LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Las Vegas Natural History Museum and the Las Vegas Philharmonic Music Van have a new collaboration that combines music and S.T.E.A.M. learning. The Music Van launched on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will continue through 2020, which brings S.T.E.A.M. learning to kids of all ages.
Traditionally, S.T.E.M. has been the scientific focus, which stands for science, technology, music, engineering and math, but now an “A” has been added, which stands for art. Natural History Museum Development and Marketing Director Kate Porter said the art addition helps increase interest in the other categories.
“We’re finding that as children are learning, the art component really develops that curiosity in a nice way that enhances their science education,” said Porter.
So, the Music Van was created. Starting in January, there are six set dates for the van to come to the Natural History Museum in 2020. The dates are Jan. 20, April 7 and 8, Oct. 5, December 22 and 23.
These dates were chosen to coincide with academic holidays when students are off school. Each date will have a different theme, with “Sights & Sounds of Nevada: Celebrating. Biodiversity” as the first theme.
In addition, the van can also travel to schools. Amanda Bradberry is a mom and teacher so she knows the importance of classroom education being supplemented by hands-on experiences like this.
“There’s only so much we can do in the classroom and sit and read from a book so it’s important that they get all the other things from all the other areas of learning,” said Bradberry.
