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Museum honors Melissa Rice with inaugural SPARK Award at fundraising gala

SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention presented Western Washington University assistant professor Melissa Rice its first SPARK Award earlier this year. The award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to science education and advocacy, was presented at IGNITE!, the Museum’s inaugural fundraising gala.

“We selected Dr. Rice for this award because she is someone who ignites curiosity in science not only in kids but in people of all ages and backgrounds, someone who has gained distinction as a science advocate through active engagement with the public,” said John Jenkins, SPARK’s president, and CEO.

With nearly 100 attendees, IGNITE! raised more than $70,000 to help fund expanded exhibits and educational programming at SPARK Museum.

“On behalf of the entire board, I would like to thank the outstanding volunteers who helped put on our first gala and the many donors who made it a financial success,” said Wendy Eickmeyer, IGNITE! chair and SPARK Museum board member. “We’re incredibly appreciative of the support our community shows for SPARK Museum and its ongoing science experiences for families and students from across the Pacific Northwest.”

SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention is an exciting and educational experience for all ages. Exhibits span four centuries of scientific achievement in a world-class collection celebrating the inventions and innovations that make our modern world possible. SPARK Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Located at 1312 Bay St. in Downtown Bellingham, its regular hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Continue reading.

NEW EXHIBIT: WAR OF THE CURRENTS

Our new War of the Currents exhibit is open! Come explore this fascinating exhibit with never before seen artifacts and a one-of-a-kind replica of the Egg of Columbus used by Nikola Tesla at the Chicago Worlds Fair!

As informal educators, we have the ability to reach students in profound and unique ways. We have the power to transform the way they think, broaden their perspective, and introduce them to a world of learning outside the classroom. This responsibility can be daunting, and how to align our approach with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) introduces entirely new challenges for all of us.

Join us at "Beyond the Classroom" a symposium designed to connect informal education institutions with local teachers and educators, with the goal of learning how to create educational programming that is effective and serves the teachers and students in our communities to the fullest.

This year's keynote speaker, Dr. Deborah Hanuscin, will be presenting: "The Next Generation Science Standards Outside the Classroom." Dr. Hanuscin is a former elementary teacher and museum educator and is currently on the faculty of Western Washington University. Continue reading for additional details.