Thanks to the $50,000 Museum for America grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, the KidZone Museum, nationally recognized as an exemplary children’s museum, is moving forward to develop its science curriculum and programs for children under the age of 10.

The “SCIENTASTIC” project strengthens the KidZone Museum’s ability to engage its growing diverse audience in the exploration of innovative science, including ecology and earth sciences; the museum’s new Outdoor Nature Play Center offers children a place for hands-on natural science.

The initial SCIENTASTIC programs will be specifically hands-on science-based programming in ecology, chemistry and earth sciences, heavily influenced by the museum’s natural surroundings in Truckee, which include thousands of acres of protected forest and watersheds. Programming will benefit from the expertise in professional development offered by the Lawrence Hall of Science, UNR scientists and the teachings by various museum collaborators.

A main goal of the SCIENTASTIC program is to help decrease the national gaps in science education for students from low-income and poorly educated families, offering them a place to learn and explore. The program plans to reach as many children and families as possible by also participating in community science events and programs. By participating in offsite science events, the SCIENTASTIC project will reach even those children who aren’t able to visit the KidZone Museum.

For additional information about the KidZone Museum, contact Carol Meagher at director@kidzonemuseum.org or (530) 320.5613.