The Greater Cincinnati Science Education Center (GCSEC), an Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, was organized because so very many students were testing too low in science and mathematics. The GCSEC anticipates eventual construction of a multifaceted education center that will provide essential informal learning opportunities in science, mathematics and technology education. (Technology includes calculators, computers, and software, but they are just a small part. Please see "A Definition of Technology" in the Appendix.) The primary audience for the GCSEC will be students in grades 3-12 throughout the Tristate, but people of all ages will benefit from increased understanding and enjoyment of these subjects.
Creation of a permanent education center will be achieved in three stages:
The first stage was completed in 1997-1998. The second stage was begun June 1, 1998 and is expected to take two years. The third stage would follow that.
During the period March, 1997 to February, 1998 the first stage was planned, funded and executed. Titled the Concept Demonstration Project, this first effort was extremely successful.
The ability to raise the necessary funds, perform the identified tasks and activities, and complete everything within the specified time frame are the primary requirements for a successful project. The GCSEC clearly satisfied all of these requirements in its Concept Demonstration Project. In addition, the project was strongly praised by Tristate educators, parents and students.
For the Concept Demonstration Project seventy-five percent of the $25,000 target was raised in less than seven months. The remaining contributions were received over the next five months, and the goal actually exceeded. The lead contribution made by the Cinergy Foundation. Additional primary contributions were received from Hollaender Manufacturing, Hayfields Foundation, Service in Motion, General Polymers and a private individual.
Building sixteen self-directed large-scale working science and mathematics experiments and demonstrations has given the GCSEC a solid exposure to exhibit design and construction. The basic materials blueprint for support table construction is durable, visually attractive and has worked very well with large groups and people of all ages.
The GCSEC's basic concept has been very positively received by area educators. There are about seventy-five public and parochial school systems in the fourteen counties. More than 150 educators representing thirty Tristate school systems attended presentations during the Concept Demonstration Project. Of those completing a brief survey:
These educators eagerly anticipate an active GCSEC and its contributions to education.
Some of the educator comments were:
The general public also has demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm for the GCSEC concept. Using exhibitions in three area malls as a vehicle, the exhibits and basic concept were presented to a random cross-section of the community, an estimated 2500 people of all ages. Survey responses and comments show that people of all ages and demographics found this approach to informal learning both educational and enjoyable. On this survey:
Some comments received from the general public were:
The GCSEC anticipates three phases in creation of a permanent science, mathematics and technology education center. In the first phase the GCSEC completed a very successful Concept Demonstration Project in the Winter of 1997-98. The next phase of growth is the Concept Development Project which was begun in June of 1998. The third and final phase will be creation of a permanent facility and implementation of related programs and services.