Homewood Science Center

THE HOMEWOOD SCIENCE CENTER IS ORGANIZED EXCLUSIVELY FOR CHARITABLE AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 501(C)3 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED, INCLUDING DEVELOPING AND OPERATING A COMMUNITY SCIENCE CENTER TO ADVANCE LEARNING FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN THE AREAS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

FAMILIES OF YOUNG LEARNERS EXPLORE STEM THROUGH HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES, EXHIBITS, CREATIVE PLAY, AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS LED BY STEM ENTHUSIASTS AND EXPERTS FROM LEADING INSTITUTIONS LIKE THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY AND UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO. CHILDRENS EARLY EXPERIENCES IN STEM SET THE STAGE FOR FUTURE LEARNING AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY, AND YOUNG LEARNERS WHOSE FAMILIES ARE ENGAGED IN THEIR EDUCATION EARN HIGHER GRADES AND TEST SCORES, HAVE BETTER SOCIAL SKILLS, AND SHOW IMPROVED BEHAVIOR.

HOMEWOOD SCIENCE CENTER ALSO OFFERS A NUMBER OF OTHER STEM PROGRAMS INCLUDING A MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSERVATION ECOLOGY INTERNSHIP THAT TEACHES STUDENTS HOW TO PRESERVE AND MANAGE BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL RESOURCES. THE CHICAGO SOUTHLAND STEM NETWORK IS A PLATFORM HOMEWOOD SCIENCE CENTER CREATED FOR PARENTS, EDUCATORS, NONPROFITS, BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY LEADERS, AND POLICYMAKERS TO WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE REGIONAL STEM EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. THERE ARE ALSO INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS; OPERATES A COMMUNITY MAKERSPACE; MAINTAINS A NATIVE POLLINATOR GARDEN; PRESENTS FILMS, EXHIBITS, AND A SPEAKER SERIES; TEACH KIDS' CLASSES; AND HOST ROBOTICS TEAMS. HOMEWOOD SCIENCE CENTER IS "A GREAT BIG COMMUNITY CLASSROOM I CAN RELY ON," SAID ONE LOCAL PARENT.

AT HOMEWOOD SCIENCE CENTER IN-SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS, PRE-K TO 8TH GRADE STUDENTS LEARN STEM VOCABULARY, ARE INTRODUCED TO STEM PRINCIPLES, AND EXPERIENCE THE ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS FIRST-HAND, THROUGH STEM ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED BY THE NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS. KIDS NEED TO BE HANDS-ON TO UNDERSTAND. THIS HELPS THEM GET ENTHUSED ABOUT LEARNING, SAID ONE TEACHER ABOUT THE PROGRAM.

HOMEWOOD SCIENCE CENTERS GIRLS STEAM IS A FREE PROGRAM THAT EMPOWERS FEMALE 6TH-12TH GRADE STUDENTS TO SUCCESSFULLY SET AND ACHIEVE GOALS, BUILD SKILLS, MEET WOMEN IN STEAM CAREERS, AND HAVE FUN WITH SCIENCE. THE PROGRAM IS KICKED OFF WITH A ONE DAY CONFERENCE FOLLOWED BY MONTHLY OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET OR ATTEND OFF SITE FIELD TRIPS. RESEARCH SHOWS FEMALE MENTORS ARE A POWERFUL FORCE TO HELP GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE IN THEIR SKILLS, FEEL A SENSE OF BELONGING, AND STAY COMMITTED TO PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS IN STEAM. I LIKED THAT THEY HELPED ME GET TO MY LIFE GOALS, SAID ONE STUDENT PARTICIPANT.