The Long Island Science Center Receives Grant for 3D Printing
Long Island Science Center Receives Grant for 3D Printing and Design Program:
The Long Island Community Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to the Long Island Science Center. This grant will allow the Science Center to provide a 3D Printing and Design Program to under-served children in the Riverhead and Riverside communities. The LISC has provided STEAM curricula to over 345,000 children and continues to offer more than thirty BOCES reimbursable programs in both English and Spanish that also meet Next Generation Learning Standards.
As STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) based job opportunities steadily increase, technological skills are quickly becoming necessary for those seeking employment. Despite this need, there are inconsistent opportunities for children on Long Island to learn these skills. "We recognized that there are very few tech-based programs for elementary and middle school students in the area and are working to develop a number of new programs that will be designed to make subjects, such as 3D printing and the engineering design process, fun, hands-on and accessible for students. Programs like this help build confidence and critical-thinking skills," said Cailin Kaller, Executive Director of the Long Island Science Center. " We know that many students have already decided what is and isn't for them by the time they have reached high school, we want to help them explore how STEM can be part of their future."
This 3D Printing Program is now a reality, thanks to the Long Island Community Foundation. The Long Island Community Foundation supplied a grant that will allow the Long Island Science Center to provide three 5-week 3D printing sessions with two levels: one created for students in elementary school and the other for students in middle school. This program, starting in October 2019, will explore the engineering design process and teach children to use a 3D design program called Tinkercad, which allows them to create objects that can be printed out on a 3D printer. In addition to the class sessions, the Science Center will also be offering free, open 3D printing hours to the students in the program.
"We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to develop and provide this program," Kaller added, "and we are looking forward to working with community organizations to get as much student participation as possible." Tia Fulford of the The Butterfly Effect Project stated "we are super excited to be included on this life changing experience that the Science Center is giving us." The Butterfly Effect Project is just one organization that the Science Center has partnered with. Fulford stated "In a world where girls are having to fight a little harder to be seen, heard, and respected it is incredible that The Butterfly Effect Project is being given this opportunity to crush stigma and explore the endless possibilities of what science and their mind can muster up."
About the Long Island Science Center:
HISTORY: Founded in 1990, the Long Island Science Center offers a wide array of STEM programming both to the public and to school groups. The current location offers 2,000 square feet of exhibition and classroom space, and is available for private rental. The museum staff travel all over Long Island to provide programming in schools and libraries, as well as for organized groups.
MISSION: The Long Island Science Center is a place where children and adults of all ages will experience the wonder and joy of discovery through interactive exhibits based upon fundamental principles of Mathematics, Science, and Technology.
The Long Island Science Center, in partnership with local corporations, historical societies, and professional societies, will develop exhibits and programs that showcase the rich history of technology, invention, and scientific advancement that has made Long Island a leading force in agriculture, commerce, and technology.
The Science Center experience is designed to stimulate and encourage a life-long interest in the sciences and promote science literacy in both children and adults.
The Long Island Science Center is generously supported by BNB Bank:
BNB Bank is one of New York’s fastest growing community banks on Long Island with 39 branches. Founded on the East End in 1910, the bank has a long history of focusing on the local community and supporting nonprofit organizations that enrich the neighborhoods, towns and villages in which they operate.