Powerhouse Science Center

Mindstorm lends digital media expertise to Powerhouse Science Center

2012-04-23T23:18:17Z

The Powerhouse Science Center announced Wednesday that Mindstorm Creative, Inc. has joined the campaign to build the premier science learning center serving Northern California.

As a founding partner, Mindstorm joins other regional leaders and organizations in a cooperative effort to support the development of this vital new community asset and will lend their digital media production expertise to visually present the project.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse will function as a model for 21st century experiential STEM education (science, math, technology, engineering, space) and environmental stewardship. The design will be an exemplary “green” building that serves as an environmental teaching lab.

“We are very excited about the creative possibilities of visually presenting this worthwhile project to the Sacramento community,” Mindstorm owner and creative director Ron Kendall said.

Mindstorm joins the regional effort to create a home for a high-tech, hands-on science museum for the Sacramento region that will immerse children in science, technology, engineering and math. The Powerhouse will play a key role in inspiring young people to become the future engineers and scientists that California and our nation desperately need.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome aboard Mindstorm Creative, Inc. as one of our founding partners,” said Michele Wong, Powerhouse interim executive director. “Mindstorm shares our goal of transforming a historic Sacramento landmark into a cutting-edge educational center.”

Supporters of the Powerhouse include business and civic leaders, clubs and organizations, individuals and the city of Sacramento. Mayor Kevin Johnson recognizes this project as a top priority for Sacramento’s future.

The facility will serve as a public forum, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries in a venue accessible to the entire family. The center will highlight the scientific achievements of the Sacramento region, the latest developments in medical science and technology and the fundamentals of resource conservation. It will also be a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12th grade students from throughout the region.

The center, which will cost an estimated $50 million, has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The 60-year-old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center on Auburn Boulevard is scheduled to move from its current location and become the Powerhouse in 2014.

Disclosure: Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is a Vice President of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville.

Wildlands to partner with Powerhouse Science Center; Rocklin firm will lend environmental solutions expertise to project

2012-02-29T19:31:56Z

The Powerhouse Science Center in Sacramento announced recently that Wildlands has joined the campaign to build the premier science learning center serving Northern California.

As a founding partner, Wildlands joins other regional leaders and organizations in a cooperative effort to support the development of this vital new community asset.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, Powerhouse will function as a model for 21st century experiential STEM education (science, math, technology, engineering, space) and environmental stewardship. The design will be an exemplary “green” building that serves as an environmental teaching lab.

“We are so pleased to partner with the Powerhouse Science Center to continue raising awareness of the importance of science, math and engineering,” project director Brian Monaghan said. “These are all disciplines we employ every day at Wildlands. The Powerhouse Science Center can help be a breeding ground for future conservationists, scientists and engineers who can contribute to the overall environmental health and well-being of our region.”

Based in Rocklin, Wildlands joins the regional effort to create a home for a high-tech, hands-on science museum for the Sacramento region that will immerse children in science, technology, engineering, and math. It will play a key role in inspiring young people to become the future engineers and scientists that California and our nation desperately need.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome aboard Wildlands as one of our founding partners,” Powerhouse Science Center interim executive director Michele Wong said. “Wildlands brings unique environmental expertise necessary to our goal of transforming a historic Sacramento landmark into a cutting-edge educational center, featuring a museum, planetarium, restaurant and conference center.”

Powerhouse supporters include business and civic leaders, clubs and organizations, individuals and the city of Sacramento. Mayor Kevin Johnson recognizes this project as a top priority for Sacramento’s future.

The center, which will cost an estimated $50 million, has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The 61-year old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center on Auburn Boulevard is scheduled to move from its current location and become the Powerhouse Science Center in 2014.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or contact Beth Callahan, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, at 916 853-0343.

Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is a Vice President of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville.

Keller Group signs on as Powerhouse Science Center partner

2012-02-03T17:25:11Z

The Powerhouse Science Center in Sacramento announced that Keller Group Office Environments has joined the campaign to build the premier science learning center serving Northern California.

As a founding partner, Keller Group Office Environments joins other regional leaders and organizations in a cooperative effort to support the development of this vital new community asset.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse Science Center will function as a model for 21st century experiential STEM education (science, math, technology, engineering, space) and environmental stewardship. The design will be an exemplary “green” building that serves as an environmental teaching lab.

