Kidzeum Receives National Science Foundation Grant to Create Center for STEAM Education
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SPRINGFIELD — Kidzeum is engaging the community in the co-design of a cutting-edge STEAM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Center and learning network that will work to
improve learning outcomes for students in Springfield and surrounding communities. The project is
made possible by a grant from the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) Program at the
National Science Foundation (NSF).
Led by Leah Wilson, Executive Director of Kidzeum, Dr. Catherine Haden of Loyola University, and
Dr. David Uttal of Northwestern University, the project will position Kidzeum as a learning hub
where children and families engage with hands-on science and technology activities in ways that are
meaningful and relevant to them.
“Being selected for this funding reflects national confidence in Kidzeum’s approach to learning
through play,” says Wilson. “It also positions our work as part of a broader effort to improve student
competency in STEM subjects by expanding access to programs in informal educational settings.”
Why create a Center for STEAM if the goal is to improve student achievement in STEM?
Adding art to make STEAM creates opportunities to foster creativity and innovation, as it can
encourage design thinking and a more comprehensive approach to problem-solving. It also makes
STEM concepts more interesting and relevant for learners who gravitate toward the creative fields,
which can broaden participation from a variety of learners.
Why is informal science learning important? Children’s museums are uniquely positioned to
provide immersive, social learning opportunities where kids can begin to see themselves as
engineers, scientists, or mathematicians. “We can’t underestimate the value of pretend play,” says
Wilson. “When a child puts on a white coat, picks up a toy stethoscope and pretends to give mom a
physical, they are building memories that can turn into dreams. And dreams can turn into goals. And
goals can become reality.”
What activities are planned? Over the coming months, the museum will host a series of workshops
and focus groups, inviting input from a diverse cross-section of urban and rural constituents. This
includes families, educators, farmers, nonprofits, STEM professionals, and business owners from
Springfield and surrounding communities. Participants will discuss and map existing community
assets that support STEM/STEAM education and will also consider barriers that must be overcome
to build a stronger learning ecosystem.
“Too often STEAM programming for young children is designed for communities rather than with
them,” says Haden. “This project offers a fundamentally different approach – one that positions
parents, educators, and community members as experts and genuine co-designers.”
Why use a co-design model? The goal of actively co-designing the center with the community is to
develop exhibits and programs that not only teach important STEM/STEAM concepts but also
connect to the daily lives and experiences of learners. For example, the center might offer after
school programs introducing students to agricultural technology or hands-on engineering challenges
inspired by local industries. Building children’s interest in STEM/STEAM at a young age helps to
build job skills that will ensure a stronger labor pool for the future.
“I am excited about the partnership between Northwestern University and the new STEAM Center at
Kidzeum,” said Uttal. “This innovative approach could serve as a model for other institutions across
the country, helping to make science education more accessible and relevant to a variety of
communities.”
Where will the center be located? In 2022, the museum received $497,560 from the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources Museum Capital Grant Program to renovate 2,200 square feet of
vacant space. The two resulting rooms will serve as the primary operational space for the STEAM
Center. The museum plans to open the center within the next 3 years, pending additional funding.
Who can participate? Kidzeum is putting out a call for participation that extends to constituents in
Springfield and surrounding communities. Anyone who has an interest in expanding STEM/STEAM
programs for children is welcome to participate. The project gets underway in February with two
opportunities for the community to help us begin the process of collaboration and co-design of the
new Kidzeum STEAM Center.
Option 1: February 5 3:00-4:30 p.m Meeting via Zoom
Option 2: February 12 7:00-8:30 p.m. Meeting via Zoom
For more information on how to get involved in the design process of the STEAM Center, visit
Kidzeum.org/education or email info@kidzeum.org.