The International Museum of Art & Science will host a virtual back to school week August 3-7, 2020. This event, supported by a grant from the BBVA Foundation, will provide school supplies and hands-on art and science projects to school–aged children in the Rio Grande Valley in the form of a free activity kit.
“The museum serves our community youth as a place of exploration and creativity, which has translated into online programming, live videos and workshops over the past several months,” said Ann Fortescue, IMAS Executive Director. “Back to School Week with the IMAS is serving a community need in a fun and engaging informal learning environment.”
The free kit will include one science lesson, one art lesson, coloring supplies, glue, scissors, writing supplies and more. A total of 180 kits will be prepared and distributed at the museum by education staff. Parents and guardians will be able to register for the free kits online or over the phone at 956-681-2800, and pick up the kits (via curbside pickup) on designated days before the Back to School with the IMAS week occurs virtually.
Grade level groups include toddlers, Kinder through 2nd graders, 3rd through 5th graders, middle schoolers, and high schoolers. McAllen Public Utility and the McAllen Public Library, city organizations that the museum collaborates with for education programming, will participate by donating additional supplies for the kits.
The week of August 3-7 will feature daily virtual workshops targeted to one of the five grade level groups. The virtual workshop will lead participants through one of the lessons included in their kit. The workshops will be hosted live on the museum’s social media.
Visit theimasonline.org to register for a free kit, purchase a museum membership, or reserve a ticket for your visit.
Photo credit: BBVA Foundation awarded the IMAS $5,000 in support of daytime educational programming which has supported toddler, homeschool, and science fair programs in 2020. Pictured earlier this year are (L-R) Anastasia Perez – IMAS Director of Development & Marketing, Claudia Martinez Gray – IMAS Director of Education, Robert Rossel – BBVA VP Community Relations, Ann Fortescue – IMAS Executive Director, and Ernesto Sepulveda – BBVA Corporate Relations Manager.