“We are honored to be a partner on such an incredible project benefiting not only Sacramento but the greater state and national communities,” Keller Group president Dianne Keller said.

Keller Group joins the regional effort to create a home for a high-tech, hands-on science museum for the Sacramento region that will immerse children in science, technology, engineering and math. The center will play a key role in inspiring young people to become the future engineers and scientists that California and our nation desperately need.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome aboard Keller Group Office Environments as one of our founding partners,” Powerhouse interim executive director Michele Wong said. “The Keller Group shares our goal of transforming a historic Sacramento landmark into a cutting edge educational center, featuring a museum, planetarium, restaurant and conference center.”

Supporters of the center include business and civic leaders, clubs and organizations, individuals, and the city of Sacramento. Mayor Kevin Johnson recognizes this project as a top priority for Sacramento’s future.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or contact Beth Callahan, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, at 916 853-0343.

Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is a Vice President of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville.

Aerojet announces sponsorship of simulated space program at Powerhouse Science Center

2011-12-12T19:22:17Z

The Powerhouse Science Center and Aerojet today announced a $1.5 million gift from Aerojet, that will launch the new science complex’s cutting-edge simulated NASA space mission program, to be named the Aerojet Challenger Learning Center.

The current heavily-used 17-year-old Challenger Learning Center is in full operation at the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center, which will relocate and become the Powerhouse Science Center when the new facility opens in 2014. Recently honored as one of the nation’s most successful Challenger Centers, Sacramento’s Challenger adventure inspires future astronauts with suspension-of-disbelief scenarios and problems, challenging students to apply the math, science and communication skills learned in the classroom to “real-life” situations.

Aerojet strives to influence and attract this nation’s next generation of rocket scientists, astronauts, doctors and teachers, and has partnered with Powerhouse to encourage students to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This major contribution highlights the company’s commitment to enriching the Sacramento region and championing STEM education for the future workforce.

“America’s many successes in space exploration have always benefited from the tremendous sources of technical talent graduating from our educational institutions,” Aerojet president Scott Seymour said. “Continued successes will require the same from future generations and our partnership with the Powerhouse Science Center and Challenger Learning Center will serve to inspire today’s youth toward that end.”

“Since 1997, Aerojet and the GenCorp Foundation have committed approximately $500,000 in support for our highly successful Challenger Learning Center at the Discovery Museum,” Powerhouse interim executive director Michele Wong said. “Now, as Discovery grows and expands into the Powerhouse Science Center, we are honored that Aerojet has stepped up to be our first title sponsor. The new Aerojet Challenger Learning Center at the Powerhouse will be the most advanced of the 54 Challenger Centers worldwide.”

The new Aerojet Challenger Center will be located on the Powerhouse Science Center campus in the Earth & Space Sciences Center, which will also include a 150-seat full-dome planetarium theater and interactive exhibits that focus on the relationship of the four spheres: air/atmosphere, water/hydrosphere, earth/lithosphere/ and life/biosphere. Exterior experiences will include water conservation, green energy and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse Science Center is situated in the River District at 400 Jibboom Street. In addition to the Earth & Space Sciences Center, the Powerhouse campus will also include innovative, hands-on exhibit halls, science laboratories and classrooms, robotics programs, an artificial wetlands, outdoor stage and screen, a restaurant with riverfront views and more. The center has nearly completed its pre-construction phase and will begin breaking ground in 2012.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visitpowerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call (916) 853-0343. Visit the center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

A selection of Powerhouse Science Center images can be viewed at dreyfussblackford.com/powerhouse.

Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is a Vice President of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville.

Catherine Moulton brings design, management skills to Powerhouse Science Center team

2011-08-03T19:19:49Z

SACRAMENTO, CA. – Catherine Moulton has spent much of her professional career managing and advising on a variety of intricate design and construction projects, working for high profile companies like Walt Disney, Apple and NASA.

Moulton’s latest endeavor will be to help shape one of the region’s most engaging projects – the Powerhouse Science Center. Moulton will volunteer her services, joining Michele Wong and Warren Smith as chair people for the Powerhouse Science Center, a premier science learning center that will serve Northern California.

