Why STEM Education?

At Imagination Station, experiences plant seeds that inspire our future leaders to pursue the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields of study. Imagination Station strives to excite and engage children in inquiry learning and strengthen their knowledge in the STEM content areas.

Experts predict that technological innovation will account for 50% of economic growth over the next 50 years.* What contributes to innovation? A growing and diverse workforce that thinks like scientists-questioning, investigating and discovering. Imagination Station helps in the creation of this workforce by inspiring in children a sense of wonder and excitement about the STEM fields. This is important to the economic viability of our nation. Thirty of the fastest growing jobs in the United States require a background in STEM.*

A future chemist walks into Science Studio, our hands-on science area, and explores polymers and super absorbers. He engages fully in the activity; leaning over the bench using his powers of observation to learn more about this unfamiliar substance.

There is growing concern that these STEM jobs will not be filled by highly skilled individuals. In a 2010 PISA study, out of 34 nations, 15 year olds in the United States ranked 17th in science achievement and 25th in mathematics.* A 2011 ACT survey indicates that only 30% of high school graduates are meeting college readiness benchmarks in the sciences.* That’s less than one in three students.

Imagination Station, working in partnership with school districts, universities and local businesses, is committed to helping prepare future generations to enter the STEM fields.

Some of our efforts to inspire and engage future leaders to help reverse current trends include:

New Learning Worlds
In addition to visitor favorites, Imagination Station has opened six new permanent experiences that help to excite young people about topics including engineering, health, energy and agriculture. All of these experiences feature exhibit guides that help to ensure young people are meeting educational objectives when visiting.

A future geologist experiments in Water Works creating rivers and tributaries, studying the flow of water. She immerses herself in hands-on exploration, staying for hours

Dynamic Traveling Exhibitions
Since reopening, seven traveling exhibitions have been featured in the science center, offering unforgettable experiences including BODIES REVEALED, Mindbender Mansion and Sesame Street Presents: The Body.

Outreach
Meeting Imagination Station’s mission to inspire in children the wonder of science and technology often involves more than a field trip to the science center. In 2011 alone, more than 14,000 students were impacted by our outreach programs including science festivals.

Science Weeks
Each year, in collaboration with national initiatives and local partnerships, Imagination Station features special science weeks that deliver specific STEM content, like Chemistry Week and Little Scientists Week, to visitors through fun, interactive activities.

Hot Summer, Cool Science Summer Camps
Imagination Station helps school kids avoid the summer slide with weeklong summer camps in one of Toledo’s “coolest” locations. This unforgettable week creates memories for kids that last a lifetime. In the last 2 years:

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we need your support to provide hands-on science experiences for kids in our region. Your contribution will further our mission and prepare our kids to thrive in the 21st century!

Imagination Station Board of Directors

2010-12 Annual Fund Donors