Emerald Coast Science Center
The Emerald Coast Science Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to excite, inform and entertain visitors of all ages about science and technology. Located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, this science center has been open since 1989 and has become an increasingly popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
In this article, we will investigate the history of Emerald Coast Science Center, its exhibits and programs, as well as its impact on the local community. Furthermore, we'll consider how the center has responded to challenges presented by COVID-19 pandemic and what lies ahead for this remarkable institution.
History:
In 1985, a group of concerned citizens proposed the opening of an educational science center in Fort Walton Beach. After raising funds through private donations and grants from government agencies such as NASA, the Emerald Coast Science Center opened its doors four years later in 1996.
The Science Center was originally housed in an old ice cream parlor. Here it offered hands-on experiences to introduce visitors of all ages to scientific concepts through experiments.
Over time, the center's popularity grew and it expanded its facilities to include more exhibit space and classrooms. In 2012 it moved to its present location on Memorial Parkway where it continues to serve as a focal point for STEM learning activities in Northwest Florida.
Exhibits:
One of the primary draws to the Emerald Coast Science Center is its impressive selection of interactive exhibits that cover a broad range of scientific fields. From exploring outer space to studying human anatomy or discovering renewable energy sources - there's something here for everyone's interests!
Popular permanent installations include:
- The Interactive Space Exhibit: This exhibit showcases models of spacecraft from NASA's past missions along with simulations that explain how they operate.
- BodyWorks Exhibit: This exhibit provides visitors with a hands-on opportunity to learn about the human body's organs and systems through visual aids such as models and videos.
- The Energy Exhibit: This exhibit showcases various forms of energy, such as solar power, wind power and hydroelectricity. Visitors can interact with simulations to understand each type's workings.
In addition to permanent exhibits, the science center also presents rotating exhibitions that showcase different areas of scientific research or topics connected to current events. Past temporary displays have focused on marine biology, robotics and climate change.
Programs:
The Emerald Coast Science Center offers educational programs to students of all ages. These sessions are designed to be engaging and interactive, offering lessons beyond traditional classroom settings.
Some popular programs offered by the center include:
- Summer Camps: Every summer, the science center hosts week-long camps that focus on specific STEM subjects. These programs provide an immersive learning environment where children can learn from experts in various fields.
- Homeschool Days: The center hosts regular homeschool days where students can engage in hands-on activities tailored specifically for this group of learners.
- Field Trips: Schools from throughout Northwest Florida regularly visit the science center on field trips. These visits give students a chance to apply their classroom learning outside of their comfort zone and gain new perspective.
Additionally, the Emerald Coast Science Center engages in community outreach initiatives by bringing its exhibits and programs into local schools or hosting events like Science Nights at nearby parks.
Impact on the Community:
Since its founding over 30 years ago, The Emerald Coast Science Center has had a profound effect on its surrounding community. It serves as an anchor for STEM education opportunities that might not otherwise be accessible in rural parts of Northwest Florida.
Through its exhibits and programming, the science center has motivated countless young people to pursue careers in science-related fields. Many former attendees have gone on to work in aerospace engineering, marine biology or other STEM professions due to their exposure to these subjects at the science center.
The center has also created a hub where families can come together and learn about science in an accessible, enjoyable manner. It's not uncommon for parents to bring their children multiple times throughout the year as there's always something new to discover at the center.
Coping With the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Like many other institutions, the Emerald Coast Science Center had to adapt quickly when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020. They temporarily closed their doors but soon reopened with safety protocols such as mandatory masks, social distancing measures and limited capacity in place.
The staff also turned their focus towards online programming. They created virtual tours of exhibits and began offering STEM activities that could be completed from home, helping keep visitors engaged with science education even when physical visits weren't possible. These initiatives kept visitors informed and motivated to explore further even when physical visits weren't feasible.
Future Plans:
The Emerald Coast Science Center has grand ambitions for the future, including expanding their impact on STEM education in Northwest Florida. One major initiative known as "Science City" entails building a larger facility dedicated solely to this pursuit.
This new facility would offer more exhibit space, classrooms and labs where students could engage in hands-on experiments or work on projects related to scientific research. Furthermore, it would enable the center to extend its outreach efforts into neighboring communities that may not have access to similar resources currently.
Are There Educational Programs and Exhibits Available for Both Kids and Adults?
Yes, the Emerald Coast Science Center provides educational programs and exhibits for both kids and adults. The center's exhibits are designed to be engaging for visitors of all ages; so parents can enjoy exploring scientific concepts alongside their children.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the center also hosts rotating exhibitions that explore various fields of scientific inquiry. These temporary displays are tailored towards particular age groups or interests.
The educational programs provided by the center are open to students of all ages. There are summer camps for kids, homeschool days, field trips for schools in Northwest Florida and community outreach initiatives that bring STEM learning opportunities into local schools.
Adults interested in furthering their knowledge on science-related subjects can take advantage of the Emerald Coast Science Center's annual workshops and lectures. Topics range from astronomy and marine biology to climate change - providing lifelong learning opportunities about pressing scientific matters.
What Days and Hours of Operation Are Available?
The Emerald Coast Science Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, as well as on Sundays from 12 noon to 4 pm. Please note that we are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
During the summer months (June through August), the center may offer extended hours or be open an extra day during the week. To stay informed on these updates, visitors should check its website or social media pages for details.
It's essential to be aware that due to COVID-19 safety protocols, the center is currently operating with reduced capacity and limited hours. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online ahead of their visit and wear masks while inside the facility.
Where To Stay While In Fort Walton Beach:
1 Bedroom Vacation Rentals:
In Summary:
The Emerald Coast Science Center is an invaluable institution that promotes STEM learning opportunities in Northwest Florida. With its engaging exhibits, educational programs, community outreach initiatives and commitment to adapting during challenging times, it serves a vital role as a dependable resource for people of all ages.
With projects like "Science City," this non-profit organization hopes to inspire young minds and foster scientific curiosity within our local community for years to come.