“I am inspired by all the talented, dedicated people who are collaborating to make the Powerhouse Science Center an outstanding educational facility. The Center will certainly be a tremendous asset for the entire Sacramento region,” Moulton said. “I look forward to helping transform this historic Sacramento landmark (PG&E Power Station B) into a cutting-edge educational center.”

The Center will cost an estimated $50 million and will become the new home for the 60-year old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center, which is currently located at 3615 Auburn Blvd. Residing on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse Science Center will function as a model for 21st-century experiential STEM education and environmental stewardship.

The complex will feature exhibits, a digital theater, planetarium, restaurant, merchandise shop, labs, classrooms and open park space. It will be utilized as a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12th grade students from throughout the region.

A Sacramento resident, Moulton joins the Powerhouse effort at an ideal time. The Center is in the design phase for the facility and exhibits, and is scheduled to begin breaking ground this fall. The new facility, targeting completion in 2013, will create more than 300 jobs and help invigorate Sacramento’s riverfront area and open the space for more public usage.

Moulton has built a track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams to successfully complete large, complex projects. She has managed over $500 million in capital projects for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and nonprofit clients.

During her nine years with Walt Disney Imagineering, Moulton led construction, show and ride installation, and testing for the first Tower of Terror attraction – constructed in a record-breaking 15 months. She also served as Senior Project Manager for Dinoland in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Dinoland is a 13-acre development containing a fossil preparation lab, themed exhibits, an outdoor theater, restaurants, a thrill ride, themed merchandise and an interactive playground.

Working as a consultant for NASA, Moulton led early concepts for a new visitor experience for NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. She also worked with a nonprofit community development group to create the initial concept for Naples Botanical Garden in Florida.

Moulton also played a major role in opening the first Apple store in the U.S. while working for the Apple Retail team.

“We are extremely excited to have Catherine chairing the design and construction efforts of the Powerhouse Science Center. Her involvement further solidifies that it will be a world-class facility,” Smith said. “Catherine brings an incredible background in turning ideas into high quality, functioning facilities and operations. We are at an exciting time with the building phase of the project about to begin. What makes it even more exciting is knowing that we have someone of Catherine’s caliber helping to lead our efforts.”

The Powerhouse Science Center has many key supporters, including Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Mayor Kevin Johnson, State Senator Darrell Steinberg, Assembly member Roger Dickinson, Sacramento City Council member Angelique Ashby, and numerous Sacramento-area businesses and organizations who have become Powerhouse Partners.

"Having someone with Catherine’s capabilities is very exciting news. Her contributions in both design and construction will allow Warren and me to focus on completing our fundraising efforts,” Wong said. “Catherine has an amazing background, and her experience with Disney, etc. will lend a great deal of credibility to the Powerhouse Science Center, and ensure that the project is high quality and will deliver great visitor experiences.”

Moulton has a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from the University of Florida and has been certified as a general contractor with the State of Florida.

She is married to Richard Rich, the Development Director for Thomas Enterprises, Inc.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call 916 853-0343. Visit the Center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

Editor's Note: Click here to view images of PG&E Power Station B, where the new Powerhouse Science Center will be constructed.

Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is a Vice President of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville.

Rotary Club of Sacramento's "Bids for Kids" Raises Record-Setting $388,000 for Powerhouse Science Center

2011-06-13T17:41:36Z

The Rotary Club of Sacramento announced today that the 27th annual “Bids for Kids” charity event raised a record-setting $388,000 for this year’s recipient – the Powerhouse Science Center.

All proceeds from “Bids for Kids” go toward building the Powerhouse Science Center, which will be located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River. The Center will cost an estimated $50 million and has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The 60-year old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center at 3615 Auburn Blvd., is scheduled to move from its current location and become the Powerhouse Science Center in 2013.

Bids for Kids, an elegant evening of fine food and drink, was held at the Sacramento’s Discovery Museum Science & Space Center. The night included a live auction led by auctioneer David Sobon, with a variety of donations that ranged from exotic vacation getaways, premium wines, restaurant gift cards, theatre and sporting event tickets, and much more.

The Bids for Kids effort received a generous commitment from Social Venture Partners of Sacramento. Committed to philanthropy efforts among its partners, which includes the Powerhouse Science Center, Social Venture Partners matched the first $100,000 that was raised by the Bids for Kids event.

