A world class city on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a vibrant community filled with the spirit of creative innovators who continue to change the world. This spirit fills The Chicago Incubator for Innovation at The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI). Working together, these two institutions will build a community from the arts, sciences, business, and education institutions that make Chicago a special place.
MSI supported The Art of Science Learning Phase 1 at a conference at Illinois Institute of Technology that drew attendees from across Chicagoland, and from diverse backgrounds and interests. Locating an Incubator for Innovation in Chicago was a natural choice, as was involving MSI as a host institution.
MSI, the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere, is home to more than 35,000 artifacts and nearly 14 acres of hands-on experiences designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity. Since opening our doors in 1933, we’ve welcomed more than 175 million guests from around the world. Our mission, to inspire the inventive genius in everyone by presenting captivating and compelling experiences that are real and educational, is realized through world-class exhibits such as: Science Storms, the newest permanent exhibit revealing the science behind some of nature’s most powerful phenomena; YOU! The Experience, an exhibit that lets you explore what it means to live a vital, healthy life in the 21st century; and the U-505 Submarine, the only German U-boat in the United States.
Even bigger than our mission is our vision, which is to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and medicine. In addition to our fun and interactive exhibits, the Museum’s Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE) is continually developing and facilitating student learning labs, after-school science clubs, teen volunteer programs, teacher development classes and community outreach—all ways in which MSI makes science come alive for children and adults of all ages.
The Art of Science Learning and MSI share a goal of supporting methods of science learning that are very naturally connected to the artistic process. MSI is a leader in implementing such methods in its exhibitions and programming initiatives: inquiry-based science, to hands-on instruction, and digital engagement. Through The Chicago Incubator for Innovation we can extend our work to bring art and science together, develop innovative practices in science education, and drive innovation.
Front and center for The Chicago Incubator for Innovation is a critical issue in Chicago: fair and equitable access to nutrition for all citizens, 20 % of our population is affected by food insecurity. The Art of Science Learning, Chicago Advisory Council chose this issue with the goal of having a significant impact the health of our city and its people.
