Honoring the Past and Innovative Spirit of America Through Science at COSI
Celebrating American Innovation: COSI's STEAM Learning Lunchbox Event
The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services recently collaborated to host the American Innovation Learning Lunchbox STEAM Kit Distribution event. The event, which took place at Liberty Island in front of the Statue of Liberty, was a celebration of hands-on, interactive STEAM education for students.
The initiative aimed to promote science education while fostering civic values. The event featured the launch of the John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox, a kit designed to help students explore STEAM concepts alongside lessons in civility and civic engagement. The kit incorporates digital elements like the Dr. B in 3 animated video series and a Digital STEAM Portal to enhance the immersive learning experience.
The event was a fitting tribute to astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn, who embodied exploration and public service. Middle school students were among the first to engage with the kit’s interactive activities at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio.
Students from the Special Music School in Manhattan, New York, and the Locke School of Arts and Engineering participated in the event. Dr. Frederic Bertley, COSI President and CEO, and Stephen White, VP of External Affairs, Strategic Initiatives, and Business Development, conducted science experiments on Liberty Island. Each student received an American Innovation Learning Lunchbox to conduct their own experiments at home.
The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to commemorate the creation of the U.S. government, served as a symbol of freedom, liberty, and innovation for the event. The event also marked the beginning of celebrations for the United States of America's 250th birthday, scheduled for two years from now.
In addition, COSI is considering using U.S. National Parks as locations for future STEM learning experiences. This approach reflects a broader goal to celebrate American innovation by inspiring future generations in both STEM fields and civic responsibility, continuing Senator Glenn’s legacy of exploration and public service.
The event's participants showed a real enthusiasm for the science they experienced, and there may be a future influential scientist among them. As COSI continues to explore the use of 3D printers to teach robotics and STEM subjects, it is clear that the organization is committed to fostering a love for science and learning in young minds.
- The American Innovation Learning Lunchbox STEAM Kit Distribution event, hosted by COSI and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, promoted lifelong learning in STEAM subjects and civic engagement, with an aim to celebrate American innovation.
- The event featured the launch of the John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox, a kit that incorporates digital elements like the Dr. B in 3 animated video series and a Digital STEAM Portal, designed to enhance interactive learning experiences.
- Middle school students, as well as students from the Special Music School in Manhattan, New York, and the Locke School of Arts and Engineering, had the opportunity to engage with the kit’s interactive activities during the event.
- In line with its commitment to fostering a love for science and learning in young minds, COSI is considering using U.S. National Parks as locations for future STEM learning experiences, aiming to inspire future generations in both STEM fields and civic responsibility.
