Nucor Innovation Station

The Nucor Innovation Station exhibit features innovations, industries, and inventions unique to the Syracuse area, giving you and your family an opportunity to talk about technology and change together! Dynamic exhibits from local companies and organizations teach visitors about the incredible technologies being used right in our backyard! From the famous salt yards and CNY Drone Corridor to the Brannock device and Franklin automobile, explore the technological history of our region as well as the developments of the future.

Current Exhibit

Nucor Steel Auburn—January–March 2025
Nucor Steel Auburn presents “Pioneering the Circular Economy,” an exhibit showcasing the endless possibilities of steel. Explore interactive stations that bring Nucor’s steel production process to life, and learn the vital role of recycling and how steel shapes our daily lives. Discover the remarkable journey of steel from start to finish and see how each of us contributes to building a more sustainable future. 

Recent Exhibits

Haun Welding Supply—Syracuse-based welding supply and gas distributor, Haun Welding Supply showcased the history and science of welding. This exhibit gave kids the chance to interact with welding machines and safety equipment and check out an array of other welding related items such as a 4-foot dinosaur welded together by a Haun employee, an underwater welding helmet, large gas cylinders, and a welder from the 1950s. A dress-up station included welding helmets, goggles, and clothing, and kids could enter a helmet design and coloring contest to win a real helmet painted with their design.

Onondaga County Water Environment Protection (OCDWEP)—Every day millions of gallons of wastewater are generated but what happens after we flush? This exhibit let visitors flip, skip, and discover the extraordinary journey wastewater takes through our local sewer system. Make It! Move It! Treat It! is the story of how used water transforms into new water, thanks to the efforts of wastewater treatment professionals and environmental stewards at the Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection (WEP).

OCWA (Onondaga County Water Authority)—OCWA’s educational exhibit, called How Your Water Works, featured a water pipe display, historical timeline, photo cutout banner, fun facts about OCWA, and an interactive water table for children.

Byrne Dairy—Highlighted the past and present science and technology innovations of Byrne Dairy as they celebrated 90 years. Visitors learned more about this Central New York staple and met Byrnsie the mascot!