MOSI and the Tampa Bay Lightning to Unveil New “Slippery Science” Exhibit

Who said that one of the greatest sports in the world couldn’t be fun AND educational?

Thanks to a $525,000 grant from the PNC Foundation the Museum of Science and Industry will create its newest permanent exhibition, Slippery Science.

Slippery Science is the first element of a new preschool education program at MOSI. Opening on December 2, Slippery Science will be located inside Kids In Charge!, MOSI’s Children’s Science Center.

The new exhibit will include a series of interactive exhibits that teach children about friction, physics, and the science behind reaction time. While inside, guests will be able to play games, see what is inside the protection of the hockey player’s uniform, and even show off on a JumboTron. The exhibit will also incorporate the design elements of the Tampa Bay Times Forum and the Tampa Bay Lightning which will serve as a backdrop.

The grant from the PNC Foundation will also bring to life MOSI’s new early childhood project called PNC Passport to Science: A Grow Up Great Initiative, in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The program was designed to address the necessity to create interest in science in young children through facilitating children’s ability to explore, use science language, ask questions and think using scientific inquiry processes.

Slippery Science will also include take-home activities, and educator-led STEM investigations for children, parents, and teachers. MOSI-generated preschool science explorations for home and parent-generated activities will also be available.

The grant will also fund the recruitment and training of volunteers to support Head Start events and activities, along with supplying tools for teachers and parents to improve their science facilitation skills.

"“Children are our natural scientists,” said Wit Ostrenko, MOSI president. “They’re engaged in their environment and their imaginations run wild. Our work with PNC Foundation allows MOSI to continue connecting with their curiosity.”"

PNC will also donate 4,400 “Happy, Healthy, Ready for School – Math Is Everywhere” activity kits to supplement mathematics learning for Head Start children throughout Hillsborough County. These kits were created by Sesame Workshop as part of a continuing partnership with PNC. The multimedia kits, which are bilingual, include a guide for parents and caregivers, a children’s book, along with an original Sesame Street^TM DVD.

The first Head Start event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 1 – 3 p.m.

Personally, I look forward to the new exhibit. Growing up, I practically lived at the Museum of Science and Industry. I love the fact that they are making a move to educate children of the science behind hockey. I am also grateful that the Tampa Bay Lightning are partnering on the project. The Lightning have always said that the Greatest Assist Happens Off the Ice. I am glad that we have a team that is so active within our community.

What do you think of the latest addition to MOSI? Will your children be excited by the opportunity to dig deeper into the science of hockey? Tell us below.

Original Story, facts, and quotes used within Credited to the Tampa Bay Lightning.