1+
- Adaptive Social Behavior Ages 3+
- Self Concept Ages 5+
Communication, Language, & Literacy
- Vocabulary All Ages
- Listening Skills Ages 1+
- Reading & Writing Ages 1+
Community & Culture
- History Ages 1+
- Community Ages 3+
STEM
- Technology All Ages
- Critical & Analytic Thinking Ages 1+
- Scientific Thinking Ages 1+
- Measurement Ages 5+
Arts/Arts Appreciation
- Understanding & Appreciation Ages 1+
- Analyze & Critique Ages 3+
Physical Well-Being, Health & Motor Development
- Sensorimotor All Ages
- Gross Motor All Ages
