Get Involved with an Organization
We are putting together a list of STEM outreach organizations that you can get involved with in Central Indiana. Whether you are looking for a new hobby, an opportunity to volunteer, or something to do for the weekend, there is something here for everyone!
To add your organization, email us at info@cinsoindy.org. Descriptions in quotes are from the organizations website.
Animalia
Description: “The mission of Animalia, Inc. is to engage and educate the public to further the appreciation,conservation and responsible care for natural habitats and all animals: native, exotic and domestic.”
“Animalia will achieve its mission through education about responsibility and conservation in the following ways: Education – We promote learning and appreciation through outreach programming by bringing a variety of animals to the public through educational presentations. Education materials are also provided as printed and internet resources. Responsibility – We encourage owners and care-takers to be responsible stewards of the animals in their care. We promote the provision of the healthiest lifestyle available through the basic understanding of animal behavior, providing enrichment for both mental and physical stimulation and through effective animal care techniques. Conservation – We support wildlife conservation efforts of threatened and endangered species by raising awareness through education and promoting the recovery efforts of these species. Through education and conservation efforts, we aspire to encourage all people to be conscientious supporters for the protection of species and their habitats.”
Contact: http://www.animalia.us/
(317) 695-5461
Celebrate Science Indiana
Description: “Celebrate Science Indiana is a public event that demonstrates the importance of studying science and the joy of discovery, the economic value of science, and its significance to society. For all age groups and for individuals from all walks of life, science impacts our daily lives, and the event aims to encourage young Hoosiers to pursue exciting, rewarding careers in science.
Celebrate Science Indiana features interactive events and activities, and, whenever possible, it will provide take-home information, activities, or innovative ideas for further investigation. Prominent participants at the event include local and national science-based industries and businesses, federal agencies, educational institutions, and public institutions that have a major emphasis on science or science education, such as the Indiana State Museum and the Indianapolis Children’s Museum.”
Contact: www.celebratescienceindiana.org
Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation
Description: “We do a lot of outreach in the ISU Bat Center. We are frequently invited to schools, libraries, and other places where people like to learn about new topics, like bats. We also talk to folks at ISU’s Earth Day, homecoming, and other similar events. Our big annual event to engage the community in caring about and understanding bats is the annual Indiana Bat Festival.”
Contact: www.isubatcenter.org
Center for Inquiry Indiana
Description: “The mission of the Center for Inquiry is to foster a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values.”
“The Center for Inquiry has established dozens of regional centers and communities, which provide a means of delivering educational programs and services on a local level and provide a venue for like-minded individuals to meet and share experiences.”
Contact: http://www.centerforinquiry.net/indy
(317) 423-0710
CFI Indiana
350 Canal Walk, Suite A
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Description: “Experiment in “Create.Connect“, an indoor exhibit space celebrating Indiana’s innovative spirit! Play with the effects of wind while trying to keep an aircraft aloft. Emulate industrious Hoosiers of the 1950s by designing your own invention in our new patent office. Challenge yourself by putting wind to work by building a real windmill. Discover how all these science, technology, engineering and mathematical feats have a place in Indiana history.”
Contact: www.connerprairie.org/
The daVinci Pursuit
Description: “The daVinci Pursuit was founded in order to bring science education and cultural enrichment closer to the public. As we looked around the greater Indianapolis area, we realized there were many informal educational venues in the city focused on families and kids from pre-kindergarten through early elementary school. What was missing, were settings for the 11 to 34-year-old crowd; places and events where teens, college students, working singles and couples without children could experience art and science in low-cost or no-cost environments that appeal broadly across varied social and educational backgrounds.”
“The daVinci Pursuit explores how artistic installations and programs can promote community engagement in science thinking, irrespective of wealth or privilege. We believe that learning experiences without walls, or informal settings, provides unique opportunities where teens and young adults of varying cultures and backgrounds can explore art and science in a non-threatening environment, free from the expense, staffing and access issues presented by “building-centric” learning institutions.”
Contact: http://www.thedavincipursuit.com/
Dow AgroSciences Science Ambassadors
Description: “The Dow AgroSciences Science Ambassadors are an employee group who work to engage the next generation of researchers through the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Today, more than 270 employees located in Indianapolis participate in STEM outreach by attending schools, science fairs and large STEM events throughout Central Indiana.”
