The New York Hall of Science today celebrated the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the National Science Foundation by hosting a day-long event to highlight the critical role that the National Science Foundation has played in supporting the development of innovative exhibits, programs, and educational resources for learners of all ages.

Since 1986, NYSCI has led or participated in 130 NSF-funded research projects, representing over $600 million in federal investment in innovative approaches to informal science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning. These projects have brought together museum staff across departments, along with formal educators, experts in scientific fields, and community members from our immediate neighborhood of Corona in Queens, NY, to develop and study new approaches to science and engineering learning.

Many of these grant-funded projects have helped to create iconic NYSCI exhibitions, including Connected Worlds, Wild Minds, and Human Plus. They have also supported the creation of educational programs, curricula, professional learning experiences for teachers and other educators, and conferences that have engaged scientists and museum professionals across the country in sharing their knowledge and best practices.

The event on May 10th focused on past and current research and development projects in NYSCI’s Design Lab, one of the largest public design engineering spaces in the United States. Design Lab has functioned as a learning lab for exploring how collaborations among researchers, educators, and designers can inform the creation of learning experiences that engage children, youth, and adults in problem-solving, experimentation, and creative expression. Through these projects, NYSCI has connected the latest research on learning with the knowledge of exhibit designers, activity developers, and educators, resulting in actionable and evidence-based strategies that have been shared widely with educational and cultural institutions across the country. Together, these NSF investments have helped make NYSCI a leader in creating playful, engaging, inclusive and impactful learning experiences.

Most recently, NYSCI received the 2023 Science and Society Award from the National Science Board, which oversees the National Science Foundation. This award honors individuals and groups that have made substantial contributions to increase public understanding and appreciation of science and engineering in the United States. NYSCI was recognized for “its inventive approach to promoting informal and equitable science and technology learning” and was called a “global leader in STEM education and an incubator for new forms of learning.”

“The National Science Foundation has been one of the most successful, impactful research leaders ever created,” said Lisa Gugenheim, CEO and President of NYSCI. “They have not only been the foundation of cutting-edge research, but served to inspire the next generation of science and engineering leaders. They have been critical in NYSCI’s mission to nurture passionate learners, critical thinkers and citizens passionate about science and technology.”

The U.S. National Science Foundation was established as a federal agency when President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 81-507, the “National Science Foundation Act of 1950.” Since then, NSF has supported groundbreaking research at universities and partnered with industry leaders, acting as a catalyst for economic growth and national well-being for over seven decades.

While NSF has grown and evolved since its beginnings, its mission has remained the same: “To promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense; and for other purposes.”

The Research and Development team at NYSCI continues to work in close partnership with NYSCI educators, exhibit and curriculum developers, and Explainers, and many other partners in NYC and nationwide. All of these projects have built new knowledge about how people learn in places like science centers. They have also helped science institutions to improve our facilitation strategies, create compelling and engaging activities for visitors, and expand our capacity to learn from and with visitors and community partners. 

About NYSCI

Founded in conjunction with the 1964 World’s Fair, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) has been a local and global leader in providing innovative education, scientific and technological learning experiences. The mission of NYSCI is to nurture generations of passionate learners, critical thinkers and active citizens through an approach called Design, Make, Play. This innovative approach emphasizes open-ended exploration, imaginative learning and personal relevance, resulting in deep engagement and delight in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

In 2023, the National Science Board recognized the New York Hall of Science for its efforts to increase participation and diversity in the science and engineering fields. The National Board of Science specifically cited NYSCI’s “inventive approach to promoting informal and equitable science and technology learning.” By engaging teachers and students through The Hall of Science continues to be one of the most important and powerful teaching experiences in a non-classroom setting, including:

· 1 million learners worldwide use NYSCI’s digital products.

· 3,000 local teachers participate in professional development each year.

· 1,000 high-school and college students benefit from mentoring opportunities in STEM fields every year.

· 95 percent of the more than 4,000 young people participating in NYSCI’s Science Career Ladder program over the last three decades have gone on to college.

· 70 percent of the Science Career Ladder alumni work in STEM fields.

· NYSCI’s Science Career Ladder is formally accredited by Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools, recognizing the program for broadening participation in STEM and equity-aligned quality standards.

For more information, visit nysci.org. Follow NYSCI on Twitter and Instagram: @nysci, and on Facebook at: facebook.com/nysci.

Name: NYSCI Media Office

Contact: press@nysci.org