The informal project included three informal affiliates collaborating with two higher education affiliates and the Iowa 4-H program to build a stronger collaborative environment within ISGC and to strengthen outreach efforts through new collaborations.
1. The National Mississippi River Museum in partnership with the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program and Loras College developed and conducted the River Adventure Summer Camps Collaborative Program. The camps were designed to provide a greater understanding of interconnectivity of the ecosystems of the Mississippi River Watershed, wetlands, river channels, tributaries, and farmland that provide habitat for countless wildlife and engage in real world science applications that drive the inquiry process and as a vehicle to increase awareness about STEM Careers and foster stewardship for watersheds. The collaborative partners served as a resource for sharing the knowledge gained from NASAs Earth science endeavors. The camps studied tracking water quality, changing weather patterns, and community resiliency and serves students 8-18.
2. Science Center of Iowa: Why the Sky: Launching Iowans Space Exploration is a project that includes interactive exhibits and educators guides focused on educating Iowans on the University of Iowa primarily and other Iowa accomplishments in space exploration. The project is a collaborative effort between the ISGC informal affiliate Science Center of Iowa and the University of Iowas Astrophysics Department. The project exhibit highlights Iowa involvement with NASA and space exploration from the James Van Allen Explorer 1 mission through the current work with JUNO. The exhibit puts Iowa faces in the context of NASA work and explores the science involved for the public. The exhibit is designed to engage the public in STEM and to increase public awareness and support for the NASA mission.
3. ISGC partnered with Iowa State University, Ames Historical Society, and Ames Public Library to support the
Fly with Banning interactive theater presentation and a static display. Both the theater presentation and the display were featured at the Ames Public Library and the ISU College of Engineering Aerospace Engineering Department. This program is designed to inspire underrepresented students to see themselves in James Herman Banning, aviator, scientist, writer, and leader. Banning and his mechanic were the first African-Americans to complete a flight across the country. This program teaches literature, history, math and science, showing how these disciplines work together; but, even more importantly, inspires by bringing the story of this early American adventurer to life.
The Putnam Museum, an ISGC Informal Education affiliate, developed and hosted their first-ever Adventures in Space weekend. The centerpiece of the weekend was the traveling NASA exhibit Journey to Tomorrow. The exhibit was open to the public without charge because of ISGC support. The weekend also featured a 3.5-hour space-themed Family Fun Night. Attendees also were able to engage in hands-on STEM projects that were sponsored and conducted by Quad Cities Astronomical Society and Popular Astronomy Club. The film Hidden Universe was also playing for the audience. Local partners provided support to allow youth to view the Hidden Universe film and provided funds to defray transportation costs for families that needed support.