“We are thrilled with the tremendous news regarding the fund-raising efforts that resulted from Bids for Kids,” said Michele Wong, Interim Executive Director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “We can’t thank the Rotary Club of Sacramento enough, first of all for choosing us as this year’s recipient, then doing such a terrific job of making Bids for Kids a memorable evening. We also want to thank all the generous people that bid on items to make this a record-setting event. There was a ton of hard work by all the volunteers, who did a wonderful job of making this an extra-special occasion.”

Hosted by Marianne McClary, morning TV anchor on “Good Day Sacramento” for more than 16 years, Bids for Kids also showcased the many interactive ways that the Powerhouse Science Center plans to educate students about science.

Discovery Museum tours featured the interactive science center’s Space Quest! exhibit and the recently opened Robotics Lab, which will be part of the Powerhouse Science Center when it opens in 2013. The museum’s planetarium was turned into a high-tech bar for the evening, with glow-in-the-dark drinks and projected views of the cosmos.

“The Powerhouse Science Center will be a wonderful educational facility for the Greater Sacramento region, so it was very rewarding for the Rotary Club to have a record-setting Bids for Kids effort,” said Jon Snyder, Rotary Club of Sacramento co-chair for this year’s event. “There are just so many people to thank for such a wonderful evening. Our Rotary Club is really pleased by how well the event turned out.”

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call 916 853-0343. Visit the Center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is Vice President of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville

Rotary Club of Sacramento’s "Bids for Kids" Event on May 14; Will Benefit Powerhouse Science Center

2011-04-28T18:48:01Z

The Powerhouse Science Center has been selected as the recipient for the Rotary Club of Sacramento’s 27th annual “Bids for Kids” charity event on Saturday, May 14.

This elegant evening of fine food and drink will be held at Sacramento’s Discovery Museum Science & Space Center. The night will include silent and live auctions, with a variety of donations that range from exotic vacation getaways, premium wines, restaurant gift cards, theatre and sporting event tickets, and much more.

All proceeds from “Bids for Kids” will go toward building the Powerhouse Science Center, which will be located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River. The Center will cost an estimated $50 million and has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The 60-year old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center at 3615 Auburn Blvd., is scheduled to move from its current location and become the Powerhouse Science Center in 2013.

Marianne McClary, morning TV anchor on “Good Day Sacramento” for more than 16 years, will be the host of “Bids for Kids,” which includes a cocktail hour and dinner. The silent auction and cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m., and a live auction at 8 p.m. Complimentary valet parking will be provided.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Sacramento, we’re really looking forward to hosting an elegant community event that will benefit a great cause,” said Michele Wong, Interim Executive Director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “It’s a fun evening with great food and wine, and will give our guests a wonderful opportunity to showcase the many interactive ways we plan to help educate students about science.”

An unprecedented event for guests, the Discovery Museum will showcase its new interactive science center’s Space Quest! Exhibit and the recently opened Robotics Lab, which will be part of the Powerhouse Science Center when it opens in 2013.

Guests can visit the Solar System, explore the lightning and plasma ball displays, or view the historic artifacts from past NASA missions that have changed they way we view the universe today.

In the robotics lab, attendees can learn about robot programming by constructing and racing against other team’s robots.

Tickets cost $125 each and are available along with sponsorship opportunities. To support the event through sponsorship, please email Peter Wilson at Peter.Willson@synergex.com.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call 916 853-0343. Visit the Center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is Vice President of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville

Powerhouse Science Center Raises More than $233,000 in Saturday Telethon

2011-03-09T00:49:24Z

The Powerhouse Science Center, a science and space learning center for Northern California that will be located on the banks of the Sacramento River, announced today that it raised more than $233,000 during its first telethon on Saturday.

The Center received major contributions from Social Venture Partners of Sacramento, Wells Fargo, Sierra Health Foundation, Intel and Aerojet, along with hundreds of contributions from other donors.

“The Powerhouse Science Center is a tremendous collaborative effort between many dedicated groups,” said Michelle Wong, interim executive director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “We were gratified at the community reaction as so many people participated and shared our vision for a premiere science education center in our community.”

In particular, Wong thanked KOVR CBS 12/CW-31 for promoting this telethon and making the Good Day Sacramento time available to her team on Saturday.

