The black, shiny telescope propelled him from his world to the galaxies beyond his own. His
grandmother had purchased it from the Sear Roebuck catalog before her passing because “Every
little boy needs a telescope,” she told him. “The world is bigger than you.”
The telescope symbolized Brad’s escape from his world. During heated fights with his
father, his mom would hurl dishes like flying saucers targeting his dad’s head. Dinners were usually
pinto beans and cornbread over again and again. With regular frequency, he received long lectures
with occasional spankings to drive home the point that he would end up as a ditch digger or
something worse if he “didn’t get ‘it’” together. He was expected to “get his head out of the clouds.”
His grades remain poor as he struggled to learn to read and he had already repeated one grade level
at school. However, he could slink up to his bedroom, where National Geographic posters of the
universe peeled from his faded yellow walls, to peer through his telescope to somewhere else. His
dreams were full of space ships with elaborate display consoles that could take him anywhere in
the universe. As he lifted off to the moon in his old cardboard box, duct taped with his imaginary
computer interface; he was determined he was going to be someone bigger and better than his
parents could imagine.
While his grandmother’s gift was a golden ticket for escaping his chaotic household, Brad’s
greatest childhood space adventures occurred when his school would visit the local planetarium.
Every December, buses of excited school children would flood the parking lot for their “Star of
Wonder” presentation. Their teachers would set them loose to freely explore exhibits on the night
sky, rocket scientists and astronauts - the coolest people alive, in his mind. By saving his money for
weeks, he would eagerly purchase dehydrated astronaut ice cream and fascinating magnets from
the gift shop.
How many kids in the Ozarks can relate to Brad’s story? We frequently read stories
regarding childhood poverty and abuse in the Ozarks. We recognize, despite the hard work of our
schools’ teachers, test scores have been lackluster in the areas of math and science. Unfortunately,
many kids fall through the cracks in our education system or are simply uninspired by their
textbooks or rote learning at computers.
Those of us who support the concept of the Southwest Missouri Planetarium do not believe a
“business as usual attitude” is going to do anything but increase the depth and breadth of the
problems that we face in the Ozarks. We believe we can be the game-changer that radically alters
people’s perception of learning, science and the universe.
The Southwest Missouri Planetarium is a not for profit 501(c)3 institution that will
encourage enthusiasm and excitement for learning while stimulating discovery and
creativity. Interactive exhibits and demonstrations, both in-house and on-site at local schools,
libraries and community events, will enhance the discovery process for young and old regardless of
age or background. This "learning by doing philosophy" underpins our anticipated programming
and exhibits. We strive to teach kids how to think out of the box, to make choices, to problem solve
and question the world around them. We hope they and all visitors to the planetarium gain the
ability to offer creative and innovative solutions for life, business and world problems. As
individuals freely explore telescopes and activities related to astronomy, they will become
empowered and motivated to learn more about space and the greater universe around them. They
will be able to engage their own future, including their careers.
As the promising growth of Missouri’s engineering and technology industries requires a
strong, local talent pool made possible only by better exposing our youth to science and math.
Young people need to learn about basic science concepts, the impact of advancing research on
individual lives and the career opportunities associated with these industries. An understanding of
science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the scientific method is important for all people
in the workplace. We believe that it is the responsibility of the entire community to build an
informed and skilled workforce of lifelong learners.
As public scrutiny focuses on the need to expose children to science at an early age, experts
uniformly agree that the diminished quality of math and science education in schools around the
country has led to a drop in the number of students majoring in these fields in college and graduate
school. In the 2009 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System Report only 14% of Missouri’s
bachelor’s degrees conferred were in STEM fields. In the Common Core’s math standards on the
national evaluation of states, we scored a D in 2011. We cannot simply expect teachers to teach
better; we have to inspire students to want to learn.
Our nation, our region, must provide the talent to succeed in this competitive global market,
yet the scientific innovation and capacity of the United States relative to the international
community is starting to decline. The current economic crisis has weakened resources at a time
when new long-term investments are most needed. This is compounded by the problem that many
of our best teachers do not have all the resources and training for science teaching in their
classrooms. Therefore, the system in which we work is failing to spark our youth’s passion for
science today therefore decreasing our chances of having top quality employees for tomorrow.
As a community, we need to provide a place where our children, students and lifelong
learners have a place to explore the universe. We have never known so much about the universe
through the resources of technology and innovation. Unfortunately, many of us find ourselves
navigational tools a few hundred years ago. However, it is time to disseminate this knowledge to
the general public and our students so they can learn and appreciate celestial science and all its
wonders.
