- From Boring, Oregon (yes, really)
- Always loved being outside
- Grew up going to OMSI
- Love of Science came from Bill Nye, Mr. Wizard, catching frogs, snakes, salamanders, etc.
- Chemistry & Electronics Kits were staples between my friends and I
- Curioisty propelled our discoveries
- Backyard Science Lab
- Plans for Expansion
That's Me!
(Dressed as Bill Nye)
- Avid Outdoor Enthusiast
- Mountain Biking
- Kayaking
- Climbing
- Backpacking
- University of Nevada, Reno
- Business Administration: Information Systems
- 2014 Joined The Science Zone Board (for about a day)
- Later found they needed a director, and pursued the position
- Found it tied together my love of science & area of study perfectly.
- Smidge-a-bit about Me for frame of Reference
- History of The Zone
- Organizational Structure
- Our DNA
- Coping Through COVID
- Team Support Model
- VDSF
- WYMSI
- ... Wild Dogs
Wyoming Science Adventure Center
The Basics
Mission
222 E. Collins Dr. Casper WY 82601
The Science Zone exists to Inspire Curiosity
- Top Floor of the Nic
- Sunrise Shopping Center
- Mossholders Furniture Basement (Slumberland)
- Old Plains Furniture Building (Safeway)
Organizational Structure
Exhibits
~10,000 sq feet of exhibit space
- 501(c)3 Non-Profit
- Driven by community need based on organizational Mission, not chiefly profits.
- Governed by a Board of Directors
- Ultimately responsible for finanical oversight, and has one employee (Executive Director)
- Funding Model
- Contributed Income
- Grants, Foundations, Sponsorships, Donations
- Earned Income
- Programs (Camps, Homeschool, Field Trips, etc.)
- Gift Shop, Membership, Admission,
- Annual Budget ~$500k-$600k
- Fundraisers
- Role for General Operations
- Eggstravaganza
- Elemental Evening
- Virtual Science Variety Show
- Elemental Partner Program
Education
Always looking for volunteers to help with...
Field Trips
Children, adults, inside, outside
- Guest presentations
- Assistant Teaching
- Donating materials chemicals, teaching supplies, wood, paint, carpet
- Installing exhibits
- Fixing Plumbing
- Building walls, installing carpet.
- Helping with special events
- Building Exhibits
Steven Schnell
Executive Director
The Science Zone
(307) 473-9663
steven.schnell@thesciencezone.org
- Construction of small exhibits
- Growing our volunteer pool
- Enhancing the appearance of our current facility
- Reclaimed snow fence, paint, carpet
- Building our board of directors
- Strengthening community partnerships
Special Events
Events help us gain exposure, help people learn where we're located, who we are, and what we do.
Fundraising events, along with grants and donations are our primary sources for funding.
Marketing & Fundraising
Events
- Continuing growth of programs
- Middle school and high school engagement
- State-wide reach through online programs
Yearly
- Elemental Evening (Spring 2018)
- Dinner and Auction
- Trick or Treat Trail
- Safe trick or treat event
- ~5,000 people
- Haunted House
Parade Float
Wyoming Fair
Art Walks
BIG GOAL:
Moving to new location
- Painting
- Book
- Wall Mural
- Traveling Exhibit
Virtual Science Variety Show
Moved Locations to cut Expenses
Our DNA
Members allow us to serve far more of our community and state!
Outreach
Community events throughout the year
5,000 - 10,000 people served
We use the outdoors as a "classroom" / teacher.
Slime, liquid nitrogen, rockets, and more!
Summer Camps
Our DNA
Value Scientific Process/ Discovery/ "Ah-ha" Moments
- Many different camps
- Serving hundreds of kids
- Examples...
- Zombie Survival
- Coding
- Eclipse Bootcamp
- Lego
- Art & the Cosmic Connection
- DIY Board Games
- Energy of Wyoming
Informal V Formal Science Education
More Programs
Positive Association with Science to overcome the stigma of “Science is Hard or Not for me” When you’re here, “everyone’s a scientist”.
Not a Play-Place. Value Parent + Child Experinces
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Steven Schnell
Executive Director
The Science Zone
(307) 473-9663
steven.schnell@thesciencezone.org