Eighty-four Panama seventh and eighth grade GEAR UP students recently toured Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. The two-story museum consists of a wide-array of hands-on activities that allow students to have fun in an engaging way. Students roamed, ran, and played while learning about various science principles. The museum, as well as the name, has evolved since its creation in 1958. The mission of Science Museum Oklahoma, formerly known as the Omniplex Science Museum, is to enrich people’s lives by revealing the wonder and relevance of science. Science Museum Oklahoma is enjoyed by children and students of all ages.

GEAR UP students learned about varies exhibits throughout the museum including Beautiful Minds – Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage. Dyslexia affects as much as 4% of the world’s population and often goes undiagnosed. Although dyslexia is labeled as a learning disability, it can be seen as a different way of thinking. Other exhibits include CurioCity, a 20,000-square-foot city with eight whimsical neighborhoods. Students are exposed to science through a number of interactive activities that encourage learning through play, the heart of the museum with hundreds of activities to teach, entertain and astound guests.

“Educational tours are an important part of Eastern’s GEAR UP program,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Bethany Hicks.

The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature. Eastern recently received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant and will serve over 3,000 students in 39 area schools for seven years.