Inspiring Today's Students to Become Tomorrow's Scientists
The Center for the Advancement of Science Education was created to achieve the Museum's vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, medicine and engineering.
The Center aims to inspire the next generation of inventors and innovators with programs that empower teachers, engage the community and excite students. Our programs reach beyond the Museum's walls into schools and community organizations across the Chicago area. Program development is guided by some of the best minds in science education. We continually analyze and evaluate our work to ensure that we implement the best ideas.
Each spring, the Museum holds a special event to celebrate the achievements of the students, teachers and community organization staff who participate in the Center's programs. Read more about our honorees here (PDF).
The Center comprises the program areas described below.
- Science Teacher Education
- Middle-grades teachers gain science content and teaching strategies directly relevant to their curriculum, and can earn a master's degree or endorsement.
- Community Initiatives
- After-school science clubs and youth development programs encourage students to discover new interests, prepare for college and learn about science careers.
- Student Experiences
- Programs for school groups investigate the science behind everyday life in facilitated, engaging Learning Labs and state-of-the-art videoconference labs.
- Guest Experiences
- Interactive Live Science Experiences are designed to meet different learning styles, from guided exhibit exploration to facilitated, hands-on activities.
learn more
Request more information about our education programs.
donate now
Give a gift today to inspire the inventors, innovators and scientists of tomorrow.
- Happening Now
-
-
Powerful: African Americans in Energy
Navigate a miniature golf landscape as you learn about our range of energy choices.
-
Tornado Alley
Ride along with researchers of VORTEX 2 to hunt for some of nature's most destructive storms.
-
Rocky Mountain Express
Jump onboard this journey through the Canadian Rockies by train!
-
- Coming Soon
-
-
Member Omnimax Film Festival
See a favorite Omnimax film, catch one you may have missed or experience a premiere.
-
MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition [Opens March 15]
Try your hand at busting or confirming myths in wildly entertaining experiments.
-
Elements and Experiments
Join bestselling author Theodore Gray on his tour of the periodic table.
-
New Online Activities
- Online Activity
-
See the Colors in Leaves
Use chromatography to separate the pigments in leaves and see what they're made of.
- Online Activity
-
Fly a Hot-Air Balloon
See what happens when air is heated as you build and fly a huge hot-air balloon.
- Online Activity
-
Build an Electric Motor
Magnets and electricity work together to make an electric motor.
