The Emerald Coast Science Center is preparing for major renovations with a $102,000 grant from Impact 100.
FORT WALTON BEACH — The Emerald Coast Science Center is preparing for major renovations with a $102,000 grant from Impact 100.
The Science Center at 21 S.W. Memorial Parkway in Fort Walton Beach was approved for the grant Nov. 5 after proposing the money would be used to renovate two classrooms into an immersive, interacting learning environment.
The renovations will include new flooring, furniture, plumbing, HVAC, ceilings, lighting, electrical improvements and asbestos abatement in the classrooms.
Science Center Director Diane Fraser said this will be the first upgrades to the building since it was built in 1977.
"We're hoping to have the renovations done by the time tourists come back and our kids get out of school," Fraser said. "Realistically, it'll probably be in May."
The money also will be used to purchase SMALLLab Learning technologies, which tracks students' 3D movements as they learn about physics, chemistry and foreign languages.
Fraser said the Science Center will be just one of three museums in the United States that offer SMALLLab Learning to the general public.
"It's an entirely new way of engaging students," Fraser said. "Kids are going to be up and moving as they're learning. It's going to be amazing."
The Emerald Coast Science Center was established in 1989 after the Junior League of the Emerald Coast conducted a feasibility study to see if Okaloosa County could support a science museum. The organization determined the museum would be a great fit, and the volunteer-run organization was formed.
Nowadays, the Science Center holds an array of exhibits and programs to advance students' learning and creativity. One of its newest programs, Girls Engaged in Making (GEM), promotes girls' interests in fields dominated by men.
"GEM is designed only for girls to give them a safe place to learn, excel and experiment things based on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) related concepts," Fraser said. "That's just one program that uses our two classroom spaces."
Other programs include Maker Days, when students design and engineer their own crafts like fidget spinners, and the "Science of ... Series" for adults, in which they explore the science behind popular beverages and food.
"The great thing about the museum is that it's a multi-generational thing," Fraser said. "You can come here for less than what it costs to take your family to the movies. We even have a science behind popcorn exhibit, so you can even get popcorn here."