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 2012 honorees or see the program from the event.
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.
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Request more information about our education programs.
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- Happening Now
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MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition
Try your hand at busting or confirming myths in wildly entertaining experiments.
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Rocky Mountain Express
Jump onboard this journey through the Canadian Rockies by train!
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Tornado Alley
Ride along with researchers of VORTEX 2 to hunt for some of nature's most destructive storms.
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- Coming Soon
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Born To Be Wild
Journey to Borneo and Kenya with wildlife teams rescuing endangered elephants and orangutans.
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Member Day Trip: From Sidewalks to Skyscrapers
Learn how to design buildings that withstand the forces of wind, fire and earthquakes.
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Family Snoozeum Night
Join us for a special Snoozeum open to families with children ages 6-12.
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New Online Activities
- Online Activity
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See the Colors in Leaves
Use chromatography to separate the pigments in leaves and see what they're made of.
- Online Activity
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Fly a Hot-Air Balloon
See what happens when air is heated as you build and fly a huge hot-air balloon.
- Online Activity
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Build an Electric Motor
Magnets and electricity work together to make an electric motor.
