Impact
The Maine Discovery Museum is a critical player in helping Mainers learn, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We have three floors of interactive exhibits and robust science programming within and outside the museum, and both paths introduce Mainers to the value and importance of discovery and exploration.
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MDM, like most informal education institutions, has had to find creative ways to most accurately measure our impact. We have years of qualitative data from patrons, parents, educators, and community partners that have provided us near constant feedback and confirmation of our work. This feedback has been instrumental in guiding MDM’s programs – both the expansion of current programs and creating new ones that serve our community. Some examples that are representative of the full bank of data we have:
Families and students cannot easily travel to places like Boston but still deserve to have access to high quality educational STEAM programing for all ages. The importance of having organizations like MDM in the community and thriving cannot be overstated. MDM’s educational work and programming fills a deep need for science instruction and understanding throughout the state. Alyson Saunders, Dexter Regional High School
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The kids look forward to this week every year. It’s really high-level science but you guys teach it in such a fun, all hands-on way! Our community can’t thank you enough for this opportunity for our students to do real world science!
Ashley McCaslin, Tremont Consolidated School
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There are some world-changing projects being built in Maine and it's important that the state is aware of them. The MSF is an important avenue for this advocacy and creates opportunities for researchers, educators, and entrepreneurs to meet each other which could foster impactful relationships for the future of our state and beyond.
Brian Harris, Co-Founder, Chief Science Officer (previously CEO), MedRhythms
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This program is the only one highlighting STEM careers! It’s amazing to see kids realizing what options they might have for their future careers!
Youth Development Coordinator, Maine Seacoast Mission
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The math enrichment MDM is running as part of our After School program is fantastic! The children’s attitudes about math have changed so much! They now see that math can be fun and something relevant and important for their own lives. This is something we just can’t get with traditional classroom instructions.
Kara Soule, Program Director, 21 Century Community Learning Center, Fairmount School
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The MSF is bringing all sorts of science to Mainers who would not have access otherwise. It's important to raise awareness of the world-class work going on here and to let people know about science that should be better understood. Having that work being done in Maine at the MSF is excellent outreach and informal education.
John Thompson, Professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Maine. Fellow of the American Physical Society