Hill Country Science Mill
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This unique museum is dedicated to providing a fun and interactive experience that helps visitors of all ages understand the science behind everyday life. From hands-on exhibits to interactive workshops, the Science Mill is a place where you can explore, discover, and learn about science in a whole new way.
Introduction to the Science Mill
Our family loves everything STEM-related (science, technology, engineering, and math) so we were eager to check out the Hill Country Science Mill. We’ve driven through Johnson City, where the Science Mill is located, many times while traveling across the state to visit family. Learning that a state-of-the-art STEM education center for families now breathes new life into the old grist mill and cotton gin there delighted me.
The drive there from Austin is approximately one hour depending on where in Austin you begin your journey. We took Hwy 290 West directly to Johnson City to appreciate the scenic drive.
As you walk up to the museum, the contrast between the new parts of the mill versus its old is immediately visible. It’s so modern and yet so rustic.
Our family could easily spend an entire day at the Science Mill, especially with the Lady Bird Lane Cafe, a small farm-to-table restaurant, on-site. It’s the perfect place to grab a healthy lunch. Or, you can bring your own lunch to enjoy a picnic in the outdoor area. My family and I were at the museum for just over four hours and we still didn’t get to do everything that we wanted to do.
Exhibits and Activities
The Hill Country Science Mill is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits that make science and technology fun for all ages. Two exhibits that stand out are the augmented reality sand table and the 3D printing lab.
Augmented Reality Sand Table
The augmented reality sand table is a unique experience that combines the traditional tactile sensation of playing with sand with advanced digital technology. Visitors can mold the sand into mountains, valleys, and rivers, and then see the topography come alive with projected digital imagery. The images show everything from water flow to volcanic eruptions, creating an immersive educational experience.
3D Printing Lab
The 3D printing lab is another must-see experience at the Science Mill. Visitors can watch 3D printers in action, creating intricate and detailed objects from digital designs. There are also hands-on activities where visitors can design their own 3D objects using computer software and then watch them come to life on the printer.
Aquaponics
One of the most popular exhibits is the “Aquaponics” exhibit, which shows visitors how to grow plants and fish together in a sustainable, closed-loop system. Visitors can explore the different stages of the system, learn about the science behind it, and even get a chance to feed the fish.
Amazing Machines
Another popular exhibit is the “Amazing Machines” exhibit, which showcases the fascinating world of simple machines and how they work. Visitors can experiment with levers, pulleys, and other machines to understand how they make work easier.
Genetics
For those who are interested in biology, the museum offers a “Genetics” exhibit that explores the science of DNA and genetics. Visitors can extract DNA from fruit, learn about genetic traits, and even take a quiz to see which animal they are most genetically similar to.
Little Millers
For children, the museum has a dedicated play area called the “Little Millers” where young kids can play and learn in a safe and interactive environment.
STEM education opportunities
STEM exhibits are always fun but it’s even more fun to ‘get your learn on’ in such a cool space. There are over 35 exhibits in which the entire family can participate, enjoy and learn. All signage is in English and Spanish, encouraging Spanish speakers, as well as English speakers, to feel welcome to visit. And, if you have little ones, there’s a toddler area designated just for them to play and explore.
Visiting the Science Mill is a great way to provide STEM education opportunities for classrooms and groups. The Science Mill offers field trips for schools, homeschool groups, and other educational organizations. These field trips are designed to engage students in STEM activities and provide hands-on learning experiences that are both fun and educational.
The Science Mill provides visitors with the unique ability to create an avatar that accompanies them throughout the center, enhancing their visit. This digital robot can be semi-custom designed to the user’s specifications. Each time you visit an exhibit, you can check in and mark that exhibit as a favorite. My kids loved seeing their avatars at each exhibit and listening to their own personal robot tell them more about it. After we got home, we logged in to the Explorer Zone on the Science Mill website using our avatar. We continued learning about the exhibits, played related online games, and even searched to find which career paths are available in those interests. What a great way to keep the learning interactive and ongoing long after your trip to the Hill Country Science Mill ends. Pretty cool!
Students can explore the different exhibits and participate in interactive activities that teach them about science, technology, engineering, and math. The Science Mill offers a variety of field trip packages that are tailored to specific grade levels, ensuring that students receive age-appropriate instruction.
Some of the STEM exhibits and features are:
- 3D Movie Theater
- Maker Stations
- The Story of Water
- Critter Bots
- Race Track
- Cell Phone Disco
- Chemical Reactions
- Paludarium
- Create an Explosion
- Dig In! (and make it rain)
- Mind Ball
- IGlobe
- Giant Lever (Tug of War)
In addition to field trips, the Science Mill also offers workshops and camps for students during the summer and school breaks. These programs are designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of STEM concepts and help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Science Saturdays
The Hill Country Science Mill offers behind-the-scenes tours and experiences that provide an in-depth look at the science behind the exhibits. These tours are a great way for visitors to learn more about the inner workings of the museum and get a deeper understanding of the science behind the exhibits they see.
One of the most popular behind-the-scenes experiences at the Science Mill is the “Science Saturday” program. This program allows visitors to go behind the scenes and work with the museum’s staff to conduct experiments and explore scientific concepts in a hands-on way. Science Saturdays are a great way for families and groups to learn about science together and have fun doing it.
In addition to Science Saturdays, the Science Mill also offers guided tours of the museum’s exhibits. These tours are led by knowledgeable staff members who can answer questions and provide additional information about the exhibits. Visitors can also request customized tours to focus on specific areas of interest.
Final Word
We’ll be back to visit the Hill Country Science Mill. For our family, it provides a pleasant drive and it’s so close to the LBJ National Historic Park, which we want to visit, too.
Regular museum hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm. Admission is free for children under 2, $6.50 for ages 2-18 and students, $8.00 for adults, and $6.00 for Seniors (65+) and Military. For more information, please visit:
Hill Country Science Mill | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
101 South Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City, Texas, 78636
