GRANT OFFERS STUDENTS A PASSPORT TO EDUCATION
Program Offers Underserved Children Chance for STEM Exploration
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – A recent grant from The Jim Moran Foundation is expanding the STEM Passport Program at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. The awarded $25,000 is expected to serve 700 students in Title 1 elementary schools in Palm Beach County over the next year.
The program inspires students to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Educators from the Science Center will work with teachers to supplement education in the classroom and provide field trips. The STEM Passport covers a broad variety of lesson topics, including physics, environmental resources and conservation, DNA studies and much more, in order to support the learning track the teacher is pursuing at the time of the program.
“We like to say science is adventure with a purpose, and we are grateful for this grant to help us open every mind to science.” said Lew Crampton, the President and CEO of the Science Center. “The STEM Science Passport provides the learning component that comes from hands-on opportunities at our museum, and those experiences go beyond the classroom. This is especially important to those who might not otherwise get this opportunity.”
The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations. For more information, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.
Founded by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The Foundation has invested more than $90 million in education, elder care, family strengthening, after school and youth transitional living initiatives since its inception in 2000 – with efforts currently focused in Broward, Palm Beach and Duval counties. Through a long-term Grant Agreement, The Foundation’s significant funders are JM Family Enterprises, Inc., and its subsidiaries, including Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC. It is located at 100 Jim Moran Blvd., Deerfield Beach, Fla. 33442. To learn more, visit www.jimmoranfoundation.org or call (954) 429-2122.
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach and is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium during Astronaut is $16.95 for adults, $12.95 for children ages 3 to 12 and $14.95 for seniors aged 60 and older. Science Center members and children under 3 are free. Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing.
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