The Center, which will cost an estimated $50 million, has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The 60-year-old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center on Auburn Boulevard is scheduled to become the Powerhouse Science Center (www.powerhousesciencecenter.org) in 2013.

The Powerhouse Science Center will include science laboratories and classrooms, a 150-seat full-dome planetarium, Challenger Learning Center, robotics exhibit and labs, outdoor stage and screen, restaurant with riverfront views and more.

The center will transform a historic Sacramento landmark into a cutting-edge educational center featuring a museum that will immerse children in science, technology, engineering and math.

“We are extremely pleased to help the Powerhouse Science Center become a reality,” said Kevin Walsh, general manager and president of CBS 13/CW 31. “Not only does this project revitalize the Sacramento riverfront district, the Powerhouse Science Center will also provide our region’s children with a firm foundation in STEM education (science, technology, engineering, math). We are excited to be part of such a wonderful opportunity to educate our viewers about the future home of Northern California’s premiere science education center.”

On Saturday, volunteers from many groups helped staff the phone banks, including people from Soroptimist, the Sacramento Downtown Rotary, Drexel University, Ducks Unlimited, Mountain Lions cheerleaders and the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Powerhouse Science Center is also being supported by many local government entities.

“The Powerhouse Science Center will allow us to educate the next generation of children. Our country is lacking right now in math and science education for young people,” Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said. “This facility will give us an opportunity to get a leg up in these very important areas of education. The Center will also create over 300 jobs and activate our riverfront. Sacramento has a beautiful river that we have not taken advantage of yet. Building the Powerhouse Science Center will allow us to do that.”

The Powerhouse Science Center will serve as a public forum, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries in a venue that is accessible to the entire family. The center will highlight the scientific achievements of the Sacramento region, the latest developments in medical science and technology, and the fundamentals of resource conservation. The center will be used as a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12th-grade students from throughout the region.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a founding partner, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, e-mail info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call 853-0343. Visit the center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is V.P. of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville, Volunteer PR work for Powerhouse Science Center.

CBS-13/CW-31 will air telethon on March 5 to raise funds, awareness for new Powerhouse Science Center

2011-02-22T20:09:19Z

The greater Sacramento region will soon be home to a high-tech, hands-on science museum that will immerse our children – and our children’s children – in science, technology, engineering and math.

But the new Powerhouse Science Center needs your help to ensure the project remains on schedule for a proposed opening in two years.

One way to help the Powerhouse Science Center is by supporting the upcoming KOVR- CBS-13/CW-31 telethon that airs from 9-10 a.m. Saturday morning, March 5.

“Good Day Sacramento” (CW-31) will promote the event from 6-9 a.m. during its March 5 broadcast, and the telethon will air live on CW-31 between 9 and 10 a.m. Viewers will be able to call in and donate to the Powerhouse Science Center during the live telethon. The phones will also be open from 10-11 a.m. for donations.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse Science Center will be the premiere science and space learning center serving Northern California. It will serve as a model for 21st-century experiential education in science, math, technology, engineering and space – and an exemplary “green” building that functions as an environmental teaching lab.

CBS 13/CW 31 is actively supporting Northern California’s premiere science center.

“We are extremely pleased to help the Powerhouse Science Center become a reality,” said Kevin Walsh, General Manager and President of CBS 13/CW 31. “Not only does this project revitalize the Sacramento riverfront district, the Powerhouse Science Center will also provide our region’s children with a firm foundation in STEM education (science, technology, engineering, math). We are excited to be part of such a wonderful opportunity to educate our viewers about the future home of Northern California’s premier science education center.”

“Good Day Sacramento” will focus a majority of its March 5 broadcast on the effort to help fund the Powerhouse Science Center. Discovery Museum Spokes-robot Cosmos will bring his unique style of “reporting” to the “Good Day” television set from 6-9 a.m. on the March 5 telecast.

“The Powerhouse Science Center is a tremendous collaborative effort between many dedicated groups – like CBS-13/CW-31 – and individuals who are all playing a significant role in making this vision of a premiere science education center become a reality,” said Michelle Wong, interim executive director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “We’re going to transform a historic Sacramento landmark into a cutting-edge educational center, featuring a museum, planetarium, restaurant and conference center.

