STEM at other destinations


Considering that STEM covers Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, you simply can’t go 60 seconds in today’s world without encountering something that requires STEM knowledge to understand it.


We frankly live in a world that can be neither understood nor innovated without brilliant STEM minds. And once those minds have deduced these complex principles, we need ways that clearly and simply explain phenomena to us so that we can grow too. As we’ve presented in this edition of Destinology, there are destination opportunities outside of the classroom – namely the science center – that can foster lifelong passion in STEM careers. But there are even more ways to drive passion.


Theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and historic sites and museums are abundant with STEM principles:


the biology of sharks and giraffes,


the engineering of roller coasters,


the science of history’s greatest battles and discoveries.


By pulling these principles out of simply how the attraction functions, and turning it into an integrated and immersive learning experience, we can produce more unique, thrilling opportunities for our next generation of scientific leaders to be inspired by STEM.


The Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa allows visitors to see park veterinarians


working in real time with the wide variety of animals at the park, performing surgeries, x-rays, regular treatments, nutrition, and more. The experience is flanked by extensive interpretation describing the roles veterinarians play and some of the procedures they’re conducting, in addition to actual guest participation in non-critical routines.


Both SeaWorld Orlando and San Diego feature Wild Arctic, an adventure which takes guests


on an exciting helicopter simulation in the Arctic to an immersive Base Station and Arctic animal encounter. Throughout the experience, guests learn about climatology, meteorology, biology, and how these scientists operate in the frigid North.


Lastly, Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York is currently developing and implementing


numerous scientific programs into their educational offerings to encourage STEM passion. The history of the iconic Fort is full of incredible science – from the evolution of weaponry, to cannon physics, and even to the science behind the structural strength of the Fort itself.


These are just three outstanding examples of how STEM passion is being promoted in some of


America’s most loved destinations and should stand as shining examples for other destinations to follow suit.


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