Kansas Children's Discovery Center

The Kansas children's Discovery Center will expand on previous STEM-focused curriculum and programs to design and develop an engineering and physics curriculum for pre-K through first grade that aligns with Kansas's adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards. The program responds to a growing need to provide support, resources, training, and programs in these areas for early education professionals implementing these standards. Working with the school district, Head Start, and other organizations with expertise in the area, the program will develop innovative curricula to provide a foundational base in science education and provide professional development opportunities for teachers and center education staff. Expected project results include a 10-15 percent improvement in student STEM academic performance, 60 STEM programs for at-risk youth, training for 70 Pre-K through first grade teachers in using hands-on STEM activities in the classroom, and community awareness of the importance of STEM and scientific literacy.