With some 600 museums throughout the state, Minnesota offers up some pretty unique learning experiences. One of my favorite hidden gems is The Bakken Museum near Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. Named after Earl Bakken, the co-founder of Medtronic and co-developer of the first wearable, external pacemaker, the Bakken celebrates and educates on electricity and its purpose in our lives. The museum is a true hands-on learning environment and welcomes kids and adults of all ages to learn more about this part of science.
This week, visitors to the museum are in for a treat. To coincide with the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the Bakken is offering FREE admission July 16-20 along with unique activities and themed days during the Best Days of the Bakken. Here’s a peek at the schedule of events:
Tuesday, July 16: Learn all about inventors, like Thomas Edison, and participate in and watch some science theater.
Wednesday, July 17: Benjamin Franklin is a very important icon at the Bakken and this day is devoted to him and all his experiments. In the Ben Franklin room, you can make your hair stand on end with the electrostatic generator and discover how static electricity works.
Thursday, July 18: Learn all about Frankenstein and his monster and how we can use electricity to maintain and improve human life.
Friday, July 19: Wizards and magic. Need I say more?
Saturday, July 20: Learn how art and science collide through many different activities involving robots, sculpture, nature, and more.