Contact: http://www.dowagro.com/innovation/ambassadors/index.htm
Indiana Academy of Science
Description: “The Indiana Academy of Science is a professional membership organization of Indiana scientists. Founded in 1885, it is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting scientific research and diffusing scientific information; to encouraging communication and cooperation among scientists and to improving education in the sciences.”
Contact: www.indianaacademyofscience.org
Indiana Astronomical Society
Decription: “Exciting speakers discuss topics ranging from robotic planetary probes to astrophysics. General meetings are open to the public. During the winter months, generally from October through April, the meetings are held at the Holcomb Observatory on the Butler campus. Our meetings are held in conjunction with Butler’s Astronomy Department and their outreach programs with the planetarium, observing programs with the 38” telescope, and public events during the year. During the summer months, General Meetings and public lectures are held at IU’s Goethe Link Observatory, five miles south of Mooresville, IN.”
Contact: www.iasindy.org
IndianaFIRST
Description: “IndianaFIRST is an organization dedicated to growing FIRST robotics programs in the state of Indiana. Founded in the fall of 2001 as the Indiana-based affiliate of FIRST, IndianaFIRST brings FIRST programming to students in grades K-12, teaching them hands-on skills in engineering, science and technology that they can relate back to their class work.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a multinational non-profit organization that aspires to transform our culture, making science, math, engineering, and technology as cool for kids as sports are today. FIRST was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway Human Transporter, and designs its robotics programs after a traditional high school sports model, creating an ultra-competitive, highly engaging experience for students and the adult mentors who lead the teams. Kids compete against other kids in local, state, and regional competitions in what is frequently called “The Super Bowl of Smarts.””
Contact: www.indianafirst.org
Indiana Science Olympiad
Description: “Science Olympiad a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of K-12 science education, increasing male, female and minority interest in science, creating a technologically-literate workforce and providing recognition for outstanding achievement by both students and teachers. These goals are achieved by participating in Science Olympiad tournaments and non-competitive events, incorporating Science Olympiad into classroom curriculum and attending teacher training institutes.”
Contact: www.indianascienceolympiad.org
Indy Homeschool Science Fair
Description: “The Indy Homeschool Science Fair was created by two Indianapolis area homeschooling moms and bloggers, Stephanie Black and Jacqueline Wilson.
Stephanie and Jacqueline both understand the importance of science in learning. They wanted the opportunity for their kids to be able to research and display science experiments in a fun, community environment, as well as grow their homeschooling network and community. So, the idea for the Indy Homeschool Science Fair was born!”
Contact: indyhomeschoolsciencefair.com
Lilly Science Education Outreach
Description: “(LSEO) is a group of Lilly volunteers with a desire to strengthen the science curriculum in our schools and to encourage students to pursue careers in science”
“Our objectives are to… Provide the opportunity for Lilly volunteers to share their knowledge and experiences with students and teachers. Provide valuable science education programming to enhance student learning. Provide students the opportunity to explore their own career interests / planning. Create opportunities for students and teachers to understand the breadth and depth of science. Inspire students to consider future careers in the field of science.”
Contact: https://www.scienceoutreach.lilly.com/index.html
Mad Science of North Central Indiana
Description: Mad Science is committed to provide compelling science content to preschool through 6th grade students via hands-on science activities. This hands-on science experience is provided through workshops, after school programs and summer camps. We provide science outreach activities to the aforementioned students as well as the general public with our science shows and interactive science booths.
Additionally, we offer science themed birthday parties.
Contact: indy.madscience.org
(317) 388-0988
6204 La Pas Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Marian University EcoLab
Description: “The Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab is committed to education about the environment through interaction with the environment. The NMP EcoLab property is a 55-acre natural area on the Marian University campus where environmental restoration began 100 years ago with esteemed landscape architect, Jens Jensen and continues today with Marian students, K-12 school groups, and the general public.
Marian University students and faculty use the NMP EcoLab in their classes as a site for hands-on experiences in the natural environment. It also provides a great location for undergraduate research and for internships in ecological restoration and environmental education.
