5 Fascinating Places In Texas To Take Kids Interested In Science

Edited by Ezvid Wiki Editorial on 5 December 2019

To prepare students for the careers of the future, STEM education is of vital importance. But dry classroom lectures and worksheets won't inspire them to dedicate their lives to science. These organizations aim to nurture kids' love of nature, space, animals, and all types of scientific disciplines through fascinating exhibits and programs that let them explore their interests and show them the value of understanding science and engineering. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

5 Destinations in Texas for Science Fans

Attraction Location Features
Space Center Houston Houston See spacesuits, a shuttle replica and original shuttle carrier aircraft, the Starship Gallery, films and live presentations, and the Galaxy Lights display
Perot Museum of Nature and Science Dallas Exhibits on nature, engineering, sports, geology, energy, astronomy, and many other fields, as well as a hands-on Children's Museum
Texas State Aquarium Corpus Christi View dolphins, sharks, toucans, flamingos, barracudas, sea turtles, jellyfish, stingrays, alligators, a bald eagle, and a multitude of fish
Frontiers of Flight Museum Dallas Exhibits covering commercial and military aviation, early pioneers of flight, space travel, and artifacts from the Hindenburg and many other aircraft
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Dallas 66 acres of grounds featuring the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, Tasteful Place pavilion and kitchen, Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden, Eugenia Leftwich Palmer Fern Dell, and many other peaceful and beautiful areas

Space Center University at Space Center Houston

Texas Education Facts

Sea Turtle Rescue & Recovery with the Texas State Aquarium

Texas Statistical Snapshot

The Most Educated Countries Around the World

Rank Country Population in 2019 Adults 25-64 who have Received a Tertiary Education (2 or 4-year degree or vocational program)
1 Canada 37,411,047 56.71%
2 Japan 126,860,301 51.44%
3 Israel 8,519,377 50.92%
4 South Korea 51,225,308 47.74%
5 United States 329,064,917 46.36%
6 United Kingdom 67,530,172 45.74%
7 Ireland 4,882,495 45.66%
8 Australia 25,203,198 45.36%
9 Finland 5,532,156 44.30%
10 Norway 5,378,857 43.21%

In Depth

Choosing to educate youth at an early age helps to make a positive impact on the rest of their lives. Encouraging curiosity often builds life-long learners. Texas has numerous places to explore where young people can learn about the world around them, discover new concepts, and grow their understanding in scientific interests. In no particular order, here are five places in Texas dedicated to teaching children about science.

At #1 on the list, we have the Space Center Houston. A nonprofit foundation, it offers numerous education programs and a museum which is open daily to public tours. The cornerstone of its mission is the Space Center, where guests are encouraged to explore the galaxy through various displays. The area is a frequent destination among international visitors and locals alike. It is also the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, and a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Since opening in 1992, Space Center Houston has welcomed over 20 million visitors to its two-hundred-and-fifty-thousand square-foot educational complex. Emphasis is placed on science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs. The center uses space exploration in an attempt to inspire wonder and interest about how scientific knowledge affects the world. A donation will help to open the doors to STEM fields for people of all ages, and go toward improving the organization's facilities.

A donation will help to open the doors to STEM fields for people of all ages, and go toward improving the organization's facilities.

At #2 we get the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. This facility opened its doors in December of 2012, although the institution itself has roots dating back to 1936. The Perot Museum was the result of a 2006 merger between the Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Science Place, and the Dallas Children's Museum. Combining collections-based natural history with man's scientific and technological achievements, the organization offers both exhibitions and educational programs for audiences.

With a mission to inspire minds through nature and science, the Perot Museum seeks to deliver engaging and innovative experiences through their exhibits, research, and educational programming. Future science leaders can spark their curiosity through eleven interactive permanent exhibit halls, a children's museum, traveling exhibition hall, digital projection theater, and active Paleo Prep Lab. A donation can earn you a membership, and allow future families to visit the facility.

For #3 we have the Texas State Aquarium, which is on a mission to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and promote wildlife conservation. They hope to be a global leader in fostering support for the conservation of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Offering dozens of exhibits like the Aquatic Nursery and the Stingray Lagoon, the aquarium strives to educate all people about the importance of these sea creatures.

Offering dozens of exhibits like the Aquatic Nursery and the Stingray Lagoon, the aquarium strives to educate all people about the importance of these sea creatures.

The Aquarium makes it a point to educate their guests through presentations. Visitors may view demonstrations that include the Dolphin Bay, Feed the Rays, and the Wild Flight Show. Each event provides people with information on how to safely interact with the animals, and about the importance of caring for them. Donating to the Texas State Aquarium goes to the areas of greatest need, such as providing food or giving medical attention to sick and injured creatures.

At #4 we get the Frontiers of Flight Museum. More than thirty aircraft and display galleries encourage guests to attend and learn about the history of aviation. Popular collections include early biplanes, historically important military and general aircraft, the history of Southwest Airlines, the Chance Vought V-173 "Flying Pancake," and the Apollo 7 command module. Visitors can take a chronological walk through the development of human flight, from the Leonardo da Vinci parachute to space exploration.

The Museum offers both a Living History program and a STEM education program. Their mission is to explore the history and progress of aviation as mankind continues to pursue going higher, faster, and farther. From early flight to modern space exploration, the facility hopes to educate people of all ages. Their programs seek to teach students to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics principles to the concept of flight. A donation helps to advance interest in STEM by funding tours, exhibits, lectures, and documentaries.

Their mission is to explore the history and progress of aviation as mankind continues to pursue going higher, faster, and farther.

The last on the list is #5, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The gardens opened to the public for the first time in 1984. Their mission is to build and maintain a public venue that promotes the enjoyment and knowledge of horticulture, while providing opportunities for research. They offer their visitors a variety of annual events, including educational programs for children and adults, and an emphasis on family-oriented activities.

Guests can enjoy permanent exhibits as well as seasonal displays, which include the Christmas Village and Holiday at the Arboretum. The organization hosts dozens of cooking events to help teach visitors about crafting a sustainable meal. During the Spring and Fall, they also organize a series of concerts that each take place on Thursday night. A donation goes toward maintaining the gardens, planning for new exhibits, and continuing to provide events to the public.