Discovery Center of Springfield

Purpose: Serving as Centers of Community Engagement The Discovery Center of Springfield (DCS) has collaborated with the public schools, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, and the Junior League to create an awareness of the numerous cultures represented in the school system. In this project, the Discovery Center will plan, fabricate, install, and staff a new permanent exhibit area called "World Tour." With its partners, DCS will develop six different kiosks, celebrating the cultures of Mexico, the Philippines, the Plains Indians, African Americans, China, and Japan. A seventh kiosk will be available for additional cultures to rotate through. The grant will support a staff position to facilitate the collaborative planning, manage and maintain the exhibit area, work with volunteers from the various cultures on an ongoing basis, plan curricula and programs for student field trips, and plan special events. The goals of the "World Tour" project are to promote multicultural awareness, emphasize the importance of multicultural education, demonstrate an innovative approach to learning, engage the public, serve as a center for community collaboration, and develop programs and activities.