The Leo on Wheels outreach program served more than 12,000 students throughout Utah during 2009-2010 school year, thanks to the Utah State Legislature and support from local companies.
The Leo on Wheels is the educational outreach program of The Leonardo, a science-tech-art center that will open in downtown Salt Lake City next year. The on-wheels program integrates science core content with 21st Century thinking skills through hands-on, inquiry-based activities that foster critical thinking, creativity and innovation.
Since its launch in 2004, The Leo on Wheels program has served more than 56,000 students throughout Utah. The program travels to about 30 schools and reaches more than 12,000 students each year.
The Leo on Wheels stays at each school between three and four days. During this time, members of The Leonardo’s education team work with teachers and students to explore 13-15 activities that teach topics ranging from energy generation and conversion, to anatomy, statistics, optics and radiation. Many school visits also included a Community Night, where parents, siblings and the general public were invited to explore the exhibits. More than 5,000 people have participated in these events.
Thanks to generous supporters, The Leo on Wheels visits are free to Utah public schools. The program’s major sponsors for the 2010-11 school year are the Utah Legislature through the Utah State Office of Education, as well EnergySolutions Foundation and Rockwell Collins. Other 2010-11 supporters are: Battelle, Cephalon, The Richard K. and Shirley S. Hemingway Foundation, The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, Management & Training Corporation, Wells Fargo Foundation, and Autoliv.
“It is an honor to join our state lawmakers and other local corporations in supporting The Leo on Wheels,” said Chip Everest, chairman of the board, EnergySolutions Foundation. “It is so important that companies look beyond balance sheets and profits, and invest in the future of our young people. The Leo on Wheels helps teachers bring science to life in the classroom, which leads to better learning outcomes, and more engaged students. We are happy to be part of this important effort.”
The Leonardo
Opening in 2011 in downtown Salt Lake City, The Leonardo is a science, technology and art center for young people and adults of all backgrounds. From its downtown location on Library Square, The Leonardo will host multidisciplinary exhibits, workshops, art installations, classes and other events that inspire creativity and innovation. For more information, visit www.theleonardo.org.
For more information, contact Lisa Davis at lisadavisslc@att.net or (801) 230-9399.
