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Expansion Project: The Case
Encounters with natural history and science museums have impacted many of our nation's greatest scientific thinkers.
- 85 percent of today's scientists credit museums with providing their most memorable science experience.
- More than 50 percent of science- and engineering-degreed workers will retire in the next 20 years.
- 79 percent of American 12th-graders are not proficient in science*.
Math, science and technology education is crucial. Unfortunately, our country is expected to face a significant shortage of qualified science, math, technology and conservation professionals in the coming years. We must place math and science programming in the forefront so North Texas and the U.S. can maintain its competitive edge. The new Victory Park facility will provide the space and resources to provide such educational opportunities.
Economic Impact
Building the Museum in downtown Dallas will bring new energy and economic benefits to a section of the city primed for development. In the past several years, arts and cultural organizations in North Texas have generated more than $750 million in economic activity annually. The Museum will also add to this activity by becoming a premier attraction for Dallas visitors. The new facility will bring in world-renowned traveling exhibitions, drawing both international press and tourists to the region.
Programming Opportunities
The building will be a center for education, exploration, and discovery. The approximate 150,000-sq.-ft facility will feature lively exhibits, vivid contextual displays of the Museum's collections, the latest technology, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities. The facility will offer dynamic exhibits on topics ranging from dinosaurs to DNA. The Museum will introduce new public programming for adults and families that will complement and enhance exhibitions and other museum activities as well as specialty programming that encourages school-aged children to pursue careers as scientists, educators, researchers, and engineers.
Programming will include hands-on exploration areas, discovery stations, ongoing workshops, demonstrations, lectures and symposia, field trips, labs, ArtsReach programming, a teacher development center, a mobile learning lab, after-school classes, special interest clubs, summer study, and travel programs. Technology-based programming will include web site activities, interactive media in exhibits, and distance and online education programs.
*Majority of U.S. Students Lack Proficiency in Science, National Test Shows - Bloomberg, January 25, 2011
