Museum of Science and Industry

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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.

This spring, the Center held a special event to celebrate the achievements of graduating seniors in our Science Achievers program and teachers who completed the yearlong workshop series offered through the Institute for Quality Science Teaching. The event also featured remarks by Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman.

The 16 students who were recognized were part of the Science Achievers program, which provides teens from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to learn about science, develop public-speaking skills, prepare for college and learn about science careers. They received a surprise gift - a laptop computer, provided by CDW Corp.

The Center comprises these program areas:

Institute for Quality Science Teaching 

The Institute helps educators teach science with passion and confidence. The Institute offers two yearlong professional development workshop series as well as full- and half-day sessions and summer institutes. Teachers who are new to science and those who are more seasoned gain inspiration and skills. To learn more about the Institute, contact Nicole Kowrach, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning.

Community Initiatives

Our Community Initiatives extend the inspiration and fun of science discovery into partner organizations. Children from diverse backgrounds are exposed to exciting ideas, opportunities and career paths in our after-school Science Minors Clubs and the Science Minors youth development program. To learn more about Community Initiatives, contact Latasha Battie, Manager of Community Initiatives.

Student Experiences

Engaging learning opportunities invite students visiting the Museum to experience the passion and thrill of scientific discovery. Learning Labs provide facilitated, hands-on experiences for school groups that are aligned with Illinois and national learning standards. Our state-of-the-art videoconference lab connects onsite and remote classrooms with a hospital operating room, allowing students to interact with a surgical team in our Live ... from the Heart program. To learn more about Student Experiences, contact Nicole Kowrach, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning.

Interactive Science Experiences

We're creating an environment that encourages guests to participate in entirely new ways. Daily live science experiences make guests part of the action with hands-on activities, surprising performances and engaging conversations on current science topics. To learn more, contact Heather Barnes, Director of Guest Experiences.

Legacy of Leadership

Leadership in the global economy depends in large part on sustained innovation in science and technology. Yet as foreign competitors ramp up their investment in this critical area, America is heading in the opposite direction. According to a recent report¹, American fourth-graders ranked near the 80th percentile among nations participating in 2003 science testing, but by the 12th grade they plummet to the 5th percentile. A recent Harris Interactive survey commissioned by the Museum found that 80 percent of American adults believe science does not receive the level of attention it deserves in our nation's schools. What's more, 94 percent support more professional development and training opportunities for teachers and 93 percent believe science museums can help improve the quality of science education.

That's why the Museum is putting educational programming at the center of its efforts as we strive to connect with schools, communities and government to advance science education.

¹ Norman R. Augustine, Is America Falling Off the Flat Earth? National Academy of Sciences, 2007.