A girl using a 3D printer pen to make a black cube

Students at two Indiana schools will have even more opportunities to Do Science this spring. Kentucky Science Center and Samtec have teamed up to provide MakerPlaceSTEAM Carts to Heth-Washington Elementary and Morgan Elementary, both in Harrison County, Indiana.

 Each MakerPlace STEAM Cart includes all the tools, curriculum, and resources for more than 15 hands-on activities plus technology enhancements for use during each lesson. Activities are geared towards 1st-5th grade and designed for up to 25 students to participate individually or in group sessions. 

Selected schools will receive training on facilitating the activities and using the included technology, and Kentucky Science Center staff will collaborate with school staff throughout the length of the residency. The MakerPlace STEAM Carts will be in place at each school for six months beginning in March 2023. Schools will have the opportunity to use the carts to supplement classroom lessons, enable after-school enrichment opportunities, and promote family engagement. 

 “Last year we piloted our MakerPlace STEAM Carts in Kentucky schools,” says Kentucky Science Center CEO Mike Norman. “Thanks to Samtec’s investment, we’re so excited to extend the reach of these amazing learning tools into Southern Indiana. Each cart provides not just a single day of science education, but six months of curated STEAM activities. Providing this kind of in-depth STEAM instruction really touches the heart of our mission – priming the workforce pipeline and creating students who are ready to seize the opportunities of the 21st century with next-generation skills.”

 “Samtec is proud to support the Kentucky Science Center with a Samtec Cares grant providing MakerPlace STEAM Carts to Southern Indiana schools,” says Pam Grieb, Samtec’s Community Relations Manager.  “STEM/STEAM-based education teaches children more than just science and math concepts. It provides hands-on learning with real-world applications that develops a variety of much needed skill sets for today’s jobs, including collaboration, resilience, critical thinking and creativity.”

 Kentucky Science Center is located at 727 W. Main Street on Louisville’s historic Museum Row and is open to the public seven days a week from 9:30AM to 5:00PM. Our 50,000 square feet of space allows families plenty of opportunity to explore, experiment, and Do Science. Secure your general admission tickets by visiting kysciencecenter.org.    

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 About Kentucky Science Center (kysciencecenter.org)   
Kentucky Science Center is a nonprofit educational institution that encourages people of all ages to Do Science in engaging, educational, and entertaining ways to inspire a lifetime of learning. Designated the State Science Center of Kentucky by the 2002 Kentucky General Assembly, Kentucky Science Center features interactive exhibits and engaging programs for children, families, and adults. Kentucky Science Center is committed to growing a scientifically literate community that investigates, questions, and challenges.   

About Samtec, Inc.  (samtec.com)
Founded in 1976 and headquartered in New Albany, IN, Samtec is a privately held, $1 billion global manufacturer of a broad line of electronic interconnect solutions, including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. With more than 7,700 Associates worldwide, 40+ international locations and products sold in more than 125 different countries, Samtec’s global presence enables its unmatched customer service.