The Explore-It-All Science Center is:
a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose Board of Directors and Advisory Board is comprised of scientists, educators and local leaders interested in enhancing the understanding of science, technology and engineering in the Washington D.C. area.
In our increasingly complex world, it is more important than ever to understand science, technology and engineering. Our children must be prepared to contribute to the world of tomorrow. The Explore-It-All Science Center can foster this preparation for the future.
With interactive hands-on exhibits, and a traveling area-school program, Explore-It-All enriches the community and schools with engaging programs that spark and sustain an interest in science, technology and engineering.
More specifically, we:
- Provide children and their families with a creative, interactive environment in which to explore science and technology.
- Positively contribute to the educational development of a scientifically literate population through participation in informal science activities.
- Present the metropolitan area with a unique science center that is not a museum, but has all the enriching qualities of one! It is a science center with a hands-on, interactive approach that brings science and technology to area residents.
The Founder
Karen Rubin-Hamilton, President
With the help of generous benefactors, distinquished members of the scientific community, and tireless volunteers, Karen has been able to fullfill her dream of bringing science and technology programs into schools.
An educator herself, Rubin-Hamilton's passion and determination have helped young people through out Maryland discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology, inspiring and motivating them to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, all the while building self-confidence, leadership and life skills.
Our Mission
The Explore-It-All Science Center is committed to:
- Encourage children of all ages to learn that science and technology are related to all aspects of life and therefore are to be enjoyed.
- Advance the active investigation of science concepts by children through interactive exhibits.
- Provide children with a relaxed, creative atmosphere in which to explore science and technology.
Our Broader Goals
- to nurture students' interests by providing hands-on exhibits and engaging them in activities designed around their natural developmental growth.
- to positively contribute to the increasing need for children to become more competent in the world of science and technology.
- to utilize nationally recognized standards in the field of science education to develop both programming and exhibits that complement formal science curricula offered through area schools.
- to create an environment where children willingly come enjoying the exploration, discovery and interactive experiences that the center provides encourage girls in particular to realize that science is exciting and to be enjoyed, so that as they grow, they will be able to positively contribute to the world of tomorrow.
- to become recognized as an institution worthy of financial support from individuals, local businesses, corporations, and agencies because of the valuable service it provides to our community.
Staff
Our staff is composed of a small but devoted full-time and part-time staff, and numerous student and adult volunteers whose generousity of time and attention allow us to bring our enriching programs out into the community.
History
- 1992—The concept of Explore-It-All developed out of a need for science enrichment opportunities. Its leadership is composed of citizens interested in enhancing the understanding of science.
- 1993-94 —Establishment of Board of Directors, Incorporated/MD, 501©3 non-profit tax exempt status approved.
- 1995— Development of on going support from local foundations, corporations and the Montgomery County Public Schools.
- 1996-97— Explore-It-All partnered with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to bring Dinamation's World of Whales to NOAA's Silver Spring campus from September to December of 1997.
- 1998-99— Explore-It-All developed the many components necessary in order to present its second extensive exhibition. The Traveling Mini Science Carnival created by the Pacific Science Center was hosted at White Flint in Bethesda, from February to May of 1999.
- 2000-01— Development of our own mobile outreach unit, Explore-It-All Express. The first enrichment unit was Building Bridges. It is designed to be a two-hour interactive engineering experience brought to students. This program enables the students to develop a more sophisticated understanding and appreciation for the design and technology behind the engineering of bridges.
Outreach
Hands-on activities covering the many disciplines of science and engineering have been brought to individuals in the metropolitan area through the center's participation in community events. As part of our outreach goals, it is envisioned that Explore-It-All Express will be a full set of mobile exhibits, for utilization throughout the Greater Metropolitan area.
Facility
A permanent facility with a minimum of 20,000 square feet is envisioned for the Montgomery County area. It is here that we anticipate housing a permanent set of exhibits, as well as providing a location for special programming to take place with meeting rooms and demonstration areas.
Membership
Individual, family and corporate memberships are available.
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