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\u201cWhat we were able to do is turn that into an advantage,\u201d he explained. \u201cWe did have to close to the public for just about a year and lost the general admission revenue. But we were saved by a switch to virtual programming. We created a new initiative called HOSC Virtual, where we did our virtual classrooms via Facebook Live. We also did a popular take-home science kit, which we continue to do today. Every other week, people can come in and get a pre-packaged kit that includes a lesson plan and all the materials they need. We also started our Science Daily series five days a week. Pre-pandemic, we went from reaching about 15 to 20,000 people in the local area to today, where we are projected to reach over half a million people worldwide. Before we reopened to the public, our virtual programming had already reached all 50 states in over 40 countries. So COVID made it possible to reach more people daily.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opening back up to the public in 2022, Amidon said the center began to go through what he calls a \u201crenaissance\u201d period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDuring that time, we opened at least nine new exhibits,\u201d he said. \u201cSome of those exhibits were exhibit halls, including multiple exhibits such as the popular Dyno-Tots exhibit and outdoor classroom. That was the start of what we call renaissance HOSC, and those plans continue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional exhibits that have opened in 2023 include the Technology and Engineering Hall, sponsored by Jacobs, and the Human Body Wing, with renovated areas sponsored by Vanderbilt Tullahoma Heart Hospital. The most recent was the February unveiling of the Electricity and Magnetism Wing that the Tullahoma Utilities Board and the Tennessee Valley Authority sponsored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As the weather continues to warm, Amidon said there is much to look forward to outside the center, with outdoor exhibits opening in the summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe received a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for a tire recycling grant,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat is a $100,000 project where we are doing an entirely new outdoor exhibit called Amazing Science. We are also expanding the parking area. Additionally, we received a grant from the Arts Builds Communities program for a new outdoor mural. At the same time, our new Aerospace Hall will be unveiled on another corner of the building. So [there are] lots of great things to look forward to.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Along with exhibits and projects, the center is hosting four significant fundraising events that will be held in 2023. According to Amidon, the events are a part of the center\u2019s efforts to raise additional funds and awareness for the center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re always trying to make new exciting things to keep things fresh. We will host four fundraisers, each planned with a completely different format,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amidon also hopes the events will bring in new faces and future showcase all the center has to offer, including various exhibits and programs to stimulate and educate minds of all ages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe fundraisers are just a bigger way to bring the community into the center,\u201d he said. \u201cWe also hope to attract a different audience that maybe normally wouldn\u2019t come into the center. We are looking to welcome potential donors\u2019 different demographics, graphics, and interests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information on upcoming fundraisers and events at the Hands-On Science Center, visit online at hosc.org or contact the center by calling (931) 455-8387. GN <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The hands-on Science Center (HOSC) has been well-known in Tullahoma for almost three decades. Local children have grown up with the center attending summer camps, visiting on field trips, hanging out on a rainy afternoon, or dropping by for a birthday party. While HOSC has been the go-to spot for children for 28 years, current […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":15825,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15816","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/DSC09912-2-1024x683.jpg\")
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