Suncoast Science Center reaches thousands through summer programs

Even as the organization is working toward establishing its brick and mortar presence, the Suncoast Science Center (SSC) is providing educational and fun programs to thousands of children throughout the community. This summer, SSC “Queen of Discovery” Jennifer Holt has engaged children in programs exploring robotics, electricity, studying objects through microscopes, and the particularly popular “gloop.”

Programs were held at Girls Inc., multiple Boys & Girls Club locations, the Honi Hanta Camp of the Girls Scouts, and at various public library branches. Adult programming, including the “Windmill Challenge,” was also offered.

SSC also offered all Sarasota libraries activities to complement their summer reading programs which, this summer, had the science theme “Fizz. Boom. Read.” Each library selected its chosen activities, which Holt would then lead. All told, nearly 3,600 children and 300 adults enjoyed science-related activities, 5-6 days per week, through the efforts of the SSC.

“Studies confirm that most science is learned outside of school,” said SSC executive director Ping Faulhaber. “While Sarasota is fortunate to enjoy the presence of a wide variety of science and nature organizations, and numerous activities where families can learn and have fun together, it’s crucial to have the ability to play and practice science to become good at it. Just as kids can benefit from sports clubs or musical programs, they can develop their interest and skills in science with the right resources. That’s the space we are working to fill.”

According to the Department of Education, the average job increase in all occupations over a 10-year span is 14%, while STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) related jobs will increase anywhere from 16-62% in the same span. Yet reports indicate that just one-quarter of high school seniors are performing proficiently or better in mathematics, and only 3 percent of seniors scored at the “advanced” level in math. Organizations like SSC can help to foster an early interest in science and math, creating enthusiastic and lifelong learners who have a better chance of being qualified for the jobs of the future.

Best of all, the participants say they have been enjoying themselves. Girls, Inc. summer camper Riley, 7, loves the summer program. “I like seeing how things react when you do things to them,” she said.

“It’s always fun to see kids who have an adamant dislike of science become completely pulled in by the programs we do,” said Holt. “There are always a few kids who have had bad experiences with science and don’t want to participate. By the end of each program, though, those same kids are the ones that are so completely engaged that they stay to ask questions and want to know when I am coming back to do more science. They are also the first ones to greet me at the door when I come in each time and ask excitedly about what I brought for them to explore.”

When asked to pick her favorite activity, Girls Inc. program participant Lily, 13, said, “I like all of them!” Lily, who attended summer science camp at Eckerd College, hopes to become a computer programmer someday.

PHOTO IDs:

Zakhyla Brenes, a Girls Inc. program participant, uses the power of science to blow out a candle