Maryland Science Center Plans To Launch New Energy Exhibit

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—The Maryland Science Center is once again expanding what it has to offer visitors.

Monique Griego has more on the grant that will soon put energy information in students' hands.

Keeping a kid's attention and getting them to learn isn't easy--unless you're the Maryland Science Center.

"I think it's kind of fun, and I think it's kind of cool to learn all these things," said Kiersten Hartman, student.

"I think that it's fun, and I like to go here," said Tyler Deane, student.

Soon the center's already vast amount of educational opportunities will be expanding in the form of a new energy exhibit.  It will teach kids what happens beyond flipping a switch.

"It's what I call the ecosystem of electricity, the generation distribution and conservation of electricity," said Van Reiner, Maryland Science Center.

What do students know about electricity?

"Not much really," Hartman said with a giggle.

The exhibit is being funded by a $1.8 million grant courtesy of Exelon and Constellation Energy.

"If you catch kids when they're young, great things can happen," said Calvin Butler, Exelon.

The science center's goal has always been to not only teach kids something new but to offer them an experience. This new exhibit is no different.

"When you can physically do something you're more apt to learn and retain that learning," Reiner said.

The center hopes if it sparks an interest now these kids will be able to retain the information.  So far their plan seems to be working.

"Well, this is the best place on Earth. I like it. I want to be a scientist," said Kiley Ruffhead, student.

The new exhibit is expected to open up in 18 to 24 months.