“STEM careers are crucial to the young people in our region. The Powerhouse Science Center can definitely play a key role to inspire future engineers and scientists,” Wong added.

The telethon will feature walk-on testimonials from several of the Powerhouse Science Center’s founding partners, including the City of Sacramento.

“The Powerhouse Science Center will allow us to educate the next generation of children. Our country is lacking right now in math and science education for young people,” Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said. “This facility will give us an opportunity to get a leg up in these very important areas of education. The Center will also create over 300 jobs and activate our riverfront. Sacramento has a beautiful river that we have not taken advantage of yet. Building the Powerhouse Science Center will allow us to do that.”

The Powerhouse Science Center will include science laboratories and classrooms: a 150-seat full-dome planetarium; the Challenger Learning Center; a robotics exhibit and labs; an outdoor stage and screen; a restaurant with riverfront views and more.

During the telethon, Wells Fargo Bank, the Morgan Family Foundation and other groups will be presenting generous checks to the Powerhouse Science Center.

The Powerhouse Science Center will serve as a public forum, showcasing the latest scientific discoveries in a venue that is accessible to the entire family. The Center will highlight the scientific achievements of the Sacramento region, the latest developments in medical science and technology, and the fundamentals of resource conservation. The Center will be utilized as a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12th-grade students from throughout the region.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, including how to become a Founding Partner, visit powerhousesciencecenter.org, e-mail info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call 853-0343. Visit the center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

Sacramento’s Discovery Museum to Unveil New Robotics Lab to Promote Science

2011-02-15T00:50:43Z

SACRAMENTO, CA. – The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center announced today it has completed a much-anticipated robotics lab that will encourage education in science, technology, engineering and math in the Sacramento region.

The robotics lab, which opens Feb. 23, is the first program destined for the Powerhouse Science Center, which will become the new home of the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center in 2013. Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse Science Center (www.powerhousesciencecenter.org) will be the premiere science and space learning center serving Northern California.

Robotics education has become a successful method nationally to help teach STEM topics – science, technology, engineering and math – plus teamwork and even management skills. All levels of students are typically fascinated with robots. Educators have found that teaching with robots provides a new and stimulating way to interest and motivate students.

The Discovery Museum is holding a ribbon cutting for the robotics lab on Feb. 23 at its Sacramento location at 3615 Auburn Blvd.

“The opening of the Discovery Museum's robotics lab is a major step forward in creating the new Powerhouse Science and Space Center,” said Sacramento City Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy. “My thanks to all who pitched in and helped make this milestone possible."

The robotics lab will contain three-pronged programming:

• Full-class, hands-on robotics programming for up to 36 students
• After-school robotics club
• Competitive robotics teams for students 9-14, whose schools might not have their own teams

“Our new robotics program will help put the 'E' in the Museum’s STEM education programs. It’s very exciting to unveil the first new program that will become an integral part of the Powerhouse Science Center,” said Beth Callahan, Discovery Museum director of development and marketing. “Offering robotics programs will guarantee that more students develop a love of science and technology. The students who are motivated by robotics are more likely to become the scientists, innovators and inventors of tomorrow.”

The temporary robotics exhibit/facility is the culmination of a group effort by many organizations in the Sacramento region. Otto Construction in Sacramento donated a temporary doublewide facility that houses the robotics lab.

Sheedy was instrumental in finding the cash to pay for hard costs and fees; AT&T provided a grant to purchase LEGO Mindstorm Education robotics hardware; Hewlett-Packard in Roseville donated laptop computers; and Rotary of Sacramento painted the walls.

Other donors include: Duran and Venables, Inc., Atlas Disposal, Associated Construction & Maintenance, Eckhart’s Manufactured Housing Service, CAPCO, Armour Steel, All Bay Mill & Lumber, Sonotrol, the City of Sacramento, Nolte Associates, Inc., United Rentals, B.T. Mancini, White Cap, and Performance Contracting Inc. Intel engineers and software experts from Synergex are volunteering their time and expertise to assist Museum staff in developing curriculum and lesson plans and assisting with program delivery.

The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2011 and will be marking the occasion with special observations and activities all year long. Much has occurred over the past 60 years in science, and the Discovery Museum has adapted both its facility and its way of delivering the scientific message to young children during that timeframe.

