User:Sheilalavida/sandbox

The Imagination Station is a science center located in Lafayette, Indiana. The museum caters to children and families in the surrounding community. It is known for large yearly events as well as programs for underrepresented groups in STEM. It is a part of the Association of Science - Technology Centers Travel Passport Program.

History

The Association for Science, Space, Engineering, and Technology Inc. (ASSET) was founded as a non-profit in 1992. The Imagination Station was developed by ASSET Inc. to provide a facility with activities and exhibits to teach children and adults alike about space, science, and technology. The Imagination Station settled into its current location in 1999, when the building was donated by the Indiana Gas Co. Inc (Indiana Gas). Guest of honor, astronaut Mark Brown was on hand to dedicate the building on March 5, 1999.

Permanent Exhibits
 * Computing for the Critters, an exhibit developed by the Inspire Research Institute for Pre-College Engineering at Purdue University. It teaches children computational concepts through hands-on interaction.
 * A collection of engines manufactured by Caterpillar Inc.
 * A working Ferrofluid Magneto-scope.
 * Solar system weight simulator.
 * Outdoor exhibits include a hay bale garden as well as a rain garden.

Notable Programs and Events
 * Hands on Transportation is an annual event where children are able to touch and interact with different transportation vehicles. Attendance is around 1,250 people per year.
 * Imagination Station is one of the locations for the Coderdojo program. This program is designed for children aged 4-11 to learn coding skills.
 * An annual Mini Makerfaire is also hosted by the Imagination Station. The event showcases community members who identify as "makers" in science, technology, and the arts.
 * Imagination Station regularly puts on programs that target ethic/racial minorities as well as other underrepresented groups.