Wanting to bring more STEM resources to the Sierra Vista Community, the Patterson Observatory and University of Arizona Southern Foundation collaborated to place a mini science center in an unused section of the Patterson Observatory.

How did they do it?

By partnering with The Huachuca Astronomy Club, several local scouting groups, home school groups, civic organizations, the city of Sierra Vista’s tourism office, the Cochise County Tourism Council and more than a dozen elementary and middle school classrooms, they were able to develop an extensive plan for the science center. With funding from the Arizona Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN), the organization was able to purchase display cases, stand up displays, and a number of display items (posters, models, globes) to showcase science. The science center display is now the central display for the facility.

What was the impact?

Over 3000 people have accessed this science center, learning more about STEM. The Patterson Observatory has made it possible for anyone who visits, have access to more science resources in the rural community.

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The Arizona Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN) is funded by the National Science Foundation to oversee grant funding for informal STEM education projects in four rural Arizona communities: Cochise County, Graham and Greenlee County, the Verde Valley, and the Navapache/White Mountains region. RAIN acts as a resource for best practices in informal STEM program development and works to highlight effective STEM programs, employers  and organizations across the state of Arizona. Interested in applying for a grant? Visit our website today and learn more about the opportunities in your community.