Dear Friends of the Saint Louis Science Center,

As we come to a close of another year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on 2021. This past year has continued to show that STEAM—science, technology, engineering, art and math—is part of our daily lives. From working to end a global pandemic and landing the Perseverance rover on Mars, to keeping us connected with family and friends and reshaping both where and how we learn and work, STEAM touches so much of the world around us, even in ways that we may take for granted…or maybe never even realized.

Here at the Science Center, there are always opportunities to discover more about our world through science, from our distant past, up to today and even beyond. And as I reflect on another year of discoveries and advancements in STEAM, I’m humbled to think about all the innovation taking place right here in St. Louis.

In this issue of NewScience read about some of the local STEAM industries revealing how science in St. Louis is thriving (as well as how STEAM supports our region). You can also learn more about our newest special exhibition, Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family, which invites you to step back in time to marvel at these ancient creatures and explore the modern science and technology paleontologists use to study them.

Science Today explores artificial intelligence with Dr. Keith Miller. Our Gallery Spotlight takes a deeper look at Makerspace and its important role in informal STEAM education. Plus, see what’s new at the OMNIMAX® Theater and McDonnell Planetarium, including the return of our popular Laser Light Shows.

And no issue of NewScience would be complete without stories from the YES Program. Whether they’re creating electric go-karts or literally taking to the sky, our YES Teens continue to demonstrate the limitless possibilities of STEAM.

Finally, our annual honor roll recognizes our most impactful donors and supporters who have contributed over the past year. The Science Center could not do what we do without the support of our philanthropic partners, our members and our community, and I’d like to thank each of you for enabling us to pursue our mission despite challenging times like these.

From all of us here at the Science Center, happy holidays, warmest wishes, and we can’t wait to see you. There’s so much to discover, and I can’t help but say, full STEAM ahead.

Sincerely,

Todd Bastean
President & CEO

To ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning.

Mission of the Saint Louis Science Center