Democracy Comes to Life: Wyoming Capitol Square's Civics Lab Opens March 3

CHEYENNE – Wyoming students will soon step into a space where learning about democracy feels less like a textbook and more like an experiment, testing ideas, solving problems and exploring how Wyoming’s government works firsthand.

On Tuesday at 9 a.m., the Capitol Square Exhibit and Wayfinding Subcommittee will officially open the new Civics Lab with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Wyoming Capitol Extension. The Lab represents the final phase of the Capitol Square exhibit and wayfinding project.

Designed for students in grades 5–8, the Civics Lab focuses on the first five articles of the Wyoming Constitution and transforms the three branches of government into an immersive, hands-on experiment and adventure. The vibrant, cartoon-inspired space blends imaginative play with interactive learning in a whimsical setting.

Inside, students can “discover” how government impacts them, “investigate” how a law is made, explore “specimens” from state agencies that demonstrate how laws are carried out and “experiment” with the powers of the three branches of government. As they complete each challenge, students stamp their Civics Passport, creating a record of discoveries and civic skills gained along the way.

Developed in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Education, the Civics Lab ensures students statewide have access to an engaging, standards-aligned civic learning experience. Following the ribbon cutting, the Civics Lab will open for a pilot program through the remainder of the school year for students in grades 5 and above. The pilot phase will allow educators to bring students to the Lab, while feedback is gathered to further refine programming. The Lab is also open to the public to explore.

Completion of the Lab is part of a larger multi-year collaborative process to provide interpretive exhibits and wayfinding in Capitol Square. The work was overseen by the Capitol Square Interpretive Exhibit and Wayfinding Subcommittee, co-chaired by Sen. Bill Landen and State Auditor Kristi Racines. Other members include State Treasurer Curt Meier, Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder, Rep. Bob Nicholas and Rep. Trey Sherwood.

The public and media are invited to attend Tuesday's ribbon cutting.