summer of scienceWe want YOU—to join us for a Summer of Science Discovery Center style! While summer can be a time for relaxing, traveling and playing, it also has the potential to cause students to lose academic progress made during the school year. Studies show that children can potentially lose between 1-3 months of academic progress over the course of the summer. We have the solution to preventing brain drain—sign up for Discovery Center’s Summer of Science workshops! Our sessions are developed here at DCS by our full time, highly qualified education staff. They strive to provide your child with workshops that are not only fun, but packed with learning opportunities galore! This summer’s topics include game design, gross science, gooey science, treasure hunting, and a couple of maker workshops for girls only! Each summer is a new series of adventures! To see the workshop options for this summer, check out pages 4-5! Register early—space is limited to only 20 scientists per workshop!

IMAGINEQuarterly Newsletter Spring 2015 • Volume 15 • Issue 4

“Every

kid should

be able to do a

summer activity

like this!”

“All staff/ teachers were friendly and helpful. As a parent I was very impressed with the program.”

“Safe, informative and fun—what more could a parent ask for in a summer program?”

“Wow! The information and activities that are packed into 4 days is

unbelievable! We’ve done lots of summer programs from lots of different

resources—the programs offered here are by far the best! The teachers were

fantastic—my kids talked non-stop every night about the day’s learning—they

were teaching ME stuff! Wish this had been available when I was a kid!”

“My child loved the workshop, and I love the diversity and

actually involving the kids in projects, supporting a mental

exercise--encouraging them to think outside the box”

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We are celebrating Spring Break by making a mess! Art and science collide March 9-12 and 16-19 as you paint, sculpt, print, and sew with our staff and artists. Different activities will be featured each day and they will take place from 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm, with exciting demonstrations throughout the day. The event is included in general admission and visitors of all ages will have a chance to participate! We have partnered with artists from Art Inspired and DreamIT, MakeIT to bring the best of art, technology, and science to the Discovery Center! Each day has special activities planned to make your Spring Break one to remember!

Discovery Center of Springfield is excited to host our first pet adoption day!

As an educational resource for the Springfield community, DCS wanted to create an event that benefited local animal rescue organizations and raised awareness about the importance of spaying/neutering pets. When Healing Paws Veterinary Clinic

Dear Friends,By the time this newsletter arrives in your mailbox, I will be celebrating my one year anniversary at Dis-covery Center and hopefully, we all will be celebrat-ing the arrival of spring weather! It is hard for me to grasp that nearly a year ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to become part of the DCS team. It is an honor to continue the success started 17 years ago by then Executive Director, Emily Fox. To her, I am grateful.

My time has been spent getting to know the amazing people who make the Discovery Center an integral part of our community: DCS board of directors, volunteers, members, donors, staff…and you. Without you, DCS would not be able to provide the quality STEM education it does on a daily basis. The generosity of your time, talents, and treasure is heartfelt.

My time has also been spent getting to know my way around this 60,000 square foot facility. Who knew it was this BIG? I vividly remember getting lost on my first day and a volunteer had to show me the way to my office. However, in doing so, I discovered my favorite exhibit which is located on the 3rd floor of the west building. It gets overlooked since it is near the fascinating high wire bike but let me assure you it is the “WOWZER” factor in life science educa-tion.

In the pages that follow, you will read all the excit-ing events we have lined up for spring and summer. Come get messy with science during spring break, appropriately named Messtival. Make sure your little scientists don’t miss one of our summer workshops.

offered to sponsor the event, it made the event come to life! The ASPCA reports that approximately 3.9 million dogs enter animal shelters each year. While the number may seem over-whelming, Discovery Center feels passionately about doing our part in finding forever homes for some of these dogs in need. Rescue One, Route 66 Rescue, and C.A.R.E will all have adopt-able animals onsite! Whether you are bringing the family to play at Discovery Center or searching for a new furry family member, everyone is invited to stop by the event and check it out! Springfield Animal Advocacy Foundation (S.A.A.F.) will also be here to provide information on the importance of spaying and neutering.

And for us big scientists don’t miss our upcoming Science Café at our new location, Springfield Brew-ing Company.

We’ve got plenty in stock for you over the next few months that will keep you inspired, engaged, and learning. I look forward to seeing you on your next visit to Discovery Center and excited to show off my favorite exhibit. And if I’ve piqued your curiosity about it, then here’s a hint: beetles and flies are the star of the show!

messTivalpeT adopTion

a message from The execuTive direcTor

Meleah SpencerExecutive Director

P.S. I would love to hear from you! Send ideas or feedback to mspencer@discoverycenter.org or call 417.862.9910 x700.

Workshops & EVENTS

Pet Adoption

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Make your very own batch of Oobleck and see how sound waves make our Oobleck dance!

