Sloan Longway
Our team of educators has benefitted from this process in multiple ways. They were provided high-quality resources that helped them improve their visitor engagement practices while putting them in the position to remember the feelings of frustration as they worked through new STEM experiences. This gave one of my staff members his first experience in organizing and presenting trainings to adults. It provided another opportunity for our team to work collegially and vulnerably together. (Lead Facilitator)
What did We learn?
Through this process, we saw significant growth among staff in their comfort and ability to discuss failure. Educators became more reflective about students’ perspectives, thinking critically about where kids were in their learning and how best to facilitate experiences. Floor staff developed greater empathy for visitors with a wide range of skills, using the resources and structured conversations to slow down and meet guests where they are. The professional development also supported the facilitator, who, despite this being his first time leading such a program, was able to successfully guide the team and build a training structure that can be expanded with other content. Overall, staff reported feeling more comfortable addressing challenging questions, engaging in hard conversations, and creating a space for vulnerability—approaching failure as a shared problem rather than an individual one.
About us
MISSION: We engage communities on a learning journey in History and Science.
VISION: Every experience creates an aha! moment of discovery.
Discover Your AHA! at Sloan Museum of Discovery
This 107,000 square feet hands-on science and history museum re-opened in 2022 after an extensive expansion and renovation. The new Sloan Museum of Discovery features four primary interactive galleries and a 6,000 square feet special traveling exhibit gallery. The museum is located on the campus of the Flint Cultural Center within walking distance of several entertainment, arts, and educational centers.