She said that the proposed project could help educate young people about STEAM-related (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) topics. These include life, physical, natural and applied sciences.\u00a0<\/p>\n
More importantly, the effort could help children find something that \u201cintrigues them.\u201d They could later explore these passions in high school, college and as a career.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Howell hopes to reimagine classic experiences at the planned center. For example, she reminisced about Great Explorations\u2019 Touch Tunnel exhibit, which was focused on sensory education. At the proposed complex, children could learn about sensory science.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Youth with Great Explorations Children\u2019s Museum\u2019s mascot, Morris. Photo provided.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think being able to bring some of the nostalgia of what we have had at Great Explorations and what people remember could bring everything forward,\u201d Howell said. \u201cIt would tie it all together.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The project is in its infancy and ideas are still being developed. \u201cWe want to make sure that this is something the community wants,\u201d she added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Great Explorations Children\u2019s Museum board member Donna Cothron, who previously was an engineer, envisions the Discovery Center as a place where community partners can have an impact.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The hub could host traveling exhibits that educate young people about history and science. Local professionals could participate in presentations on the campus, she explained.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Additionally, children and teenagers could read about technology pioneers such as George Washington Carver and Thomas Edison at a dedicated library on the property.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cothron believes that the center will provide an \u201coutlet\u201d for creative and science-minded youth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 20 years, these young people will be leading our community,\u201d she said. \u201cWe want to make sure that they can do it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cothron explained that simple experiments such as building a Co2 rocket or car can give students a \u201cthrill\u201d and encourage them to \u201ctake the next step.\u201d The Discovery Center can also inspire girls to explore science.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is still a stigma of being a woman in engineering,\u201d she said. \u201cIt could give children who never thought about careers in a different way an opportunity to experience something meaningful.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cothron added that the project can foster family bonding.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Children and their parents could watch films together during community movie nights, she said. They could also learn more about the benefits of artificial intelligence and how to utilize it ethically and efficiently.<\/p>\n
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The Great Explorations Children\u2019s Museum features a variety of exhibits that focus on creativity, play and discovery. Photo: Visit Tampa Bay<\/p>\n
Pinellas County resident Bobby Colon is a father. He attended the Wednesday community forum.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Colon explained that his children enjoy watching YouTube videos of science experiments. The Discovery Center could help teach them \u201cthe science behind\u201d these activities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He hopes the Great Explorations team includes a splash pad and coffee shop for parents if the project moves forward.<\/p>\n
Colon believes that STEAM education is essential.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cKids may not necessarily understand how important those things are and how interconnected they are,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, I think it\u2019s great to give them a place to learn that.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Engagement events are essential in the planning process, Colon argued.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t say that our community is missing something if we don\u2019t express the things that we are looking for,\u201d he explained. \u201cThis is a great chance to provide that open feedback in an open forum to share ideas, and hopefully then this becomes something that everybody is asking for.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Additional community gatherings are scheduled for July 15 (4 to 5 p.m.), July 16 (8 to 9 a.m. and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.) and July 22 (8 to 9 a.m.) at the Bay Point Elementary School campus (5800 22nd Street S.). To register, visit this link.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n