About the Guest:
Heather Watson is the Vice President of Education and Exhibits at Hands On Discovery Center, located in Northeast Tennessee. Heather holds an essential role in the institution, overseeing the educational aspects, exhibits, and community events at the center. With an emphasis on creating an engaging environment that blends fun with learning, Heather has been instrumental in helping visitors of all ages to explore and enjoy the wonders of science. Under her leadership, the center has introduced an array of unique exhibits and has become a destination for enriching experiences in STEM and the arts.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee," host Allie Bynum delves into the heart of Northeast Tennessee's Hands On Discovery Center with guest Heather Watson. Together, they unpack the science center's mission to integrate education and enjoyment, drawing visitors from all across the world. The episode offers listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the center's exhibits and activities, as well as its evolution from a children's museum to a dynamic all-ages science center located at the renowned Gray Fossil Site.
Heather Watson passionately discusses the importance of hands-on learning and how the center's exhibits, such as the world's most powerful musical bipolar Tesla coil, cater to a range of interests from arts to science. The collaboration between Hands On Discovery Center and the fossil site enhances the visitor experience by allowing people to actively participate in science, whether it's through a climbing tower that educates on fossils or a pollinator garden emphasizing sustainability and environmental awareness.
Key Takeaways:
Heather Watson oversees educational programming, exhibits, and events at Hands On Discovery Center, driving forward their mission of combining fun and learning.
The center has transitioned from being a children's museum to an all-ages science center that attracts visitors from all 50 states and beyond, owing to its unique offerings like the active fossil dig site.
Making learning playful and approachable is a core tenet of the center, with exhibits designed to leave lasting memories and inspire future careers or hobbies in STEM and the arts.
The center hosts community events and has recently added a trades-focused summer camp, underscoring its commitment to workforce development and hands-on life skills.
The Hands On Discovery Center is a significant educational resource that not only tells the region's story but also highlights its commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through exhibits like the pollinator garden.
Notable Quotes:
"We try to sneak in the vegetables of learning […] inspire and open minds, and really help kids find what they love to do and what they want to be when they grow up, all through play." - Heather Watson
"How cool is it that we have a fossil site that's an active fossil site right here in east Tennessee." - Heather Watson
"We don't say no, we don't say don't touch. It's a very positive, encouraging environment." - Heather Watson
"We're different than other science centers and museums […] we're our own entity." - Heather Watson
"We do try to keep things always going and have something exciting happening because we have a lot of members." - Heather Watson
Resources:
Hands On Discovery Center Website: www.visithandson.org
Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association: northeasttennessee.org
Social Media: Follow Hands On Discovery Center on Facebook and Instagram for updates on events and programs.
Tune into the full episode of "Meet Me in Tennessee" to experience the enthusiasm and innovation Heather Watson brings to science education. Immerse yourself in the world of discovery and stay connected for more insightful content that showcases the treasures of Northeast Tennessee.
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