We want our visitors to be able to connect with Missouri’s own great explorers, astronauts
and scientists. While Brad didn’t drop out of school, did you know Harlow Shapely of Nashville, MO
dropped out of school in the fifth grade? He eventually ended up studying at University of Missouri,
however, and pursued his graduate work at Princeton University. Finally, he was instrumental in
leading the astronomy program at Harvard University for 30 years and became president of the
American Association for the Advancement of Science.
At our Hubble Space Museum at the Planetarium, we want our children to explore the lives
of Linda Godwin, Dr. Janet Kavandi, Dr. Robert Behnken and the many others who have Missouri
roots and have ventured into space. By increasing and highlighting the diverse individuals involved
in space and science, we will be creating a common experience, hearing new perspectives on
science and understand how the universe works beyond our region.
The 32,000 square feet facility located in downtown Branson will exhibit stories of
struggles and accomplishments of our own explorers and scientist through interactive exhibits and
personal objects that highlight their lives. Children will have engaging learning experiences at the
planetarium and museum without the pressures of performance and grading. Classrooms and
laboratories will be equipped for expanding student’s learning opportunities outside the traditional
school setting. Teachers will have access to the latest theories in astronomical exploration and
methods including scientific discovery in the classroom.
In this facility, we will be able to take up to 200 visitors at a time on a journey through the
breathtaking beauty of space and its connection with Missouri. We will be able to create an
entertaining educational environment that will include productions from all aspects of the physical
world as we know it. Inside the planetarium, we plan to have a full-dome, immersive video
projection system uses stunning 2D & 3-D digital images to dramatically convey the sensation of
space travel. We will be using a system that will rival and surpass Imax, Disney and Universal
Studios. Projected on a 50-60 foot, full hemispheric dome, visitors will enjoy an immersive, awe-
inspiring experience. Our proposed planetarium will use the most advanced digital projection
system offered at this time. As knowledge is empowering, it is flipping the switch of enthusiasm for
STEM learning that we are striving for by building this planetarium for our community.
Ultimately, the Southwest Missouri Planetarium with create a ‘ripple effect’ of benefits
throughout our community. As a high profile development flagship for the city of Branson, it can
become a family destination for southern Missouri to explore science, which may mean more out of
town visits with longer stays. As a downtown community that is being revitalized, tourist and
residents are continuously attracted to this area. And this goes beyond the usual dollar and cents
argument. The planetarium can attract a more innovative workforce and sustained development of
our workforce in science and technology, from which we all benefit. The role of science has taken
on greater meaning as it relates to our state education, economy, workforce and general health and
well-being.
In addition, we believe we can complement the efforts of other organizations in the
community by building a state of the art planetarium and museum to serve our area’s children.
With a planetarium facility, we will be able inspire and develop a passion for science, technology,
engineering and mathematics in all school-aged kids and lifelong learners. Through a stimulating
environment and educational endeavors, the planetarium will increase the learning opportunities
for children, families and the community in order to provide a brighter future and improve
educational outcomes for Southwest Missouri.
Well, you might be wondering what ever happen to Brad. Did he ever make it with the odds
stacked against him? Several years ago a panic stricken NASA researcher from Goddard Space Flight
Center started banging on Brad’s office door. His laptop contained ALL the stats, research and
calculations needed to land the Mars rover…and it would not boot up with his best attempts from
him and his fellow scientists. They had not backed up the data on the server or any other computer.
At this point, there was a limited window in which to send the information back to the Mars. If the
rover did not land in the correct location, the mission could be a costly failure. Brad’s quick
thinking and computer skills saved the mission on that fateful day. And he also is credited with
saving all the data and research for the landing gear for all the modern space shuttles, after an
overzealous NASA employee entered too many key strokes on the master server. While Brad is
fairly bashful regarding his accomplishments, at the age of 34, he finally completed his bachelors in
science through diligent study habits and the help of dedicated instructors. He reached for the
moon, and land among the stars with his beaten black telescope remaining the corner of his
bedroom as a humble reminder.
Therefore, have you ever wondered if there was something you could do to help make our
community better? Are there any unique efforts that can make a real difference to some of those
most in need before they need other services? Yes, there is.
The opportunity to partner with the Southwest Missouri Planetarium is your opportunity to
give a gift of time, collaboration or other assistance that reflects your values, a gift that reflects the
way you live your life and the things that matter the most to you. It is the opportunity to build a
stronger community and workforce now, not tomorrow.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, US anthropologist
There is no limit to what a dedicated group of people can accomplish when they are focused
on a dream. The transformation of a community through science education and exploration will
build a better future for our children and our community. This initiative is a practical, effective, and
pioneering endeavor that will make a difference in one important aspect of our lives- our children
and their future.
By engaging our resources together, we can make a difference in the Ozarks…Now.
