Science Museum of Long Island

Mission: To provide students, teachers and organizations with inquiry-based, hands-on activities and programming that build meaningful relationships among science, technology, and everyday life.

Since 1963, the Science Museum of Long Island has offered a wide variety of science programs for all ages. The scope of the museum is infinite in the realm of science education. There are no boundaries or limitations to its dedication to science education. From nursery school programs that introduce youngsters to their environment, to scientific explorations where everyday people can experience research in the field, SMLI is dedicated to putting science into the hands of every person fascinated by the wonders of the world.

The Science Museum carries out its mission through programming and events that operate out of the mansion located on the Leeds Pond Preserve in Manhasset, NY. The preserve is an ideal location with 40 acres of natural treasures (woodlands, beach, wetlands and a pond). The building is a comfortable and welcoming setting for casual classroom programs, complete with a chemistry lab, physics lab and vivarium. The museum concept was redefined to eliminate the traditional exhibits and be replaced with collections of manipulatives used in programming.

The museum does not limit its activities to just one location. The programming and activities can be preformed at schools, community centers and institutions anywhere on LI and NYC. This approach is called “outreach”, and allows the museum to expand its reach beyond the local community.

Since science is a part of every person’s life, the Science Museum offers programming that educate and motivate all who are interested. The audience the museum serves is more varied then can be explained. From school children to teachers… from community groups to scouts…. from science enthusiasts to science professionals... the museum’s programming calls out to all those who are intrigued and establishes an appreciation and understanding of scientific advancements and theory.

The Science Museum accomplishes its mission through formal and informal education practices. Formal programs like staff development and classroom modeling are methods to improve the means by which science is taught in the classroom. Informal programs like summer camp and after-school classes allow children an opportunity to learn, practice and explore science in a motivating and empowering manner.