Inside the Sciencenter, a unique atmosphere reigns where technology and passive observation are notably absent. Instead, visitors engage with hands-on exhibits, experiencing a symphony of laughter and interactive learning. The Sciencenter, located in Ithaca, New York, has spent the last 30 years building an environment designed to cultivate curiosity and critical thinking among its visitors.
Sierra Coathup, the Sciencenter’s volunteer program manager, recently witnessed a moment that encapsulated the organization’s mission. In the Saltonstall Animal Room, which houses a variety of amphibians, reptiles, and fish, a child exclaimed to their parents, “See, I told you it was real!” as they eagerly approached the axolotl tank. Coathup reflected on how this exchange highlighted a learning dynamic where the child assumed the role of teacher, illustrating the Sciencenter’s success in fostering curiosity through interaction.
The Sciencenter’s approach is rooted in its founding mission: to “cultivate an engaged community of curious, collaborative, critical thinkers.” As formal education systems increasingly prioritize memorization over exploration, the Sciencenter stands out as a venue that prioritizes hands-on experiences. Professor Chris Schaffer, a biomedical engineering expert, noted that science remains a favorite subject for students until the end of middle school, but traditional classrooms often dampen that interest. He emphasized that interactive environments, such as the Sciencenter, are essential for sustaining curiosity and engagement in science.
Research backs this perspective. A comprehensive 33-year study tracking individuals from Generation X found that early exposure to hands-on science activities significantly influenced lifelong interests and engagement in the field. This foundational understanding drives the Sciencenter’s meticulous exhibit design process, which spans several years of audience research, prototyping, and testing.
Bridges to Bioengineering, a notable collaborative project involving faculty and students from Cornell University’s Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, exemplifies this thorough approach. Currently in its third year, this 1,500-square-foot bilingual exhibition aims to connect complex biomedical engineering concepts with public understanding. The project has been designed to be accessible in both Spanish and English.
The development process began with interviews conducted by Adrienne Testa, the director of exhibitions, who sought to understand public perceptions of biomedical engineering. “We think of all the questions, such as: What do people already know about biomedical engineering? What do they think it is?” Testa explained. Following this initial phase, the team focused on prototyping and testing the exhibit’s concepts, ensuring that it communicated scientific messages effectively while remaining engaging for visitors.
Currently, the Sciencenter is in the prototyping phase, where different components of the exhibition are tested and adjusted based on visitor interactions. Schaffer elaborated on the iterative nature of this process, stating, “We’re monitoring and evaluating how did [the children] interact? Did they seem to have fun?” This feedback is crucial as the team works towards a final design that encourages visitors to actively participate in scientific exploration.
The Sciencenter’s commitment to engaging audiences extends beyond its physical location. In 2025, the Sciencenter’s 11 traveling exhibitions are expected to reach 14 states and two Canadian provinces, engaging hundreds of thousands of individuals. Plans are also underway for an exhibition to travel to a children’s science museum in Chengdu, China, further expanding the model of interactive learning across cultural boundaries.
As the Sciencenter celebrates its three decades of innovation, it remains dedicated to preserving the innate curiosity that defines human nature. Through the hard work of staff, researchers, and thousands of volunteers, the Sciencenter continues to ensure that discovery is not only tangible and hands-on but also enjoyable. Moments like a child confidently asserting, “See? I told you it was real!” serve as a testament to the lasting impact of the Sciencenter’s mission.