Dream IT, Make IT will be here showing off a 3D Doodle Pen and Printer! Visitors will also get a chance to sculpt with homemade playdough and create their very own work of art!

Learn how to sew and weave with our giant loom and sewing table!

Join us for Pet Adoption Day from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Auditorium at Discovery Center of Springfield, located at 438 East St. Louis Street, Springfield, MO 65806. The Pet Adoption Day in the auditorium is free to the public. To stay and play in the center, general admission still applies.

See how watercolor paint reacts with oil to make cool designs! Little ones can squish paint in bags to mix colors and draw (all without making a real mess!) Visitors will have a chance to participate in our demo by painting over a tape-covered canvas, then removing the tape to see the design!

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

TUESDAY

Messtival

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Our full time, highly qualified education staff work hard to develop summer workshops that are not only fun, but packed with learning opportunities galore!

Feedback from past participants consistently indicates that the number one feature parents and children alike appreciate in DCS workshops are the high quality of programming options and staff.

438 E St Louis St . Springfield MO . 65806 • (417).862.9910 • DiscoveryCenter.org

GET the FACTS • ClassesareMon–Thur,June8–July30 •Registration: Member priority registration Mar 3-14 Non-member Mar 17–until sessions are filled • Cost: (per week & includes 1-FREE t-shirt!) Pre-K: Ages 4-5 Mon–Thurs, 9am-Noon $75 member•$85 non-member • Grades 1-8 Mon–Thurs 9am-3pm $165 member •$185non-member

• Preregistration&Pre-paymentRequired To pay with a credit card, must include VISA, MasterCard or Discover number. Once processed parents will receive an email confirmation.• Grades 1-8 must bring sack lunch w/drink daily • Some workshops have an additional supply fee listed in workshop description.• RegistrationDeadline&Changes: No later than 1 week prior to start of workshop.

• Refunds or credits will be issued only in the case of an emergency or if workshop is canceled. • Most workshops are limited to 20 students. Courses with fewer than 8 students enrolled 7 days prior to the start of session may be subject to cancellation. In this instance we will contact you immediately to discuss options. • Grade requirements apply workshops are for students going into those grades indicated.

We strive to make sure that your investment in your child’s enrichment experience is the very best!

To see what’s available for this summer’s fun-filled science learning experiences, check out the workshops list on the next page. Register early—class sizes are limited!

Experience a summer filled with science adventures!

RegisTeROnline!

Quick&easyDiscoveryCenter.org

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In January 2009, Discovery Center of Springfield and Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) collaborated to offer the very first Science Café to the Springfield community. The collab-oration has continued for the past 5 years, and is gearing up to begin year 6 of this partnership. Allen Kunkel, Director of JVIC, says “JVIC is proud to support the Discovery Center’s Science Café because it provides an opportunity for us to con-nect with the community to educate and raise the awareness of the research and development occurring at JVIC and with our corporate part-ners…. The Science Café is targeted for adult programming that allows attendees to learn about some cool things happening in our com-munity in a relaxed atmosphere, while enjoying dinner or a beverage…. Attendees will not regret attending a Science Café event.” Over the past 5 years, speakers have discussed with participants topics ranging from development of new med-ical devices, nano tubes, biochemistry, sinkhole science, infectious disease, astronomy, genetics and more! 2015 began with a glimpse of con-ducting scientific research in Antarctica, and will continue with an exciting lineup of scientists ea-

ger to share information about their various topics. From

computer hacking to health care, 2015 is

going to be a great continuation of the Science Café ex-perience! New for April 2015—a new

location! Join us for science, discussion,

food and a learning adventure for adults at

Springfield Brewing Co.! Join us for any and all of these future Science Cafés!

We can work with you to fit your needs for any celebration. Our space is well suited for wedding receptions, holiday parties, fundraisers, corporate retreats, and so much more. These are a few of the features we offer make any event memorable:

Affordable FeesVersatile Space

Privately-Owned Parking LotDowntown Location

A Unique Environment

Proceeds from event rentals support our educational program-ming and hands-on exhibits. Discovery Center is a non-profit organization that depends on contributions to provide extraordi-nary experiences that help ignite imagination and excite people of all ages to want to learn something more. Visit our website for more information on pricing.

Plan your child’s birthday party at Discovery Center! It will be a birthday to remember with a little science and some serious fun!

Our basic party package includes: DCS staff to welcome you and clean up after the party and one hour in our birthday party room (You get a free 30 minutes to set up, as well!)

Upgrade to a premium birthday party package by adding a science demonstration or scavenger hunt (or both!). These 15 minute science demonstrations are led by one of our excellent DCS Visitor Experience Staff!

