Imagination Station is Here for You,
Even if We Can’t Physically Be Together
TOLEDO, Ohio – Imagination Station is still connecting with our community even though the outbreak of COVID-19 has brought communities across the nation to a halt. From online learning and programming to PPE donations for those saving lives in Northwest Ohio, the science center is working hard to continue providing informal science education and access to our community.
Our Minds are Open, Even if Our Doors Aren’t
The science center is continuing to bring the wonder of science into homes across the region. Even though our doors aren’t open, Imagination Station is working to continue to open the minds of our members, visitors and the community by offering Stay at Home Science experiments, live virtual workshops and other resources to keep kids and families busy and learning from the comfort of their homes. It may not be the same as a visit, but it’s sure to spark a passion for science in the whole family.All of the science center’s experiments and activities can be found on Imagination Station’s Facebook page and at www.imaginationstationtoledo.org.
Mask and Face Shield Donations
Science center team members have been creating fabric masks and face shields for local health care workers on the front lines. With Imagination Station sewing machines and donated fabric, the team has sewn face masks, while other team members have used 3D printers to make face shields for doctors, nurses and other medical staff to use in area hospitals. The science center has been making these masks for weeks and will continue throughout this time. The masks have been donated to support our area’s first responders.
Many of our community organizations and schools came together with Dana, Inc. to work together to donate several face shields to area hospitals, first responders and senior centers including face shields made by the science center. This community-wide effort to support those on the first lines distributed face shields made by other organizations including RMC Gaming, Anthony Wayne Schools, Eaton, Maumee City Schools, Sylvania STEM Center, Toledo Lucas County Public Libraries, Toledo Public Schools, Washington Local Schools and Way Public Library.
“Now more than ever, it’s paramount that communities come together to care for each other,” said, Seth Metzger, Imagination Station board member and Vice President at Dana Corporation. “When our team saw the local need for PPE items, we went into action, coordinating the distribution of face shields made by several organizations and schools in our community to medical facilities, nursing homes and hospital systems. We are proud of how our community has rallied together and are honored to connect front line workers with the equipment that will protect them while they work to keep us safe.”
Program Development for Children of First Responders
Imagination Station has partnered with YMCA to provide hands-on activities for children of first responders and healthcare workers. Imagination Station provided different science related activities to three locations across the Toledo area in conjunction with the YMCA’s Pandemic Child Care initiative.
"Parents working on the front lines have enough stress without worrying if their child is being well cared for. Part of that includes keeping them busy and engaged while they're away from home. Thanks to Imagination Station, our team is able to provide new and exciting educational activities throughout the week to keep young minds working outside of the classroom,” said Craig Palmer, Vice President of Youth Development & Educational Initiatives at the YMCA.
Imagination Station is honored to partner with the YMCA and will continue to support their efforts to provide assistance to our community’s first responders with additional activities and curriculum throughout this time.
The science center wants to continue to be a resource for our community, so for any organizations in our community needing online content or activities, Imagination Station is here for support and assistance.
Imagination Station provides a critical layer of science enrichment by serving as an educational partner for families at home, teachers, schools and students. It’s with a thoughtful blend of exhibits, experiences, education and excitement that Imagination Station inspires visitors to pursue STEM careers in Northwest Ohio.