Explora is a science center in

Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque ( ; ), also known as ABQ, Burque, the Duke City, and in the past 'the Q', is the List of municipalities in New Mexico, most populous city in the U.S. state of New Mexico, and the county seat of Bernalillo County, New Mexico, Bernal ...

, United States, located near Old Town Albuquerque. Its name is the imperative form of the Spanish language verb ''explorar'', which means ''to explore''. The museum employs a hands-on,

inquiry-based learning Inquiry-based learning (also spelled as enquiry-based learning in British English) is a form of active learning that starts by posing questions, problems or scenarios. It contrasts with traditional education, which generally relies on the teach ...

approach to science, math and art. The museum has of exhibit space on two floors, which contain over 250 interactive exhibits that cover a broad range of science, technology and art. Notable exhibits include a

laminar flow Laminar flow () is the property of fluid particles in fluid dynamics to follow smooth paths in layers, with each layer moving smoothly past the adjacent layers with little or no mixing. At low velocities, the fluid tends to flow without lateral m ...

fountain, an experiment bar, an

arts and crafts The Arts and Crafts movement was an international trend in the Decorative arts, decorative and fine arts that developed earliest and most fully in the British Isles and subsequently spread across the British Empire and to the rest of Europe and ...

area, and a high-wire bike. In addition to the exhibits, the building houses a performance theater, gift store, educational program areas, the in-house exhibit workshop and staff offices. Explora is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC). Explora, along with the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, hosted the ASTC 2013 Conference in Albuquerque.

Mission statement

"Creating opportunities for inspirational discovery and the joy of lifelong learning through interactive experiences in science, technology and art."

History

The New Mexico Kids! magazine wrote that Explora started "around 1983 with two individual groups who – with no knowledge of each other’s existence – had similar ideas: the first group envisioned a 'children’s

Exploratorium The Exploratorium is a museum of science museum, science, technology museum, technology, and art museum, arts in San Francisco, California. Founded by physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer in 1969, the museum was originally located in the ...

,' while the second had the idea of a 'science and technology Exploratorium.'"> Explora incorporated in 1984, while the second group under the wing of the New Mexico Academy of Science, opened an exhibit called Explore in the

Albuquerque Museum of Art and History The Albuquerque Museum, formerly known as the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, is a public art and history museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is located in the Old Town area and is operated by the City of Albuquerque Department of Arts & ...

. New Mexico Kids! says: :In 1986, Explora and the New Mexico Academy of Sciences were joined by HealthQuest, an organization interested in health education that wanted a “health and medicine Exploratorium.” The three formed a consortium, and worked with the City of Albuquerque to develop a

quality of life Quality of life (QOL) is defined by the World Health Organization as "an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards ...

tax project that would provide a permanent facility. The tax was approved in 1987, and construction plans were drawn up by Mahlman Studio Architecture. Explora Science Center opened in Downtown Albuquerque’s First Plaza Galleria in 1993. The museum moved to the Sheraton Old Town, and then to Winrock Center. In 1995, Explora merged with the Albuquerque Children’s Museum and became Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum. Explora opened its current location in December 2003. Financial support comes from several sources, including earned income, public dollars from the city and the state, and corporation and foundation grants.

Awards

Best of Burque

The Alibi named Explora Best Recreational Program for Kids. The magazine called Explora "an awesomely fun hands-on science center that gets kids (and grown-ups, especially on adult nights) excited about things like electricity, refracted light and systems in motion."

Shafer Leading Edge Award

In conjunction with the Pacific Science Center, Explora received the 2010 Shafer Leading Edge Award for Visitor Experiences from ASTC. The award recognized the

National Science Foundation The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an Independent agencies of the United States government#Examples of independent agencies, independent agency of the Federal government of the United States, United States federal government that su ...

-funded program, Portal to the Public (PoP). ASTC describes PoP as bringing "local scientists onto the science center floor" to communicate "their research through conversations and specialized activities".

IMLS Medal

In November 2010, Explora was named a recipient of the

National Medal for Museum and Library Service The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is an award given annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to American libraries and museums with outstanding service to their communities. The IMLS refers to the medal as " ...

by the

Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an Independent agencies of the United States government, independent agency of the United States federal government established in 1996. It is the main source of federal support for librar ...

(IMLS). The medal recognizes museums and libraries that excel in community involvement. Explora's Executive Director, Patrick Lopez, received the award in a ceremony at the White House on December 17, 2010.

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Explora Science Center and Children's Museum Children's museums in New Mexico Museums in Albuquerque, New Mexico Domes Science museums in New Mexico Association of Science-Technology Centers member institutions Museums established in 1993 1993 establishments in New Mexico