Comment
Print
KidSenses Children’s Museum is part of a statewide network of science organizations that promote science learning for North Carolina’s families, students, and communities that drives the NC STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Economy. The NC Grassroots Science Program encompasses a network of 30 organizations, including KidSenses Children’s Museum, the Catawba Science Center, Schiele Museum, Discovery Place, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, NC Museum of Life & Science, and others that serve all 100 NC counties by providing informal science education opportunities. Funding for the organizations in the Grassroots Science Program comes from the NC General Assembly. “Membership in the Grassroots Science Program not only comprises a key piece of our operational funding to provide science and technology education each year, but also provides us with an incredible network of resources and opportunities to connect with other science museums and organizations across the state. This collaborative system reduces costs and provides sharing of intellectual property,” said KidSenses Executive Director Jessica Moss. “The Grassroots Science Program has given us access to exciting traveling exhibits with themes that have a STEM focus, such as nanotechnology and cybernauts that will help introduce our visitors to careers in the STEM field. STEM is everywhere--during our recent visit with Representative Hager (Rutherford, Burke), it was understood that the next generation of jobs for NC’s students will all be primarily centered around two things: energy and moving data - these are STEM fields. We can strengthen our communities and economic development across the state by providing high-level informal science experiences that turn “science learning” into “science working” for our next generation.” According to the 2012 National Governor’s Association Issue Brief on the Role of Informal Science in the State Education Agenda, science education, which takes place at museums and science centers, is an effective tool in a STEM agenda to help states achieve their education goals.
KidSenses recently revitalized its educational offerings to better align with the new NC Science Essential Standards, is offering professional development opportunities for educators through a partnership with regional school systems, and will pilot a STEM-focused After School Science Academy for 3rd-5th graders that begins this month. Support for these initiatives comes from the Stonecutter Foundation, a GlaxoSmithKline Ribbon of Hope grant, and a Facebook Community Action grant.
