On April 8, the community collectively raised eyes to the sky, momentarily captivated by a singular phenomenon. The duration of totality may have been different for many of us, but the impact will remain long after skies return to normal.
Inside Imagination Station, a clock ticked off the seconds until the much-anticipated moment– what we call our ‘Super Bowl of Science.’ This celestial phenomenon highlighted all the best aspects of science, inspiring wonder and curiosity, making it a great opportunity for Imagination Station to excite our community around STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).
As I think about the past 18 months, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and want to thank our community for the exciting journey we’ve shared in preparation for the solar eclipse, an amazing experience.
We connected with neighborhoods, businesses, schools and organizations through handson learning, films, outreach programs and engaging conversations. With the help of supporters and volunteers, we provided resources and learning tools to communities throughout Lucas, Wood, Hancock counties and beyond.
Efforts included:
•Over 6,000 people celebrating and viewing the eclipse at the science center, visitors came from South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, California, New Jersey, Washington, Michigan and of course Toledo
•700 Totally Solar educational kits to fifth grade teachers impacting more than 12,500 students
•2,000 Solar Tinkering kits inspiring families to learn together
•500 outreach programs delivered to area schools and community centers
•100 solar ambassadors
•6 Art Installations at Imagination Station
•3 community conversations in the KeyBank Discovery Theater
•A partnership with the 419 Ale trail and more than 18 local breweries
•A Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative, a research project that gathered data on the eclipse at the science center. The National Science Foundation and NASA support this program •1:54 seconds of total eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime experience To all the partners who shared their creativity and support–Cenovus, Chase STEMM Academy, Destination Toledo, Simons Foundation, the Findlay-Hancock Community Foundation, Metroparks Toledo, Arts Commission, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, University of Toledo, University of Findlay and Toledo Alliance for the Performing Artsit is because of you that our community is ready to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event.
A big thank you goes out to all of our Solar Eclipse Ambassadors who “accepted the mission” of helping to spread the excitement and educate our community on the wonders of totality. Their enthusiasm and commitment have been infectious and will be remembered.
And to my Imagination Station team–wow, you are rock stars. You inspire me every day with your enthusiasm, creativity and your unwavering commitment to our mission. Your efforts spark curiosity, ignite imaginations and truly foster a love of science and discovery for everyone.
As you stood beneath the shadow of the moon, you had the opportunity to partake in a moment where time seemingly stood still, and share in a singular emotion–awe. Awe in the vastness of the universe and our place within it. The entire community looking up in the sky sharing the inspiration of science as one. Lori Hauser Chief Executive Officer Imagination Station
