On October 15, members toured the Arizona Science Center, the "hands-on" science museum in downtown Phoenix that Phoenix Chapter members Sheila Grinell and Dr. Laura Martin helped establish. (Thanks to Penny Papadopoulos and Vianne Kucera for arranging the visit.) Sheila and Laura had originally met while working at Children's Television Workshop (the creators of Sesame Street) thirty years ago. Laura, who has a PhD in cognitive psychology, was heading up a research program there, and Sheila was consulting on after-school activities. A professional and personal friendship bloomed, and when Sheila was recruited to serve as founding CEO of the museum in 1993, she invited Laura to set up the new education department. Sheila led the Center for nearly 12 years, and Laura continued until recently to provide guidance and supervise research.
The late Kathy Hoover, who was a Trustee at the Center and long-time ARCS member, introduced them to our Chapter.
Laura, who was recovering from a broken arm, did not attend the event. Stevie Eller (pictured at right) and her late husband were long-time supporters of the Center, and she continues to be involved.
At the right, members tour a "maker space" examining 3-D printers in action. Members also visited the planetarium that is now a construction site: a new, state-of-the-art projection system is being installed. The Center is keeping up with the pace of technology.
