Rural Roots Discovery Lab
Get ready to experiment, explore, and discover! Rural Roots Discovery Lab, a dynamic new youth-led initiative founded by the young entrepreneurs behind Creative Mode Farms (owners aged 11, 13, and 15), is launching an interactive science celebration designed to ignite curiosity in rural communities.
Taking place at the Carambeck Community Centre, 351 Bridge St., and the Carleton Place Youth Centre, this all-ages event (0–99!) invites families to experience science, technology, engineering, and environmental learning in ways that are hands-on, exciting, and deeply connected to the natural world. Admission is by donation to the Youth Centre.
A Full Day of Discovery: Interactive Zones & Experiments
Visitors will explore themed zones designed to spark imagination and critical thinking:
🔬 Interactive Science Stations
- Magnifying Science Station
- DIY Compass
- Fizz-Inflate Balloons
- Static Electricity Racers
- Magnetic Slime
- DIY Lava Lamps
🌉 Engineering Zone
Build it. Test it. Improve it.
Using bins of LEGO and creative building materials, participants can tackle engineering challenges like:
- Building a bridge that holds the most weight.
- Constructing the tallest free-standing structure.
- Designing something that floats.
Young engineers will also display some of their coolest creations to inspire others.
🐾 Biology & Earth Science Zone
Explore the wonders of life on Earth.
- Examine animal bones and footprints.
- Learn how to identify mammals vs. reptiles, herbivores vs. omnivores.
- Explore “Who Would Win?” wildlife matchups.
- Match toy animals to the correct biome.
- Plant a seed and learn about life cycles.
- Discover the “Creature of the Day”.
🦕 Archaeology & Paleontology Zone
- View fossils and dinosaur displays.
- Participate in a hands-on dinosaur dig.
- Explore books and resources about prehistoric life.
🪨 Geology Zone
- Explore a rock and mineral collection.
- Learn how to identify rocks using real tools.
- Test your knowledge with a rock guessing game.
🌌 Astronomy Zone
In partnership with MEESS Education, the event will feature:
- Telescopes
- A solar system model
- Space-themed displays
- MEESS Portable Planetarium Shows
At MEESS Education, the philosophy is simple yet powerful: the world itself is our greatest classroom. Their mission aligns closely with Rural Roots Discovery Lab’s goal—to help people lift their heads, look around, and reconnect with the beauty and lessons of the natural world.
🌀 Games, Vendors & More
Families can also enjoy:
- Optical illusions
- Marble runs
- Vendors selling gems, stones, jewelry, 3D-printed items, and science-themed kits.
Reconnecting Rural Communities with the Natural World
In today’s fast-paced digital world, meaningful hands-on learning opportunities are more important than ever. Rural Roots Discovery Lab aims to rekindle curiosity, deepen appreciation for the landscapes we inhabit, and foster understanding of where our resources come from.
Rather than fearing the decisions of the past, the organization encourages thoughtful, informed decisions for the future—empowering the next generation to explore, question, and innovate.
Event Details:
What: Rural Roots Discovery Lab Interactive Science Event
Where: Carambeck Community Centre, 351 Bridge St., & Carleton Place Youth Centre
Who: Ages 0–99
Admission: By donation to the Youth Centre
Bring your curiosity. Bring your questions. Leave inspired.
For more information about Rural Roots Discovery Lab or partnership opportunities, please contact:
Creative Mode Farms (Jackson, Alex & Lyla Cavanagh – arizaconsulting1@gmail.com)