Children are natural scientists. They learn through discovery, exploration and play. Like sponges, a child’s brain absorbs more information in the first five years of development than any other time. Quality education during this time period is critical to future academic, social and professional success and creates the framework upon which skills can be built. Young children learn best when they can work in an environment where they can move freely and explore.
In a recent study by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the United States is not effectively presenting the STEM fields in a way that encourages an engagement with, and pursuit of, STEM. In fact, by the time US students reach 12th grade, only 26 percent are proficient or higher in math, and only 21 percent are proficient or higher in science.
According to The U.S. Department of Education’s Committee on STEM Education (CoSTEM), this lack of preparedness in science and math extends beyond the classroom. According to economic projections, over the next decade the U.S. could need as many as 1 million more STEM professionals than the educational system is currently producing. STEM education is most beneficial when introduced at a young age. Activities as simple as creating a structure out of LEGO bricks or watching shadows change throughout the day, can ignite a young mind to further explore the why’s and how’s of their environment.
“An education in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math fields prepares an individual for life in the 21st century. Curiosity, creativity, tolerance of ambiguity, resilience and the ability to work effectively with people who have different perspectives are vital life skills,” said Lori Hauser, Chief Executive Officer of Imagination Station.
These are the same skills that are fostered by STEM education and that have the power to shape a community and prepare an individual for a 21st century career. With various workshops, daily activities and countless exhibits, Imagination Station ensures that every visit to the science center is a valuable one. Adults and kids alike will have so much fun, they’ll forget they’re learning.
Imagination Station firmly believes that informal science education can have a strong impact on STEM education throughout the community.
Learners who engage in STEM education through “active learning,” like the interactive opportunities offered at Imagination Station, are able to better retain information and improve their critical thinking skills. Exhibits like LEGO Brick Architecture: Sky High Science, provide visitors with the ability to utilize skills like creativity, ingenuity and engineering. Through a simple and familiar medium like LEGO bricks, visitors are comfortable to build a wide variety of structures and work through challenges they may face in the process.
CoSTEM found that students who are exposed to real-world experiences that are not possible within the classroom or at home, are more likely to have significant, long-term increases in their achievement and attitudes towards the sciences. Imagination Station’s unique ability to provide hands-on STEM education is why this strategic plan was created to ensure that the science center takes advantage of its strengths.
The science center is always changing and evolving to stay current with the newest STEM developments.
In the past year, the science center opened a new permanent learning world – IDEA Lab, reimagined Eat it Up! and hosted two traveling exhibitions and upgraded various exhibits. They strive to grow and provide current STEM education to Lucas County and its surrounding communities. In addition to their permanent upgrades, weekly programming like Think Tank Workshops, and themed weeks like National Engineering Week, keep the science center new and exciting each time a visitor comes through the door.
Science centers like Imagination Station makes an impact that extends well beyond the walls of their building and play a critical role in sparking a passion for STEM education. Imagination Station serves our community by providing informal science education in a fun, hands-on way that equips the community with valuable life skills and prepares for the knowledge-based economy.
First Published February 20, 2017, 5:00 a.m.
