The Fleet Science Center Helps Bridge the Gap Between At-Home and Classroom Learning with Distance Learning Hubs
The Fleet's new full-day, week-long program starts Monday, September 21.
September 15, 2020
San Diego, CA—The Fleet Science Center is now providing Distance Learning Hubs to serve the growing needs of parents, students and teachers in the San Diego community to find a place for children to do their online learning programs. Starting on Monday, September 21, the full-day program combines a facilitated space for kids to complete their school work with an afternoon of hands-on science activities.
Distance Learning Hubs provide a space where students can continue learning while schools operate remotely in an environment that allows for safely-distanced social interaction at the Fleet Science Center. In these hubs, students will:
- Be assisted by the Fleet Education team to ensure that they can connect with their classroom teacher and fulfill their online school curriculum.
- Engage in science enrichment activities with fun hands-on experiences that build enthusiasm for science.
- Work alongside other students while following all guidelines for health and safety.
Group sizes for Distance Learning Hubs will be no larger than 14 students per room and students use individual devices to connect to their school's online learning program. The Fleet's science enrichment programming will begin in the afternoon, based on the group's school schedule.
Distance Learning Hubs support the needs of the San Diego community and extend the Fleet's mission of bringing science education to students in ways that are fun, engaging and accessible. The program was developed in response to the increased demand from parents and educators for additional distance learning resources.
"We've heard from a number of parents who must go to work that they need a safe place for their child during the school day. Parents who are working from home are also finding it hard for them to do their work while helping their children with online classes," said Fleet Science Center Director of Education Kris Mooney. "Many schools are planning online learning to be mostly in the morning, leaving students without guided activities in the afternoons. We look forward to helping meet the needs of San Diego's families."
Full-day, in-person Distance Learning Hubs are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting on Monday, September 21. Prices for the week-long programs are $270 for nonmembers and $240 for Fleet members.
In an effort to reach more students and families, scholarships are available for students to attend the Distance Learning Hubs at no cost. The Fleet Science Center is currently working with the Logan Heights community to provide scholarships to families who need support with distance learning.For more information on scholarships, contact community@rhfleet.org.
The Fleet Science Center is devoted to having hands-on experiences for all of the students in an environment that is positive, fun and safe. To learn more about the Fleet's program policies and FAQs regarding programs, visit www.fleetscience.org/youth-programs-policies-and-faqs.
For more information on the Fleet's Distance Learning Hubs, visit www.fleetscience.org/events/distance-learning-hubs.
For more information on the Fleet Science Center's distance learning support programs, visit www.fleetscience.org/steming-home.
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About the Fleet Science Center:
The Fleet Science Center connects people of all ages to the possibilities and power of science to create a better future. At the science center, you can explore and investigate more than 100 interactive exhibits that pique your curiosity and become immersed in an IMAX film adventure that shows the wonders of the planet--and beyond--in the Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. For young science enthusiasts, the Fleet offers science workshops both at the Fleet and at schools throughout San Diego County. For adults, we offer events like Suds & Science and Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar™ at locations all over San Diego. We support communities by leveraging science resources to meet local needs. Teachers are encouraged to join our Teacher Partner Program and take advantage of our professional development opportunities. Additionally, at the Fleet Science Center, visitors will find unique educational toys and games, books, IMAX DVDs and more in the North Star Science Store, and pizzas, sandwiches, salads and healthy treats in our Craveology cafe. Located in Balboa Park, at 1875 El Prado, two blocks south of the San Diego Zoo on Park Blvd., the Fleet is San Diego's science center. Science starts here and opens a world of possibility. For information regarding current admission prices, visit our website at fleetscience.org.
About Balboa Park:
Located near downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urbancultural park in the United States. First established by the City of San Diego in 1868, it is also one of the oldest city parks in the nation and is the most visited single destination in San Diego. Its 1,200 acres include 17 museums, many gardens and attractions, the San Diego Zoo, miles of hiking trails, and multiple athletic complexes to explore and discover. For more information, visit balboapark.org.