L. Ann Gwinn
Larry Tate &
Supporters of the Southwest Missouri Planetarium Center
www.swmoplanetarium.org
grandmother had purchased it from the Sear Roebuck catalog before her passing because “Every
little boy needs a telescope,” she told him. “The world is bigger than you.”
The telescope symbolized Brad’s escape from his world. During heated fights with his
father, his mom would hurl dishes like flying saucers targeting his dad’s head. Dinners were usually
pinto beans and cornbread over again and again. With regular frequency, he received long lectures
with occasional spankings to drive home the point that he would end up as a ditch digger or
something worse if he “didn’t get ‘it’” together. He was expected to “get his head out of the clouds.”
His grades remain poor as he struggled to learn to read and he had already repeated one grade level
at school. However, he could slink up to his bedroom, where National Geographic posters of the
universe peeled from his faded yellow walls, to peer through his telescope to somewhere else. His
dreams were full of space ships with elaborate display consoles that could take him anywhere in
the universe. As he lifted off to the moon in his old cardboard box, duct taped with his imaginary
computer interface; he was determined he was going to be someone bigger and better than his
parents could imagine.
While his grandmother’s gift was a golden ticket for escaping his chaotic household, Brad’s
greatest childhood space adventures occurred when his school would visit the local planetarium.
Every December, buses of excited school children would flood the parking lot for their “Star of
Wonder” presentation. Their teachers would set them loose to freely explore exhibits on the night
sky, rocket scientists and astronauts - the coolest people alive, in his mind. By saving his money for
weeks, he would eagerly purchase dehydrated astronaut ice cream and fascinating magnets from
the gift shop.
How many kids in the Ozarks can relate to Brad’s story? We frequently read stories
regarding childhood poverty and abuse in the Ozarks. We recognize, despite the hard work of our
schools’ teachers, test scores have been lackluster in the areas of math and science. Unfortunately,
many kids fall through the cracks in our education system or are simply uninspired by their
textbooks or rote learning at computers.
Those of us who support the concept of the Southwest Missouri Planetarium do not believe a
“business as usual attitude” is going to do anything but increase the depth and breadth of the
problems that we face in the Ozarks. We believe we can be the game-changer that radically alters
people’s perception of learning, science and the universe.
The Southwest Missouri Planetarium is a not for profit 501(c)3 institution that will
encourage enthusiasm and excitement for learning while stimulating discovery and
creativity. Interactive exhibits and demonstrations, both in-house and on-site at local schools,
libraries and community events, will enhance the discovery process for young and old regardless of
age or background. This "learning by doing philosophy" underpins our anticipated programming
and exhibits. We strive to teach kids how to think out of the box, to make choices, to problem solve
and question the world around them. We hope they and all visitors to the planetarium gain the
ability to offer creative and innovative solutions for life, business and world problems. As
individuals freely explore telescopes and activities related to astronomy, they will become
empowered and motivated to learn more about space and the greater universe around them. They
will be able to engage their own future, including their careers.
As the promising growth of Missouri’s engineering and technology industries requires a
strong, local talent pool made possible only by better exposing our youth to science and math.
Young people need to learn about basic science concepts, the impact of advancing research on
individual lives and the career opportunities associated with these industries. An understanding of
science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the scientific method is important for all people
in the workplace. We believe that it is the responsibility of the entire community to build an
informed and skilled workforce of lifelong learners.
As public scrutiny focuses on the need to expose children to science at an early age, experts
uniformly agree that the diminished quality of math and science education in schools around the
country has led to a drop in the number of students majoring in these fields in college and graduate
school. In the 2009 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System Report only 14% of Missouri’s
bachelor’s degrees conferred were in STEM fields. In the Common Core’s math standards on the
national evaluation of states, we scored a D in 2011. We cannot simply expect teachers to teach
better; we have to inspire students to want to learn.
Our nation, our region, must provide the talent to succeed in this competitive global market,
yet the scientific innovation and capacity of the United States relative to the international
community is starting to decline. The current economic crisis has weakened resources at a time
when new long-term investments are most needed. This is compounded by the problem that many
of our best teachers do not have all the resources and training for science teaching in their
classrooms. Therefore, the system in which we work is failing to spark our youth’s passion for
science today therefore decreasing our chances of having top quality employees for tomorrow.
As a community, we need to provide a place where our children, students and lifelong
learners have a place to explore the universe. We have never known so much about the universe
through the resources of technology and innovation. Unfortunately, many of us find ourselves
navigational tools a few hundred years ago. However, it is time to disseminate this knowledge to
the general public and our students so they can learn and appreciate celestial science and all its
wonders.
