The Science Workshop is the primary classroom for informal science learning in the Springfield Science Museum. Central to STEM-related learning, the Science Workshop serves approximately 8,000 students annually who participate in one of 12 different science and STEM field trip programs, and over 12,000 children and caregivers who participate in hands-on science activities held over school vacation weeks and weekend family programs throughout the year. Renovations have made this learning space more responsive and sensory-friendly to students and visitors with the installation of acoustic sound control panels that effectively reduce echo and other auditory stimuli that have a negative impact on learning outcomes.
We plan to modernize the Science Workshop with technologies to enhance our teaching capabilities and foster a classroom where students of different learning styles can engage with each other while continuing to develop 21st century skills. We want to ensure we are providing welcoming, up-to-date STEM learning environments for children of all abilities.