The Science Learning Center (SLC) at Long Beach State offers a unique place for CSULB and middle and high school students to learn about science in non-traditional ways.
Located in the Hall of Science in room 110, the Science Learning Center has many exhibits for guests to explore. Those interested can visit the Critter Corner, an exhibit that showcases invertebrates (animals without backbones), as well as an exhibit that showcases animal skulls and tails.
“What sets the SLC apart from the education department, even though we both focus on teaching others, is that we focus on how science learning happens,” said Katherine Huotari, program coordinator for the Science Learning Center.
Although the SLC is focused on science, it is not just for those who specialize in Natural Sciences and Mathematics. In fact, all CSULB students are welcome to visit the center during open hours during the spring and fall semesters.
“We also want to focus on making the center interdisciplinary and open to everyone,” Huotari said. “The mural displayed in the center was done by an art student. It’s all about finding what you like and incorporating that into everything you do.”
In addition to serving college students, the Science Learning Center’s main goal is to teach middle and high school students that learning science can be fun.
“In the classroom, students don’t get enough science engagement or don’t learn science beyond a textbook, so with our informal teaching at the center, we can show middle and high school students that science is fun and we hope they get more involved,” said Karen Perez-Fernandez, SLC intern.
The Science Learning Center uses informal teaching, unique ways outside of the normal classroom environment. This includes interacting with the skulls at the center or taking them on field trips.
“Students can be intimidated by STEM subjects, so one of our goals is to show students that science is all around them and we do this through the fun activities we organize,” said Perez-Fernandez.
An example of one of these activities promoted by the center is having students build towers with chips and tape to teach them about engineering.
As far as outreach goes, SLC goes to local middle and high schools for STEM nights and educates students about the scientific way of the world. The center transports living creatures for students to observe in person, teaching them critical thinking skills through observations.
The Science Learning Center staff is made up of Long Beach State interns, volunteers and student assistants. Paid positions are available through work-study as well as paid internships for students placed in the College Corps.
The SLC is always looking for volunteers if students need to log hours for graduation. Volunteer forms are located inside the center in the Hall of Science.
