Maker Annex

Maker Annex

Take creativity and ingenuity to the next level with 3D printers, laser cutters and more!

Virtual Exhibit
3D Field Trip Coming Soon
Ages
8+
Admission
Included with General Admission
Perfect For
Creative Thinkers
Puzzle Solvers
Techies & Gamers
Location
Lower Level, Inside Invention Convention
Accessibility
See Accessibility
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are the state standards for Texas public schools from kindergarten to year 12.
TEKS
Science
About the exhibit

The Chevron Maker Annex is a place for children to design, construct and showcase their work through both pre-paid and drop-in workshops. All workshops are designed to expose participants to a handful of tools and materials, from hand tools to 3D printers and laser cutters. The space encourages kid makers to tap into their creative potential with access to real tools and high-tech resources.

Educators

In the Chevron Maker Annex, a maker is someone who creates products by combining a variety of materials and sharing what they have learned with others. Our workshops begin by introducing various engineering concepts. The topics in the workshops focus on everything from electricity to structural integrity. After an interactive lesson, visitors are challenged to create products based on a prompt, which encourages learning through self-exploration.

The Chevron Maker Annex offers a variety of flexible opportunities for school groups.

Learn more about Focused Tours.

Download Maker Annex Waiver Form.

Virtual Exhibit
3D Field Trip Coming Soon
Ages
8+
Admission
General Admission
Perfect For
Creative Thinkers
Puzzle Solvers
Techies & Gamers
Location
Lower Level, Inside Invention Convention
disability Accessibility
See Accessibility
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are the state standards for Texas public schools from kindergarten to year 12.
TEKS
Science
CONSIDER WEARING A MASK
Please consider wearing a mask. Feeling sick? Come back when you feel better. Exposed to someone with COVID in the last 7 days? Please visit us another day. We remain committed to the safety of children, visitors, and our staff and follow CDC guidelines.
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What Parents are Saying

“We are just finishing the 3-day ideaMAKE workshop. An incredibly wonderful learning experience. Thank you for the guidance, help and patience in making this an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait for another workshop.”

Pat K.

Parent

What Parents are Saying

“Don’t forget to go to the lower level. There is a maker space and lots of invention stations.”

Kayla R.

Parent

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Exhibit Features

There’s a lot to see and do in this exhibit—check out some of these unique activities!‍

Cutting Edge Technology

Get real experience.

Learn how to use cutting-edge digital fabrication technologies like laser-cutters, 3D printers and microcontrollers.

Real Tools

Experience the tools of the trade.

Learn how to safely handle the kind of real tools used by Makers as they solder circuits, saw wood, drill, hammer, sew and more!

Maker Crew Workshops

Exclusive tinkering opportunities.

Join our Kid’s Maker Crew by completing all 3 levels of one of our Maker Crew workshops.

What Can My Family Do?

Here are activity suggestions for specific age groups in this exhibit.

Toddler Activities

  • Not appropriate for kids under 8.

Preschooler Activities

  • Not appropriate for kids under 8.

Lower Elementary Activities

  • New drop-in activities every month.
  • Bring an invention from home or the Museum to Make it More!
  • Make projects using our laser cutter and engraver!

Upper Elementary Activities

  • Make electronic projects by soldering circuits.
  • Learn Computer Assisted Design to create 3D prints.
  • Use real woodworking tools, like table-saws, power drills, and more.

Exhibit Guidelines and Rules

It is our belief that safety and tool literacy go hand in hand, so workshops are limited to students ages 8+ and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Thank You to Our Exhibit Sponsors
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Thank You to Our Exhibit Sponsors

Bring the Museum Home with You

Keep the inspiration, invention, interaction and imagination going.

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