Science Museums
Science Central - Science Central is a catalyst for learning, and it’s a catalyst for learning the most important subjects that employers will need our kids to know to perform work in the future – science, technology, engineering and math, or as they are commonly called, STEM. Careers in STEM are among the fastest growing fields in the nation. However, the United States is trailing behind the rest of the world when it comes to preparing students for success in these fields.
Perhaps a presidential report says it best…The 2010 Report to the President, Prepare and Inspire: K -12 Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) for America’s Future, stated that the United States now lags behind the rest of the world in elementary and secondary STEM education. Despite this alarming statistic, Indiana is doing better than average in STEM education when compared to the rest of the nation.
In a study done by the National Assessment for Educational Progress in 2011, 32% of Indiana eighth-grade students scored proficient in science education, compared with the national average of 29%. While our Indiana students are performing slightly better than the national average in science, 32% is still a significantly low percentage. In this circumstance, better than average is still not good enough to meet the future employment needs of our country.
Through outreaches to schools, educator workshops, distance learning, family visits to the center and community events, Science Central strives to generate interest and confidence in science at an early age. By piquing an interest in these subjects, children are eager to learn more. This can lead to future success in these subjects at school. With our programming, we are preparing the next generation of students to be scientifically literate so they will pursue science at the college level.
Off-Site Programs
The Science4U Outreach program provides hands-on programming in an exciting mix of traveling labs, demonstrations, assemblies and festivals delivered directly to your location! You choose the program, time and place that fits your needs.
Funding Your Learning - Grants to Help make Outreach (Science4U) more memorable
On-Site Programs
Education Resource Center - Science Central is an Educator Resource Center (ERC), providing expertise and facilities to help educators at all levels access and use geography, science, mathematics, and technology instructional materials. These materials are aligned with national standards and state frameworks, and are based on NASA’s unique mission. As a NASA ERC, Science Central provides training to in-service, pre-service, and informal educators using NASA curriculum; we also partner with local, state, and regional educational organizations to become part of the systemic initiatives in the state.
GEMS - Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) is a rapidly growing national resource for the advancement of activity-based science and mathematics. It was developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California Berkeley, and then was tested extensively nationwide and modified for classroom use. GEMS includes more than 70 teacher guides and handbooks, for pre-school through tenth grade, which can be used to supplement curriculum.
Kits - It’s easy to check out one of Science Central’s educational hands-on kits. The following kits are available:
Science
Tree Homes(Pre K -2)
Rock Kit (1-5)
Investigating Artifacts (K-8)
Involving Dissolving (Pre K-3)
Math
Treasure Boxes (Pre K-4)
Build It! Festival (K-6)
Math Around the World (2-9)
Educator Development Opportunities - Science Central can provide professional development for your staff, or for pre-service students in groups of 10 or more, onsite at our facility. Topics include:
Great Explorations in Math and Science
Flying WILD
Pre-Service Tours and Labs
Classroom Volunteerism
Study Trips - Study Trips to Science Central are designed to meet Indiana Educational State Standards for each grade level. Our Study Trips combine hands-on programming with an exciting mix of labs, demonstrations and exhibits. The Study Trips utilize Focused Topic Guides and Decks (exhibit exploration activity guides), each targeted to meet the grade-specific Indiana Educational State Standards. Educators have the ability to customize their visit to Science Central by booking a study trip with their choice of science topics.
Perhaps a presidential report says it best…The 2010 Report to the President, Prepare and Inspire: K -12 Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) for America’s Future, stated that the United States now lags behind the rest of the world in elementary and secondary STEM education. Despite this alarming statistic, Indiana is doing better than average in STEM education when compared to the rest of the nation.
In a study done by the National Assessment for Educational Progress in 2011, 32% of Indiana eighth-grade students scored proficient in science education, compared with the national average of 29%. While our Indiana students are performing slightly better than the national average in science, 32% is still a significantly low percentage. In this circumstance, better than average is still not good enough to meet the future employment needs of our country.
Through outreaches to schools, educator workshops, distance learning, family visits to the center and community events, Science Central strives to generate interest and confidence in science at an early age. By piquing an interest in these subjects, children are eager to learn more. This can lead to future success in these subjects at school. With our programming, we are preparing the next generation of students to be scientifically literate so they will pursue science at the college level.
Off-Site Programs
The Science4U Outreach program provides hands-on programming in an exciting mix of traveling labs, demonstrations, assemblies and festivals delivered directly to your location! You choose the program, time and place that fits your needs.
- Demonstrations
- Labs
- After-school Enrichment
- Family Fun Fest
- Exploration Stations
- Table Top Activities
- StarLab
- Outreach to Space
- Scouting
Funding Your Learning - Grants to Help make Outreach (Science4U) more memorable
On-Site Programs
Education Resource Center - Science Central is an Educator Resource Center (ERC), providing expertise and facilities to help educators at all levels access and use geography, science, mathematics, and technology instructional materials. These materials are aligned with national standards and state frameworks, and are based on NASA’s unique mission. As a NASA ERC, Science Central provides training to in-service, pre-service, and informal educators using NASA curriculum; we also partner with local, state, and regional educational organizations to become part of the systemic initiatives in the state.