Not only does the Discovery Museum have a colorful past, it also has a bright future. The Powerhouse Science Center will serve as a model for 21st-century experiential education in science, math, technology, engineering, and space, and be utilized as a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12th-grade students from throughout the region.

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, e-mail info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call (916) 853-0343. Visit the center on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

To visit the Discovery Museum, go to www.thediscovery.org or call 916 808-3942.

Generous Grant From First 5 Sacramento Will Allow Powerhouse Science Center To Devote Entire Area to Young Children

2010-11-29T17:58:58Z

The Powerhouse Science Center in Sacramento today announced it has accepted a $250,000 grant from First 5 Sacramento. The grant will help build a room that will support a school readiness program by featuring age and development-appropriate learning activities.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sacramento River, the Powerhouse Science Center will be the premier science and space learning center serving Northern California. It will serve as a model for 21st-century experiential education in science, math, technology, engineering, and space – and an exemplary “green” building that functions as an environmental teaching lab.

The Center, which will cost an estimated $50 million, has nearly completed its pre-construction phase. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2013.

The grant will fund the First Discovery Room, a 625 square-foot, semi-enclosed space located within the main Powerhouse building – the historic PG&E power station. The room will serve as an affordable, accessible, and culturally-sensitive space dedicated for children zero through five years of age, their families, and caregivers to experience an array of school readiness, parenting, and community building activities.

“The Powerhouse Science Center is an innovative educational center that will cater to many different age groups,” said Michele Wong, Interim Executive Director for the Powerhouse Science Center. “First 5 Sacramento focuses on the early growth experiences for children, so this generous grant means we will definitely have an area that can help provide the zero through five age children and their families with many wonderful experiences that will enable the children to be more successful in school and ultimately have a better opportunity to succeed in life.”

The First Discovery Room will provide a wide variety of school readiness and community building programming, including:

Community Meeting Area that will help build community by providing a safe, comfortable place where families can interact with their children in an instructional manner while socializing with other parents, children, and community members.
Stage, with Movable Puppet Theatre and Hidden Storage Area.
Play Diner featuring healthy food choices and pretend play, and school readiness activities.
Reading Cabin featuring a cozy space where youth and caregivers can interact and read.
Take-Away Kiosk, with free, helpful publications.
Tot Crawling Area where the youngest children can interact with age and developmentally appropriate manipulatives while learning to socialize with each other.

“We are very excited about partnering with the Powerhouse Science Center and what this will mean for the many families that we represent,” said Roger Dickinson, Chair to the First 5 Sacramento Commission. “First 5 Sacramento partners with high quality learning programs that are committed to providing children with the necessary tools to make them successful life-long learners. One of our primary goals is preparing children to enter kindergarten ‘ready to learn.’ The Powerhouse Science Center will be a great asset in helping First 5 Sacramento achieve that objective.”

Situated in the River District off Jibboom Street, the historic PG&E Power Station B was the first-choice location for the Powerhouse Science Center because the historic building’s position on the riverfront is highly visible, creating greater awareness for the imaginative science facility.

A premiere Northern California science and space learning facility, the Center project is a unique public, non-profit educational institution that involves a partnership between the Powerhouse Science Center, PG&E, The City of Sacramento, and 28 other Founding Partners who have declared a commitment to the project.

In restoring and reusing this property that is now owned by The City of Sacramento, the Center will serve as a model for 21st-century experiential education in science, math, technology, engineering, and space, and be utilized as a field trip destination for pre-kindergarten to 12th grade students from throughout the region.

The Powerhouse Science Center will include:

Generous exhibit space for current and traveling exhibits
Science laboratories and classrooms
150-seat full-dome planetarium
New Challenger Learning Center
Robotics exhibit and lab
Environmental exhibits
Outdoor stage and screen
Cafe with outdoor seating
Restaurant with riverfront views
Spacious entry, reception, event and meeting areas
Bookstore and gift shop
Auto and bus parking areas

For more information on the Powerhouse Science Center, visit www.powerhousesciencecenter.org, email info@PowerhouseScienceCenter.org, or call 916 853-0343

Disclosure: Jeffrey Weidel is V.P. of Halldin Public Relations in Roseville, Volunteer PR work for Powerhouse Science Center.