Pacific Science Center Keeps Curiosity Alive

Seattle, WA. Pacific Science Center (PacSci) is a famously hands-on place of learning. Despite closures for the pandemic, the organization established online programming through Virtual Field Trips, Curiosity at Home, Science in the City. This summer, PacSci will be expanding those programs and administrators are excited to welcome more than 1,500 youth to camps that will fully occupy the facility. Another 1,700 youth will participate in camps provided at four other locations in the area as well as virtually. PacSci administration says that, “Just as science continually evolves, so too will our programs and operations.”

PacSci launched Curiosity at Home, a portfolio of free, interactive, and fun digital programming that ignites curiosity and supports STEM learning. It includes videos of live science shows, hands-on STEM activities, tutorials, and more. Curiosity at Home has received more than 350,000 visits from more than 140,000 individuals. Check out the Science in the City video below. It can be found on the Pacific Science Center’s YouTube.

This past fall, PacSci launched Virtual Field Trips to continue to serve educators, students, and families during the school year. Virtual Field Trips are interactive programs that bring the fun and excitement of a PacSci field trip to wherever students are learning. During the 2020-2021 school year, PacSci served more than 28,000 students, half from Title I schools or low-income communities through Virtual Field Trips.

The response to both programs has been “overwhelmingly positive.” Teachers and schools are appreciative that Virtual Field Trips support NGSS standards, which makes it easy to integrate into their lesson plans.

According to PacSci administration, COVID-19 has been a catalyst for innovation. Digital and virtual programming is something PacSci staff has always wanted to incorporate but didn’t know how or didn’t have the resources. COVID also removed all the geographical barriers and allowed expanded access to science education far beyond Washington State. Now people from all over the world can experience PacSci programs and offerings, and ignite their curiosity for STEM.

From Pacific Science Center:

PacSci is preparing for the world premiere of a very exciting in-person hockey exhibition in October. Additional focus areas include anti-racism work, resuming private event rentals this summer, and installing a state-of-the-art lighting system on the iconic arches. Other developments include finalizing joint programming with community organizations, plans to resume Science on Wheels, and a re-envisioning of the membership program.

PacSci relies on philanthropic support from the community, and with this help can ignite curiosity in more students. Goals include further prioritizing systemically underserved communities and providing even more scholarships for summer camps.  

Some elements of renewal, such as building a modern maker and innovation lab and transforming the courtyard, will require additional philanthropic investments.  

PacSci is almost entirely dependent on support from the community, including individual donors and corporate partnerships. Now more than ever, PacSci is reliant on the community “to ensure that Curiosity Never Closes!” Find where to make a donation today.