Museum Spark Station Electrifies STEM Learning

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Electricity was in the air at the Anderson County Museum on Saturday for the opening of the educational Spark Station and the debut of “Blue Lightning,” a 30-inch plasma ball.

The new Spark Station offers children a unique space to learn and play through hands-on activities rooted in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) principles. Designed for ages two to twelve, the Spark Station lets kids explore the same kinds of interactive and educational experiences often found in schools, but now in the welcoming setting of the museum.

The Spark Station provides an early start for younger children while ensuring “there’s something for everybody” within its age range. The focus on play-based STEM learning is meant to both complement local school programs and serve children who aren’t yet in school or who are homeschooled and seeking different experiences.

A centerpiece of the new space is the Spark Squad—a monthly event held on the first Saturday at 11 a.m. Each session weaves together a story, fable, or fairy tale with a related STEM activity, creating a blend of literary and scientific discovery for all attendees.

The Spark Station is made possible thanks to sponsorship from Mergon Corporation. The sponsor’s support ensures the museum can continue to expand and enhance the space over the next three years, offering fresh experiences for children in the community.

“We are thrilled to be here to partner with the Anderson Museum,” said Mergon Manager Jim Hogg. “To sponsor and give the grand opening of the new Spark Station here for the museum is important to us. At Mergon, we are heavily focused on trying to grow our employees and grow our employees' children and grow the next generation of technical wizards that can help power the United States and power our factory to success wherever. So, STEM is super important.”

With the introduction of Spark Station and its new science programming, the museum continues its longstanding commitment to engaging younger visitors. Along with history-focused activities and resources for homeschoolers, the museum now brings a hands-on science component to local families. This new offering is a step forward for the Anderson County Museum and for the many children who will discover and learn within its walls.

“After all, Anderson is the electric city, and we're going to be teaching children about electricity and the plasma ball is so important to have for that,” said Beverly Childs, executive director at the museum.

“We have one of the greatest history museums in the world, in my opinion,” said Childs. “We're now trying to bring some science, some technology into our history museum.”

Childs said the museum was one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast.

The $30,000 globe was built by Strattman Design, a renowned American company specializing in the production of museum-quality large-scale plasma globes and interactive plasma light displays. Strattman plasma globes are made from borosilicate glass, a sturdy and heat-resistant material also used in laboratory glassware, ensuring longevity and durability. The globes are filled with custom blends of inert gases, producing mesmerizing displays of dynamic plasma filaments that respond to touch and attract attention in any setting.

“I think this is going to be something great for children to have fun with, but also learn,” said Child, who said the new item was made possible by the support from the Friends Board of the Anderson County Museum.