It was a time of celebration last Saturday as the Hands-On Science Center turned 36-yearsold and hosted a big birthday bash.

Throughout the day on Saturday, Aug. 15, attendees got the chance to enjoy the day with the family with a variety of bounce houses, food trucks and Kona ice, getting hands on with the various exhibits in the science center, a chance to build their own rocket and enjoying several presentations and demonstrations focused on a variety of sciences. On deck for the day was longtime HOSC science advisor Bill Boss, Zoey Ward of the Coffee County Soil and Water Conservation District, Lyle Russell of the Middle Tennessee Raptor Center, chemistry professor Adam Van Wart from Motlow State Community College and Wynn Phillips, who held a presentation about bees.

“The science center has played an integral part of Tullahoma and the surrounding community for a very long time,” HOSC Executive Director Austin Sisco said. “Without the science center, I wouldn’t have had as much love for science as I do.”

That love for science was on display at the science center, as Sisco said they had about 250 visitors just before noon, and plenty more made the stop to celebrate 36 years of science.

For Sisco, his love for science started with his father who was a visiting wizard who went out to schools and talk to the kids about science and space, which got Sisco really excited about what science is.

“Without this learning hub in our community, I don’t think it would be as possible for some of these kids to get as excited about science,” Sisco said.

Since taking the reins of HOSC as executive director a year and half ago, Sisco said he told the board of directors that he wanted to make the science center cleaner, brighter and more educational, which he said they have succeeded in doing. He highlighted the center’s homeschool and preschool science programs, as well as creating more filed trip opportunities and making them more educational for students rather than visiting just a play area.

“We’re trying to make it exciting, but also educational at the same time, and I think we’re making that possible here at the Hands-On Science Center, and it’s all thanks to the community,” Sisco said.

For the preschool and homeschool programs, he said the programs have been amazing and have been selling out. He added for the homeschool program, the science center has had over 125 guests at some events for the homeschool program.

“We’ve had to split ‘em up into two different times because of that,” Sisco said. “Our homeschool program actually had 110 people at it the last one.”

Other new additions to the science center is its after school STEM Learning Programs, the Intro to Ozobot program for students in grades 3-5, and Edison Create for students in grades 6-8. These programs are just part of the expansion to the science center.

“Here at the science center our programs are going so well that we’re looking at expanding in the near future,” Sisco said. “We’re growing, we’re expanding out programs, but with expanding of programs and exhibits, we need more room. So, we’re going to be looking to expand the physical plant and the location that we’re in hopefully in the next year or two.”

Sisco emphasized in order to expand, the science center will need to get grants and, more importantly, community support. This includes the science center’s various fundraisers throughout the year, including the upcoming Science and Wine Brewing Spirits on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Old Shed Brewing Company.

“The Hands-On Science Center 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We do accept donations, but I think the biggest way to support the science center is becoming a member,” Sisco said. “When you’re becoming a member, you’re telling us that you want to see our programs, you want to come to our programs, you want to have a birthday party, you want to have a field trip here. That’s one of the best ways to support us because it shows, and we can keep a count of how many people are really interacting with us on an annual basis.”

Sisco also encouraged anyone who hasn’t been to the science center in a while to stop by and see the changes and the new additions.

“If you’ve not been to the science center in a while, come on out, see the changes, see the cleanliness, the brightness, and the education,” Sisco said. “We would love to go through and, and talk with you about each and every exhibit we have.”

The Hands-On Science Center is located at 101 Mitchell Blvd, and is open Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. To stay up to date about all the activities at the science center, follow the Hands-On Science Center on Facebook and visiting its website at hosc.org.