The District 102 Allen P. Zak Science Discovery Center (Science Center) was started in 1990 for the purpose of providing hands-on, activity-based STEM lessons and is dedicated to providing quality science instruction.  It was established as part of the science curriculum for the school district that strives to provide an outstanding science program.

Our curriculum focuses on STEM education with an emphasis on the 

E (engineering); providing engineering activities/lessons for students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade.  Engineering is Elementary units from The Museum of Boston are used for planning the units and their engineering design projects.  Science concepts and skills are integrated with engineering skills to produce hands-on experiences for learning.  Technology lessons are included to enhance students’ success and creativity. Activity-based learning motivates, provides excitement, and encourages interest in science, which can stimulate students to pursue further learning in science and engineering.

Virginia Hohl, Teacher

hohlvi@dist102.k12.il.us

708-215-6405

Kelly Vaiciulis, Teacher

vaiciuliske@dist102.k12.il.us

708-215-6866

The Science Center program provides 2 units of study to all students in grades K – 6.  

Some examples of the units:

• Second-grade students learn about different types of bridges and the strength of structures, then design and build the strongest bridge.  

• Third-grade students study magnetic fields and strength, then design and build a model maglev train. 

• Sixth-grade students have a technology-based challenge where they design and code their own project using various choices of coding equipment.