We want our visitors to be able to connect with Missouri’s own great explorers, astronauts
and scientists. While Brad didn’t drop out of school, did you know Harlow Shapely of Nashville, MO
dropped out of school in the fifth grade? He eventually ended up studying at University of Missouri,
however, and pursued his graduate work at Princeton University. Finally, he was instrumental in
leading the astronomy program at Harvard University for 30 years and became president of the
American Association for the Advancement of Science.
At our Hubble Space Museum at the Planetarium, we want our children to explore the lives
of Linda Godwin, Dr. Janet Kavandi, Dr. Robert Behnken and the many others who have Missouri
roots and have ventured into space. By increasing and highlighting the diverse individuals involved
in space and science, we will be creating a common experience, hearing new perspectives on
science and understand how the universe works beyond our region.
The 32,000 square feet facility located in downtown Branson will exhibit stories of
struggles and accomplishments of our own explorers and scientist through interactive exhibits and
personal objects that highlight their lives. Children will have engaging learning experiences at the
planetarium and museum without the pressures of performance and grading. Classrooms and
laboratories will be equipped for expanding student’s learning opportunities outside the traditional
school setting. Teachers will have access to the latest theories in astronomical exploration and
methods including scientific discovery in the classroom.
In this facility, we will be able to take up to 200 visitors at a time on a journey through the
breathtaking beauty of space and its connection with Missouri. We will be able to create an
entertaining educational environment that will include productions from all aspects of the physical
world as we know it. Inside the planetarium, we plan to have a full-dome, immersive video
projection system uses stunning 2D & 3-D digital images to dramatically convey the sensation of
space travel. We will be using a system that will rival and surpass Imax, Disney and Universal
Studios. Projected on a 50-60 foot, full hemispheric dome, visitors will enjoy an immersive, awe-
inspiring experience. Our proposed planetarium will use the most advanced digital projection
system offered at this time. As knowledge is empowering, it is flipping the switch of enthusiasm for
STEM learning that we are striving for by building this planetarium for our community.
Ultimately, the Southwest Missouri Planetarium with create a ‘ripple effect’ of benefits
throughout our community. As a high profile development flagship for the city of Branson, it can
become a family destination for southern Missouri to explore science, which may mean more out of
town visits with longer stays. As a downtown community that is being revitalized, tourist and
residents are continuously attracted to this area. And this goes beyond the usual dollar and cents
argument. The planetarium can attract a more innovative workforce and sustained development of
our workforce in science and technology, from which we all benefit. The role of science has taken
on greater meaning as it relates to our state education, economy, workforce and general health and
well-being.
In addition, we believe we can complement the efforts of other organizations in the
community by building a state of the art planetarium and museum to serve our area’s children.
With a planetarium facility, we will be able inspire and develop a passion for science, technology,
engineering and mathematics in all school-aged kids and lifelong learners. Through a stimulating
environment and educational endeavors, the planetarium will increase the learning opportunities
for children, families and the community in order to provide a brighter future and improve
educational outcomes for Southwest Missouri.
Well, you might be wondering what ever happen to Brad. Did he ever make it with the odds
stacked against him? Several years ago a panic stricken NASA researcher from Goddard Space Flight
Center started banging on Brad’s office door. His laptop contained ALL the stats, research and
calculations needed to land the Mars rover…and it would not boot up with his best attempts from
him and his fellow scientists. They had not backed up the data on the server or any other computer.
At this point, there was a limited window in which to send the information back to the Mars. If the
rover did not land in the correct location, the mission could be a costly failure. Brad’s quick
thinking and computer skills saved the mission on that fateful day. And he also is credited with
saving all the data and research for the landing gear for all the modern space shuttles, after an
overzealous NASA employee entered too many key strokes on the master server. While Brad is
fairly bashful regarding his accomplishments, at the age of 34, he finally completed his bachelors in
science through diligent study habits and the help of dedicated instructors. He reached for the
moon, and land among the stars with his beaten black telescope remaining the corner of his
bedroom as a humble reminder.
Therefore, have you ever wondered if there was something you could do to help make our
community better? Are there any unique efforts that can make a real difference to some of those
most in need before they need other services? Yes, there is.
The opportunity to partner with the Southwest Missouri Planetarium is your opportunity to
give a gift of time, collaboration or other assistance that reflects your values, a gift that reflects the
way you live your life and the things that matter the most to you. It is the opportunity to build a
stronger community and workforce now, not tomorrow.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, US anthropologist
There is no limit to what a dedicated group of people can accomplish when they are focused
on a dream. The transformation of a community through science education and exploration will
build a better future for our children and our community. This initiative is a practical, effective, and
pioneering endeavor that will make a difference in one important aspect of our lives- our children
and their future.
By engaging our resources together, we can make a difference in the Ozarks…Now.
L. Ann Gwinn
Larry Tate &
Supporters of the Southwest Missouri Planetarium Center
www.swmoplanetarium.org
