Purdue Libraries and School of Information Studies News

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Announces Partnership with Former Astronaut, Dr. David Wolf and Purdue University, Purdue Libraries for Future Programs and Exhibits in Space Exploration and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)

March 21st, 2013

The world’s largest children’s museum is over the moon about its first Extraordinary Scientist-in-Residence – former astronaut, Dr. David Wolf.  Adding to the excitement is an additional announcement of a new partnership with Purdue University in conjunction with Purdue Libraries and its Barron Hilton Flight and Space Exploration Archives (part of the Virginia Kelley Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center) and future programs and exhibits that will be developed, which will focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) principles as well as space exploration, the International Space Station, the Shuttle program and experiments in zero gravity featuring the work of Indiana astronauts and Purdue University, Dr. Wolf’s alma mater.

The new Extraordinary Scientist-in-Residence at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will bring the real-world experience of space and innovative science to millions of children and their families.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for children to be inspired at the world’s largest children’s museum,” said Purdue President Mitch Daniels. “Young people can share the same dreams that touched astronauts and scientists like David Wolf and learn how to launch those dreams in the classroom, much as he did during his time at Purdue.”

The museum is also pleased to announce a partnership with Purdue University to explore new opportunities in the space and engineering areas and collaborate on future programs and exhibits in conjunction with Purdue University Libraries and its Barron Hilton Flight and Space Exploration Archives, part of the Virginia Kelly Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center.

Already home to the nation’s only biotechnology laboratory created especially for children and families, The Children’s Museum will capture the intrigue of space and STEM-based learning first-hand. Families and children will be able to conduct hands-on science experiments and develop critical problem-solving skills modeled after experiments completed on the International Space Station. New programs dealing with cell growth, electronics, the impact of zero gravity and how GPS navigation works will be relevant to our changing world while piquing fascination in the naturally curious minds of the children and families who visit the museum.