M I N I S.T.E.A.M. Brain Train & Mini-STEAM Program Overview BRAIN TRAIN

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1 M I N I S.T.E.A.M. Brain Train & Mini-STEAM Program Overview BRAIN TRAIN

2 Brain Train & Mini-STEAM: New Education Programs What is Brain Train and Mini-STEAM? In order to better organize and cater to the two focus age groups the Museum educates (3-5 year-olds and 6-12 year-olds), the department will offer two series of educational programming. Brain Train will be the educational programming for older children (6-12) and Mini-STEAM will be the educational programming for younger children (3-5). The two series will encapsulate all of the learning programs for children within the focus age groups. Why Divide the Programs? The purpose of dividing the educational programs, aside from allowing us to cater to target age groups, is to make it easier for the Museum s visitors to find and select programs and activities that best suit their needs. Marketing and Branding Benefits Separating and naming the two programs will help the Museum better reach target audiences, provide recognizable images and characters, and provide easy access to relevant educational content and opportunities. It encourages visitors to grow with us as the programs go hand-inhand providing fun and exciting brain building experiences which match the developmental process of children. Document Overview The following pages contain the details and specifics of each brand of educational programming. The following are a few topics addressed: Programs within each brand Education Zones Brand Mascots Brand Pedagogical Goals 2

3 Document Contents What is Mini-STEAM?...4 How Mini-STEAM Teaches.4 Mini-STEAM Programs Toddler Time..4 -Education Connection...4 -Special Events..4 -Choo Choo Blue Outreach...5 Mini-STEAM Education Zone 5 Mini-STEAM Program Mascot..5 Key Brand Marketing Details....5 What is Brain Train?...6 How Brain Train Teaches...6 Brain Train Programs Calling All Scouts STEAM Workbenches...6 -Special Events..6 -LEGO Workshops.7 Brain Train Education Zone.. 7 Brain Train Program Mascot...7 Key Brand Marketing Details...7 3

4 M I N I S.T.E.A.M. What is Mini-STEAM? Mini-STEAM is an educational brand of early education curriculum developed by the B&O Railroad Museum for children ages 3-5. How Mini-STEAM Teaches The program caters to the naturally inquisitive learning behavior of three to five-year-olds by teaching STEAM-related information through sensory play. This hands-on environmentally driven approach allows children to make connections with their environment by experiencing it through sensory filters: touch, sight, smell, etc. Learning through play allows children to develop social and emotional growth as they interact with others, cognitive functions as they solve problems based on their environment, and motor skills as they interact with their surroundings. Mini-STEAM Programs Toddler Time: Toddler Time is the Museum s award-winning educational program for children ages 1-5. This fun and interactive series offers a variety of learning activities that suit the educational needs of a group of children whose development varies greatly based on age. Education Connection: Education Connection is an early education program which seeks to further develop children s language, motor, social, and creativity skills through STEAM-based crafts and challenges. Special Events: The Museum features a number of fun and educational special events throughout the year. From superheroes to the wild west the Museum s themed special events are a great way to bond as a family and learn about railroading. 4

5 M I N I S.T.E.A.M. Mini-STEAM Programs (Continued) Choo Choo Blue Outreach: The Museum s Choo Choo Blue Outreach program brings the railway to the classroom. This fun and educational program, starring Choo Choo Blue, the Museum s mascot, teaches young children about trains while engaging their communication and motor skills. Mini-STEAM Education Zone The program s designated learning zone will be Choo Choo Blueville. This interactive sensory exploration space will be the primary learning area for young children, allowing them a fun and familiar space in which to learn while at the B&O. Mini-STEAM Program Mascot Choo Choo Blue will be the program s mascot, allowing the museum to highlight this unique character and add an easily recognizable face to the program. Key Brand Marketing Details Choo Choo Blue (face of the brand)- acts as an engaging and interactive presence within the program. Choo Choo Blueville safe exploration learning zone which acts as a point of stability as children visit the space to learn. Activities and play stations within market the brand s learning through play philosophy. Choo Choo Blueville s ties to Choo Choo Blue heightening the cohesive imagery and key vocabulary of the early childhood development brand. Mini-STEAM logo primary recognizable image signaling the brand in effect. Connects and alludes to Brain Train program with similar color scheme and brain motif. 5

6 BRAIN TRAIN What is Brain Train? Brain Train is an educational brand of early education curriculum developed by the B&O Railroad Museum for children ages How Brain Train Teaches The Brain Train teaches through a number of learning styles. Each learning style engages with a different part of the brain, increasing the program s success in offering a well-rounded brain building educational experience. It also allows the program to cater to the individual learning preferences of every child, providing them with a learning area of comfort and learning areas that are more challenging. The four main learning styles the Brain Train offers are: logical, social, solitary, and sensory learning. Brain Train Programs Calling All Scouts: The B&O Railroad Museum and the Boy Scouts of America have partnered for Railroading Day. Scouts can celebrate railroading, earn merit badge requirements, and partake in special hands-on activities. Brain Train STEAM Workbenches: A staple learning opportunity within the program, the Brain Train S.T.E.A.M. Workbenches feature rotating railroad themed activities that connect to the B&O s one of a kind collection. These handson work stations offer a variety of learning fun. Special Events: The Museum features a number of fun and educational special events throughout the year. From superheroes to the wild west the Museum s themed special events are a great way to bond as a family and learn about railroading. 6

7 BRAIN TRAIN Brain Train Programs (Continued) LEGO Workshops: LEGO Workshops are a fun hands-on learning experience in which children have to use their imaginations and thinking powers to overcome building challenges. Brain Train Education Zone Located in the North Car Shop, the Brain Train Station is an interactive Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) exploration space designed especially for families with children ages The space features a functioning steam engine interior known as the Running Gear. This massive machine allows kids to observe the inner workings of a locomotive, studying its functionality and mechanics. Brain Train Program Mascot Drawing from the program s education zone the featured functioning steam engine interior within the space could easily become an interactive character called the Running Gear. Key Brand Marketing Details Running Gear (face of the brand)- acts as an engaging and interactive presence within the program. Brain Train Station exciting interactive learning zone which provides a special place for young learners to engage with the Museum. Activities and work stations within the space market the brand s variety of learning methods. The Brain Train Station ties to the Running Gear the program s potential mascot heightening the cohesive imagery and key vocabulary of the childhood education brand. Brain Train logo primary recognizable image signaling the brand in effect. Connects and alludes to Mini-STEAM program with similar color scheme and brain motif. 7