The NMP EcoLab hosts outstanding science programs for all ages and a comprehensive array of environmental resources for Pre K-12 students and teachers. Through a Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab experience, be it at the NMP EcoLab itself, at your site, or even via interactive videoconferencing, participants will increase their knowledge and appreciation of the environment, while also being inspired to learn and do more to preserve our precious natural resources.”
Contact: www.marian.edu/about-marian/nina-mason-pulliam-ecolab
McCloud Star Gaze
Description: “During the warmer months from April through October, The Indiana Astronomical Society holds a monthly star gaze at the McCloud Nature Park (driving directions below). This event is designed for the beginning amateur astronomer and is open to the public and members and non-members of the Society. Emphasis is on actual observing with telescopes furnished by both the IAS and the Park to help beginners find their way around the night sky and, in particular, how to find those faint, but interesting, objects. Other topics may include discussions of types of equipment used and the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you have a telescope that you have questions about, bring it along and ask for help. The events are attended by experienced IAS members to help you with your questions or equipment. The topics for each session are announced on the IAS website and the McCloud website and in the IAS newsletter IAS News and Views, along with times and locations.
Meetings start thirty minutes prior to sunset on the Saturday closest to the 1st Quarter Moon (see schedule in our calendar). Wander around and ask questions about the sky. Observing continues as long as the participants desire.”
Contact: www.iasindy.org/McCloudNaturePark.php
Project Lead The Way
Description: “The PLTW pre-engineering/engineering technology program is being offered in over 3000 schools this coming year, including school districts in all 50 states. Indiana has the largest number of schools participating in the program with over 300 schools. In Indiana, Project Lead The Way courses are technology education course offerings as designated by the Indiana Department of Education.
Project Lead The Way has developed a four-year sequence of technology education courses which, when combined with college preparatory mathematics and science courses in high school, introduces students to the scope, rigor, and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college. The Project Lead The Way technology education curriculum addresses the educational needs of students planning to attend a two-year or four-year college leading to a career in engineering or engineering technology. A detailed description of these courses can be viewed on the national Project Lead The Way link provided.
In addition to the Project Lead The Way high school technology education curriculum, Project Lead The Way provides a middle-level technology education program. This exploratory curriculum focuses on design, electronics, automation, and engineering mechanics. The curriculum is hands-on and directly articulates to the high school Project Lead The Way course sequence and the Indiana technology education curriculum.”
Contact: pltw.tech.purdue.edu
Project SEED
Description: “Since 1973 Project SEED has served over 700 interns. The 2013 Program was a phenomenal success and program students are now reporting outstanding scholarship offers and college acceptances to great schools.
The 2013 student interns had a productive fall semester. On September 9 students presented their research findings at American Chemical Society Fall National Meeting at the Indianapolis Convention Center. On September 13 students presented at the 5th Annual Meeting of the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institutes. Throughout the autumn and winter seasons students also competed in the Siemens and Intel competitions, the Indiana Junior Academy of Sciences and plan to present at the Indiana Physiological Society annual poster presentation in Evansville on February 22.”
Contact: www.indyprojectseed.org
Science Education Foundation of Indiana (SEFI)
Description: “SEFI is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to encourage and assist young people to become scientists and engineers and to practice their professions in Indiana. The membership of the Board of Directors is composed of volunteers from industry, the not-for-profit sector, and academia who are committed to enhancing science education in Indiana. Our mission statement is embodied in deliverable outcomes.
Specifically, the youth of our state are encouraged and assisted through the following activities.
- Financing the Hoosier Science and Engineering Fair
- Providing financial support for Indiana students and teachers while they attend the Intel International Science Fair
- Conducting “how to” science fair workshops for Indiana teachers
- Soliciting scholarships and awards from Indiana colleges and universities for science fair participants
- Connecting science students to Indiana colleges and universities
- Providing Science Fair information/resources to teachers, parents and students in Indiana
- Supporting the regional science fairs in Indiana”
Contact: www.sefi.org
The ‘SCOPE – Science Blog
Description: THE ‘SCOPE is an exciting new science and pop culture blog co-founded by Bill Sullivan and Mark Lasbury (http://thescopepopculturescience.blogspot.com/). THE ‘SCOPE aims to inform readers about the science behind the news, the culture, and the things that we love. As the name implies, THE ‘SCOPE, which is short for microscope or telescope, analyzes pop culture to bring the unexpected and fascinating into focus. THE ‘SCOPE debuted on July 14, 2014, and is just shy of 10,000 page views as of September 15, 2014.
