The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, known as MOSAC, has finally opened to take its place as one of Greater Sacramento’s most exciting and beneficial destination attractions. This long-awaited science center now fulfills its destiny to become the regional epicenter of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education for learners of all ages and to help educators introduce STEAM in their schools.
“In a remarkable and rewarding first weekend open to the public, we welcomed more than 2,500 visitors and 160 new members,” says Michele Wong, MOSAC’s executive director. “After years of envisioning the public, and particularly children, experiencing the hands-on, interactive educational exhibits and hoping to see their enjoyment, it has finally come to fruition.”
MOSAC’s debut represents the culmination of a multi-year effort to create a science center of this magnitude for Sacramento. The innovative public-private partnership between the Powerhouse Science Center, the State of California, the City of Sacramento, the Sacramento County Office of Education, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and a range of corporate partners and individual donors has created this dynamic destination.
“Innovation in education encourages students and educators to research and explore, allowing imaginations to flourish and for discovery to happen, creating a brighter future for all.”
— Bill Cheney
President/CEO of SchoolsFirst FCU
As an anchor of education in science experiences, MOSAC will serve the region by piquing curiosity and sparking imagination in visitors by design, aligning its exhibits and educational curriculum with statewide school standards. The museum will bring K-12 schools, colleges, universities and other community resources together to create a STEAM learning ecosystem that broadens and enriches each learner’s experience, with the ultimate goals of inspiring more students to enter STEAM careers and creating a more science-literate community. It will also create a place for educators to introduce STEAM experiences that are linked to Next Generation Science Standards and curriculum goals.
“SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union honors MOSAC and their commitment to innovative STEAM learning,” says Bill Cheney, president/CEO of SchoolsFirst FCU. “Innovation in education encourages students and educators to research and explore, allowing imaginations to flourish and for discovery to happen, creating a brighter future for all. This valuable collaboration between community leaders, volunteers, nonprofits and local businesses strengthens our region. The innovative center will spark inspiration for generations to come.”
“We want to provide a way for people of all ages to engage and learn science in an informal, approachable way,” says Michael Galane, MOSAC board president. “We break very complex issues into digestible pieces so everyone can understand, regardless of their educational background. We want to make science accessible and invite everyone in to experience and understand it without being intimidated. That is what MOSAC is about.”
