Montana Science Center receives a vehicle donation from a local business
Montana Science Center is humbled to announce the donation of a large truck, donated by local business, Supply Squad. The truck will be used, at first, to transport exhibits, materials and equipment for the Science Center. In the future, Montana Science Center hopes to transform it into a mobile “STEAM” truck to serve as an outreach vehicle for science, technology, engineering and math programming to the greater Gallatin area. This truck will not only allow them capacity for new exhibits, but will also serve as a mobile science center to surrounding rural communities.
Montana Science Center’s goal is to spark curiosity in science and technology to promote life-long learning by lowering barriers to access to STEM education through interactive experiences both at the Center and through outreach-based programming. In a typical year, the Science Center welcomes visiting classrooms to engage in standards-aligned science activities through the high-tech makerspace, STEAMlab. However, due to the pandemic, students have been unable to visit the Science Center. This truck donation will allow the Education Team at the Science Center to develop new and exciting programs for the public, to schools and to rural communities for enrichment field trips in STEAM topics.
“The Bozeman community is always very good to the Science Center. This vehicle donation is such an amazing validation of our programs and services that staff at Montana Science Center provide to students of all ages,” says Executive Director, Abby Turner. “We are so grateful for the support from Supply Squad and can’t wait to develop our ideas surrounding this opportunity! We want to thank Sandi and her team for their support of STEAM education in our community, particularly at MSC, with this donation.”
Supply Squad, a locally owned and operated commercial supplies distributor, has been supporting local businesses throughout the Gallatin Valley since 1972. While they are known in the business community for their huge variety of products, free next day delivery and legendary customer service, they have also been an active supporter of education behind the scenes through the annual School Supply Program and donations to local schools. “As we upgrade our delivery fleet, we want to do something special with our retired vehicles ,” says Sandi Sniscak, President of Supply Squad. “Education has always been part of our brand and an area the whole Squad is passionate about so we’re thrilled to contribute to Montana Science Center’s goals for STEM education.”
The Montana Science Center is currently offering virtual, take-home and limited onsite programs. During the closure this summer, staff put extensive work into developing COVID protocols and adapting the building for safe, interactive experiences while limiting visitation numbers. Programs include a weekly Science Club, private Preschool Science classes, daily STEAMlab Open Labs, and take home STEAMkits. “We have been working collectively with families in the Valley to create meaningful experiences for children of all ages as we navigate the changing conditions during these times,” says Turner, “we hope to provide these experiences while meeting the needs of students no matter how they’re learning.” All programs require registration via the website at MontanaScienceCenter.org.
In addition to programs, Montana Science Center introduced two new exhibits for engagement this fall - a NISE Network exhibit entitled Sun, Earth, Universe and one developed by the MSC team called Dangerous Nature. MSC looks forward to welcoming patrons back, safely, into the Science Center. In 2021, funding will be secured to develop this vehicle donation into a mobile “STEAM” truck with field trip options available for schools, small groups and preschools throughout our area. With support from the community, Montana Science Center looks forward to continuing to provide quality, interactive STEAM experiences to students of all ages.
Please contact the Montana Science Center for additional questions and clarifications. They can be reached at 406-522-9087 or info@MontanaScienceCenter.org