Wrap up your time in the birthday party room with a fun (and educational) science demo designed especially for birthday party guests. Two weeks notice required to reserve a premium party package. Our members get a 10% discount on the total price of the party!

evenTs evenTs

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Dr. Shannon McMurtreyCybersecurity: Current status and How to Stay Safe Online Hackers….data breaches….cyber attack….words that are becoming increasingly com-mon. What are some of the latest trends and attacks that cyber criminals are using to steal data? What steps can be taken to keep infor-mation secure when online? Join us as Dr. Shannon McMurtrey, Director of Cybersecu-rity Masters Program shares information, live demonstrations and up-to-date resources that can help you keep your digital information as safe as possible!

THURSDAY

16July Dr. Cody Stringer

Money Machine: the Business of InnovationEveryone has ideas. Everyone wants to make money. What could be better than making money from your ideas? Cody Stringer, En-trepreneurial Specialist with Mercy Medical Research and Development will discuss how Mercy Health creates new medical devices based on the ideas generated by Mercy staff. Get a glimpse of some examples of devices that are helping medical professionals im-prove the care they provide to patients. Learn more about the process Mercy uses, and how great ideas are getting turned into profitable products!

THURSDAY

15

ocTo

ber

Dr. Kerri MillerIt Takes G.U.T.S. To Get Well: New resources for illness recoveryIllness recovery can be a long, slow process. But what if there were a way to speed things up? Join us for an evening with Dr. Kerri Miller to find out about a new oral hydrobiotic formula called Re:iimmune. You’ll learn about the research and development of this product, and practical ways it can be used to help in illness recovery.

THURSDAY

SciEncE caFÉ

All Science Cafés are from 6-8 p.m. Seating is limited—first come, first served! Enjoy an evening of information, discussion and fun! There is no charge to attend—food and beverage available for purchase.

birthday parties

host your event at discovery center!

Discovery Center is one of Springfield’s most unique and versatile event locations and is unmatched in its originality and value. After more than 16 years of mak-ing memories, Discovery Center of Springfield has the event experience down to a SCIENCE.

Discovery Center of Springfield is an interactive, hands-on museum committed to inspiring people of all ages with a life-long love

of learning and an appreciation for the world and our place in it.

Discovery Center of Springfield438 East St. Louis, StreetSpringfield, MO 65806Volume 15, Issue 4 Quarterly

Fall, Winter, & Spring Hours: Monday: ClosedTuesday-Thursday: 9am-5pmFriday-Saturday: 9am-6pmSunday: 1pm-5pm

Summer Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pmFriday-Saturday: 9am-6pmSunday: 1pm-5pm

Non-profit Organization

US POSTAGE PAIDSpringfield, MO

Permit #801

Great Minds atPlay!

Marissa BuechelShaina DunnCarlee GrahamJamie KeathleyJohn KingDana OwensLynni Payne

Meghan ReelJenean RosenauSkyler RichardsonThomas SalinasStacey SeesPaHoua VangAnn Wempe

Board of Directors

staffAt DCS, we value the unique passions and abilities of our volunteers and strive to make their experience one that is rewarding. Our volunteers are one of our most valuable assets and we cannot thank them enough for their support of Discovery Center! Last year, our volunteers donated 3,950 hours to Discovery Center, and each of those hours was spent furthering our mission – whether they helped visitors, did demonstrations, stuffed envelopes, or directed people from one place to another – our volunteers make an impact each day they are here! We offer two types of volunteer experiences at DCS: Ongoing and One-Time/Special Events.

Our ongoing volunteers are those who may need 15-40+ hours of volunteer service and are interested in devoting a few hours per week to DCS. These volunteers do everything! They may be ongoing volunteers or volunteers who have a more limited schedule and need several hours. DCS has a fast-paced environment where volunteers can do any number of tasks associated with exciting events and fundraisers throughout the year!

If interested in volunteering, please contact: Kaleigh Trammell Visitor Experience Manager 417-862-9910 x709 or kjtrammell@discoverycenter.org

paul satterwhitePresident

rick germanPresident Elect

dawn WohlgemuthSecretary

scott goldTreasurer

Jeff eisermanPast Presidentron nevilleAt-Large

austin o’reillyAt-Large

Karen BrownHannah CatlettShirley CollisonJeff FryeJustin GilesLiz GodwinBen HackenwerthEllen Hammock

Allen KunkelSaunny LynchGary PendergrassBrent SingletonChristopher SwanMark Wood

volunTeers

Meleah spencer, Executive Director

Laurie Duncan, Education Director

Christina Worth, Finance Director

sara Coffman, ChromoZone Lab Facilitator

Brent stock, Educator

Joanna hilburn, Guest services

kaleigh Trammell, Visitor Experience Manager

Ashlee Ifland, Marketing & Advancement Director

Zach Clapper, Assistant Visitor Experience Manager

Micah Even, Educator

robert olson, Exhibits Technician

ryan hawkins, Educator

hayley Budd, program and Membership specialist

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(417) 862-9910