Dear Friends of the Saint Louis Science Center,

As we entered into this year, none of us could have guessed what it would bring. We saw the world shut down or slow down to try to minimize the spread of COVID-19. We witnessed food and supply shortages, as well as unimaginable loss. At the same time, we watched people become heroes, from the frontline workers risking their own health to help others to the everyday members of our community sharing messages of hope. Here at the Science Center, we worked to bring science content to our community while being closed for more than three months, and we studied and implemented best practices to welcome our members and guests back to hands-on learning in a safe environment.

In spite of this year’s many challenges, our team has truly worked together to continue connecting the St. Louis region with STEAM. I’m proud of what they’ve accomplished, and I’m hopeful and excited about the possibilities of this new year. Science is at the center of everything, and while today we may see it most in areas like healthcare and microbiology, we must also remember that fields like climate science, technology, agriculture and so many others help pave the way to a brighter tomorrow for all of us. That belief is what drives us here at the Science Center.

In this issue of NewScience, you’ll find stories looking back at the brightest moments of the year as well as exciting new ways to connect with curiosity. Learn about our newest STEAM Performance, GermBusters!, which gives a better understanding of germs and viruses. Discover how three of NASA’s Solar System Ambassadors are providing the latest on the exciting Mars rover mission. Meet our new Planetarium star show, Seasons Greetings, which examines the winter solstice and objects in the winter sky. You’ll also read about our team’s continuing drive to develop new programs like our Esports Program, taking a widely loved pastime and framing it through the lens of STEAM learning, as well as the Youth Exploring Science’s transition this summer to an all-online format.

Let me end by saying that I’m grateful for supporters like you who have been instrumental in enabling us to keep going. For a nonprofit organization like ours, members and donors provide the solid footing to pursue our mission “to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning” under all circumstances. Science does not stop, and thanks to you, neither do we. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to the Science Center’s Annual Fund or Youth Exploring Science Program, becoming a Science Center member or gifting a membership to someone this holiday season.

Thank you for your support through this challenging year, and we look forward to giving you even more ways to discover science in the next one.

Safe and happy holiday wishes,

Todd Bastean
President & CEO

To ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning.

Mission of the Saint Louis Science Center