THE ‘SCOPE is written by scientists and educators who are eager to share their passion for science and reason. Writing in an accessible and often amusing manner, THE ‘SCOPE uses pop culture as a springboard to discuss science, putting these familiar events in a whole new light. Our articles include tie-ins to the most recent literature in the field. A sampling of some of our more popular posts include a discussion on the scientific plausibility of The Incredible Hulk and Planet of the Apes, what alcohol does to the brain, and whether midi-chlorians – the symbionts that gave Jedi Knights their power – might exist on Earth. THE ‘SCOPE has also weighed in on climate change, homosexuality, and the anti-vaccine movement.
For science writers, THE ‘SCOPE offers you an opportunity to develop and flex your writing muscles. We welcome queries from experienced or budding science writers who share our desire to communicate science to the masses in fun and interesting ways. Send queries to wjsulliv@iu.edu.
Spaceport Indiana
Description: Spaceport Indiana is a launch and educational organization that is part of the Commercial Space Industry. Spaceport is Indiana’s largest STEM education provider and offers curriculum and classes that use space and exploration as a tool for learning. Spaceport offers INSpace Camps in the summer, SpaceLab™ classes throughout the year and the annual Indiana Science Fest in the spring. Spaceport also offers BalloonSat (launches to the edge of space) projects to schools throught Indiana. Visits to your school, organization or event can be scheduled and include programming that meets national science standards. Spaceport also has Indiana’s only UAV/Drone training academy.
Contact: www.spaceportindiana.com
765-606-1512
Time and Space Discovery Center At the Paramount School of Excellence
Description: “Located inside Paramount School of Excellence, the Time and Space Discovery Center utilizes a teaching and research space, Solar System room, and planetarium to offer a comprehensive educational experience for youth and adult visitors.
“Visitors are able to experience scientific concepts in a real-world, hands-on environment. Their learning is then culminated in the planetarium. Our visitors see the motion of the skies, get a better idea of how the seasons work, understand what causes the phases of the moon, see how the planets orbit the sun, find out more about scale, ratio, proportion, and much more.”-Tommy Reddicks, Director”
Features include:
- State of the art digital projection system
- Powerful surround sound audio
- 40 MacBook Pro Laptops
- Multiple HD LED monitors with
- Apple Air Play Interactivity
- High Definition live NASA HDTV
- Scaled replica of the Solar System
- 6’ internally illuminated rotating Earth Ball
- Life-sized astronaut display
Contact: www.indytsdc.com
3020 Nowland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46201
317-775-6660
Trade School Indianapolis
Description: “Our mission is to provide non-traditional education focused on mutual aid and respect that makes ideas, skills and resources available to the creative community. We believe that everyone has something to offer, and that paying for services isn’t the best way to build community. With mutual respect, anything is possible.”
“Classes at Trade School are taught in exchange for barter items decided by teachers. Anyone can teach a class. Every class has a unique barter item list that is based on what each unique teacher would like in exchange for their time and knowledge. Trade School works with each teacher to plan their classes and come up with a barter item list aligned with our principles. Students can then sign up for classes by agreeing to bring at least one of the barter items for the teacher when registering online.”
Contact: http://tradeschool.coop/indianapolis/
WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
Description: “Whatever your age, all you have to bring is a sense of curiosity about the world around you as you get ready to experiment, build, observe, and discover. From the challenge of the two-story grapevine climber to the enthralling Water Works, WonderLab has over 50 hands-on science exhibits inside and outside in the garden that will capture your imagination and make learning fun! Exhibits reinforce educational concepts and skills set forth by Indiana Academic Standards and also incorporate principles of universal design. Note that some exhibits featured on the website occasionally are moved to different places in the museum or into temporary storage to make room for new experiences.”
“The WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology is an award-winning science museum located on the B-Line Trail in the heart of the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District. WonderLab was incorporated as a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization in 1995 and a core group of volunteers began to offer hands-on science outreach services at community events. In 1998, WonderLab opened in its first physical location, a small space in the historic Wicks Building on the north side of the Bloomington courthouse square.”
Contact: www.wonderlab.org
308 West 4th Street, Bloomington, IN 47404
812.337.1337