Tyler

If it's been a while since you visited the Discovery Science Place in Tyler, this weekend might be just the right time.

After recently celebrating its 15th Birthday and being recognized as one of the country's leading institutions in August, even more praise is on the horizon.

The Noyce Foundation has asked science center officials to participate in The Science Career Ladder study.

The museum will be one of seven participating institutions, along with the New York Hall of Science.

The science centers will work with Geo Education and Research to conduct an in-depth study of the practices and guiding principles that lead to a successful science career ladder model.

The study is scheduled to take place before December.

This invitation comes just a few months after also being named one of Parents Magazine's top science centers in the nation.

According to Michael Shanklin, Executive Director of DSP, the museum will create a local workgroup consisting of institutional leaders, staff, community leaders and youth to develop goals and identify indicators of success for the study.

Additionally, DSP representatives will attend a science career ladder institute in New York that will compare practices across institutions.

"Eighty percent of future careers will demand knowledge of science, math and technology," Shanklin said. "From doctors, nurses, and lab technicians to architects, designers, and construction workers; if children aren't exposed to these disciplines, they will find themselves left out of most careers."

By participating in this case study program, DSP will receive technical assistance directly from the New York Hall of Science.

This will include on-site evaluation from Geo Education and Research that will give the museum the tools to evaluate the currently developing career ladder program.

"We see national partnerships, like the one formed with the New York Hall of Science, as good for the children of the communities we serve," Shanklin said. "This will give the children we work with in our after-school science clubs an amazing opportunity to look toward the future as they pursue their current interests in science, math and technology."

Built initially as a pavilion for the 1964 World's Fair, the New York Hall of Science features the largest collection of hands-on exhibits in New York City.

Since 1986, the Hall has served more than five million children, parents and teachers.

Discovery Science Place is a non-profit, hands-on learning environment whose purpose is to open young minds to science, technology, math and cultures in order to meet the challenges of our times.

Located at 308 N. Broadway in downtown Tyler, it is supported by grants, donations, admissions, memberships and special events.

For more information about the programs, exhibits and services provided by Discovery Science Place, call 903-533-8011 or visit the website at www.discoveryscienceplace.org.

Colby Bridges, 3, of Beaumont, jumps for a beach ball being held in mid air by an air vent at Discovery Science Place. Colby came to the Discovery Science Place after being evacuated from Hurricane Ike.
(Staff File Photo)