GEMS - Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) is a rapidly growing national resource for the advancement of activity-based science and mathematics. It was developed at the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California Berkeley, and then was tested extensively nationwide and modified for classroom use. GEMS includes more than 70 teacher guides and handbooks, for pre-school through tenth grade, which can be used to supplement curriculum.
Kits - It’s easy to check out one of Science Central’s educational hands-on kits. The following kits are available:
Science
Tree Homes(Pre K -2)
Rock Kit (1-5)
Investigating Artifacts (K-8)
Involving Dissolving (Pre K-3)
Math
Treasure Boxes (Pre K-4)
Build It! Festival (K-6)
Math Around the World (2-9)
Educator Development Opportunities - Science Central can provide professional development for your staff, or for pre-service students in groups of 10 or more, onsite at our facility. Topics include:
Great Explorations in Math and Science
Flying WILD
Pre-Service Tours and Labs
Classroom Volunteerism
Study Trips - Study Trips to Science Central are designed to meet Indiana Educational State Standards for each grade level. Our Study Trips combine hands-on programming with an exciting mix of labs, demonstrations and exhibits. The Study Trips utilize Focused Topic Guides and Decks (exhibit exploration activity guides), each targeted to meet the grade-specific Indiana Educational State Standards. Educators have the ability to customize their visit to Science Central by booking a study trip with their choice of science topics.
WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology -
MISSION - WonderLab provides opportunities for people of all ages, especially children, to experience the wonder and excitement of science through hands-on exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity, encourage exploration, foster lifelong learning and explore connections to the arts and everyday life.
WonderLab offers an informal educational setting for engaging your mind and your senses in lifelong learning. Further enrichment is provided by a variety of innovative programs, activities, workshops, and festival events for children, families, adults, school groups, and educators.
WonderLab hosts a variety of programs focused on specific age ranges, science topics, and learning styles. We offer Pre-K sessions, hands-on workshops, activity stations, live animal programs, teen nights, and more. Many programs incorporate community partners from the rich resources in our community. These include Indiana University and Ivy Tech, local businesses, professional artisans, nonprofit organizations, clubs, and hobbyists. WonderLab programs strive to create exciting, diverse and formative learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Please see individual program listings for details, including target ages, format, and any registration or fees associated with the event.
OUTREACH
Let WonderLab bring a selection of exciting science activities and demonstrations to you for creative and interactive science experiences! We offer activity-based assembly demonstrations and festivals for large and small groups at schools and community events. We also offer Do It Yourself Science Station materials for those whose budget is extremely limited.
GROUP VISITS
WonderLab offers a friendly learning environment with engaging hands-on science exhibits that support current Indiana Academic Standards. WonderLab welcomes groups of all ages, including adults, and people of all abilities. Groups are defined as a minimum of ten paid individuals with a confirmed reservation at least two weeks prior to the visit. WonderLab offers free or reduced group rates to eligible nonprofit organizations, including schools, through our Connecting to the Community Fund. Contact the Museum Visitor Coordinator to apply.
MISSION - WonderLab provides opportunities for people of all ages, especially children, to experience the wonder and excitement of science through hands-on exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity, encourage exploration, foster lifelong learning and explore connections to the arts and everyday life.
WonderLab offers an informal educational setting for engaging your mind and your senses in lifelong learning. Further enrichment is provided by a variety of innovative programs, activities, workshops, and festival events for children, families, adults, school groups, and educators.
WonderLab hosts a variety of programs focused on specific age ranges, science topics, and learning styles. We offer Pre-K sessions, hands-on workshops, activity stations, live animal programs, teen nights, and more. Many programs incorporate community partners from the rich resources in our community. These include Indiana University and Ivy Tech, local businesses, professional artisans, nonprofit organizations, clubs, and hobbyists. WonderLab programs strive to create exciting, diverse and formative learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Please see individual program listings for details, including target ages, format, and any registration or fees associated with the event.
OUTREACH
Let WonderLab bring a selection of exciting science activities and demonstrations to you for creative and interactive science experiences! We offer activity-based assembly demonstrations and festivals for large and small groups at schools and community events. We also offer Do It Yourself Science Station materials for those whose budget is extremely limited.
GROUP VISITS
WonderLab offers a friendly learning environment with engaging hands-on science exhibits that support current Indiana Academic Standards. WonderLab welcomes groups of all ages, including adults, and people of all abilities. Groups are defined as a minimum of ten paid individuals with a confirmed reservation at least two weeks prior to the visit. WonderLab offers free or reduced group rates to eligible nonprofit organizations, including schools, through our Connecting to the Community Fund. Contact the Museum Visitor Coordinator to apply.