Science Center of Iowa

Science Center of Iowa
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Name	Science Center of Iowa
Location	Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Type	Science museum
Visitors	300,000

Science Center of Iowa. The Science Center of Iowa is a science museum located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, and is affiliated with the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the American Alliance of Museums. It is a popular destination for Iowa State University students, University of Iowa researchers, and Drake University faculty, who often collaborate with the center on NASA-funded projects and National Science Foundation-sponsored initiatives. The center's mission is to inspire STEM education and promote critical thinking, as advocated by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Bill Nye.

● History

The Science Center of Iowa was established in 1970 as the Iowa Academy of Science, with the goal of promoting science education and scientific literacy throughout the state, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Education and the National Academy of Sciences. Over the years, the center has undergone several transformations, including a major renovation in 2005, which was supported by Microsoft and Intel Corporation. The center has also collaborated with other institutions, such as the Field Museum of Natural History and the American Museum of Natural History, to develop exhibits and programs that showcase the latest advances in genetics, biotechnology, and renewable energy, as discussed by Al Gore and Jane Goodall. The center's history is also closely tied to the development of Iowa State Fairgrounds and the Des Moines Art Center, which have hosted various science festivals and technology exhibitions.

● Exhibits

The Science Center of Iowa features a range of interactive exhibits that explore various aspects of science and technology, including physics, chemistry, and biology, as explained by Stephen Hawking and Richard Dawkins. The center's exhibits are designed to be engaging and accessible to visitors of all ages, from preschool to graduate school, and are often developed in collaboration with experts from Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Some of the exhibits include a planetarium that offers shows on astronomy and space exploration, a butterfly garden that showcases the life cycle of monarch butterflies, and a makerspace that provides visitors with the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and DIY projects, inspired by the work of Maker Faire and Instructables. The center also hosts temporary exhibits on topics such as climate change, evolution, and artificial intelligence, featuring the work of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Google AI.

● Programs

The Science Center of Iowa offers a range of programs and activities for visitors, including science camps, workshops, and lectures, which are often led by experts from University of California, Berkeley and Carnegie Mellon University. The center's programs are designed to promote STEM education and critical thinking, and are often developed in partnership with organizations such as the National Science Teachers Association and the American Chemical Society. Some of the programs include a science competition for high school students, a mentorship program for undergraduate students, and a professional development program for teachers and educators, which are supported by National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers. The center also offers outreach programs that bring science education to underserved communities, in collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Girl Scouts of the USA.

● Facilities

The Science Center of Iowa is located in a LEED-certified building that features a range of sustainable design elements, including solar panels, rain gardens, and energy-efficient systems, as recommended by the U.S. Green Building Council and the Environmental Protection Agency. The center's facilities include a theater, a cafe, and a gift shop, as well as a range of exhibit spaces and program areas, which are designed to meet the needs of visitors with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The center is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including 3D printers, virtual reality equipment, and high-speed internet, which are supported by Cisco Systems and IBM.

● Outreach

The Science Center of Iowa is committed to outreach and community engagement, and offers a range of programs and services that bring science education to underserved communities, in partnership with United Way and Salvation Army. The center's outreach programs include traveling exhibits, science festivals, and professional development workshops for teachers and educators, which are supported by National Science Foundation and Institute of Museum and Library Services. The center also collaborates with other organizations, such as the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Des Moines Public Schools, to develop programs that promote health literacy and science education, as advocated by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization. The center's outreach efforts are designed to inspire a love of science and learning in people of all ages, and to promote a culture of science that values curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, as discussed by TED Conferences and World Science Festival. Category:Science museums in the United States