Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has been a strong and active partner in education for over 40 years, educating 1.7 million visitors annually. The zoo has become a leader in both informal and formal education by pioneering many science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiatives. In 1996 the zoo moved from being a partner with others to becoming a true collaborator with a diverse group of education institutions. The zoo discovered that a successful partnership requires multiple organizations to come together and share resources for a cause. In partnering with school
The Magic House will research, develop, fabricate, and assess a new early childhood STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) exhibit for children ages two through six. The museum will create a new guided field trip program and a professional development workshop to support early childhood educators in STEM instruction, in addition to a 1,500-square-foot learning environment that will present age-appropriate STEM learning experiences, content, and programming that align with state and national educational standards for science and math. Through interaction with the exhibit, young children will be engaged in self-directed activities that promote STEM exploration and learning, teachers will find support and inspiration for their instruction of STEM, and parents, caregivers, and other adults will be provided with the tools and resources to foster children's STEM learning.