For most people, the tools and practices of science are a mystery. In their daily lives, they do not have opportunities to see laboratory equipment and materials such as bacteria cultures, centrifuges, or even microscopes, let alone actually use them as part of a scientific investigation. However, at the Science Museum of Minnesota’s (SMM’s) Cell Lab, museum visitors engage in wet-lab biology activities using real scientific tools and techniques.

Cell Lab consists of a series of eight wet-lab biology activity benches. Each activity is equipped with an online Lab Companion, which introduces the investigation; gives instructions on how to use the instruments, tools, and materials; and leads participants step by step through the procedure. Often the Lab Companion provides supplemental information to enhance the experience. To provide additional assistance, museum volunteers and Lab Crew

With the help of a Cell Lab teen volunteer, a caregiver and a child), and they spend an young scientists work on two different activities.