OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chabot Space & Science Center has been awarded a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services 2011 Museums for America Program to develop an exciting new outdoor exhibition, Launchpad Science Playground.

Launchpad Science Playground will engage children and families in imaginative play in a vividly themed space exploration environment, utilizing 10,000 square feet of outdoor space at Chabot Space & Science Center. "Launchpad Science Playground will vastly increase Chabot's exhibit space. We're excited to create a safe and welcoming new community resource where future space explorers will discover science through play," said Tamara Schwarz, Senior Manager of Experience Design at Chabot Space & Science Center.

The preliminary concept for the Launchpad features a storyline evoking the excitement, mystery, and romance of early space exploration.  Visitors will explore planetary geology, astrobiology, and scientists' quest to understand our Universe and search for extra-terrestrial life as they play and engage in hands-on activities throughout the exhibit. Play areas include an astronaut training zone and a space laboratory zone, offering a welcome space for outdoor voices and active imaginative play where kids can "train" as the astronauts and engineers for a future mission.

"Play is an incredibly important part of children's learning and development. This stimulating exhibition will provide a great outlet for kids' energy and will provide a memorable setting to develop and encourage science process skills," said Alexander Zwissler, CEO/Executive Director at Chabot Space & Science Center. "Launchpad Space Playground will promote exploring, investigating, hypothesizing, and will convey the excitement of science."  The Launchpad is targeted to open to the public in 2014.

Chabot Space & Science Center, a Smithsonian affiliate, and Bay Area Certified Green Business, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit interactive science center whose mission is to inspire and educate students of all ages about Planet Earth and the Universe. Founded in 1883, the Center is located at 10000 Skyline Blvd. just off Highway 13 in the Oakland hills. For more information, visit www.ChabotSpace.org.

SOURCE Chabot Space & Science Center

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http://www.ChabotSpace.org