Missouri Institute of Natural Science receives STEM funding

The Missouri Institute of Natural Science in Springfield was selected to receive a $5,000 STEM Community Engagement Grant from the Missouri Mathematics and Science Coalition and the Missouri Afterschool Network.

Focused on expanding science, technology, engineering and mathematics studies for K-12 students, the grant is intended to help educate area business and education leaders about STEM learning tools, according to a news release. With funds from the Noyce Foundation, local and regional chambers of commerce applied for financial and technical assistance to support hosting local summits on STEM education.

The Greater West Plains Chamber of Commerce also was a recipient of a $5,000 grant, administered in part by the Missouri Chamber Education Foundation, the release said.

Missouri Institute of Natural Science operates a museum at Riverbluff Cave in southwest Springfield. According to MoNatSci.com, the site was discovered Sept. 11, 2001, when construction crews were blasting rock outcrops to make way for a roadway extending South Cox Avenue. The explosives revealed a previously unknown cave system full of formations, fossils and animal claw marks for study. Founded in 2003, Missouri Institute of Natural Science owns 50 acres surrounding the cave and maintains the natural resource. In late 2005, the institute opened an office, geologic library and lab within the cave, and three years ago opened the natural history museum for school field trips.