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Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute is a premier and center for in , , founded on February 5, 1824, by Samuel Vaughan Merrick and William H. Keating in honor of to promote the mechanic arts and scientific inquiry. Originally named The Franklin Institute of the State of for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts, it has evolved into one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the United States, emphasizing hands-on education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The institute's mission is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology, embodying Benjamin Franklin's spirit of curiosity and discovery through immersive exhibits, educational programs, and resources that reach over one million visitors annually, making it the most visited museum in Pennsylvania. Its science museum, which opened on January 1, 1934, pioneered interactive learning experiences, and subsequent expansions in 1990, 2003, 2012, and 2014—including the 53,000-square-foot Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion—have enhanced its facilities in Philadelphia's Parkway Museums District. Notable features include the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, a grand rotunda honoring the Founding Father, and the Fels Planetarium, the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere, offering astronomical education and shows. Since its inception, The Franklin Institute has played a pivotal role in scientific advancement, hosting the world's oldest continuous awards program, which has recognized over 2,000 laureates, including 125 winners, for groundbreaking contributions in various fields. Accredited by the , the institute continues to foster innovation and public engagement, celebrating its bicentennial in 2024 as a of education and discovery.

History

Founding and 19th Century Development

The Franklin Institute of the State of for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts was founded on February 5, 1824, by Samuel Vaughan Merrick, an engineer and iron founder, and William H. Keating, a and , in . The institution was established to honor , the polymath whose work in and practical inventions exemplified , and to advance knowledge of mechanical arts among manufacturers, mechanics, and the public through and innovation. From its inception, the Institute focused on practical science education, beginning with its first exhibition in October 1824 at Carpenters' Hall, which showcased American machinery, inventions, and manufactured goods to stimulate industrial progress. Early activities rapidly expanded to include public lectures on scientific topics, the establishment of a library for technical resources, and the founding of a high school offering classes in mechanics, drafting, and engineering by 1827. In 1826, the Institute launched its research journal, initially titled The Franklin Journal and American Mechanics' Magazine (later the Journal of the Franklin Institute), which published articles on physics, chemistry, and engineering, along with patent reports, becoming a key outlet for disseminating technical knowledge. The Institute's first permanent building, designed by architect John Haviland, was constructed at 15 South 7th Street, with groundbreaking on June 8, 1825, and completion in 1826, providing space for lectures, exhibitions, and a growing collection of scientific apparatus. Annual exhibitions continued through 1858, awarding premiums that set standards for manufacturing quality and drawing thousands of visitors, while membership drives—open to women from the and including the first African American member, , in 1870—helped build a community of over 1,000 by mid-century. Early financial difficulties, including publication shortfalls in the 1840s that led to mergers with other periodicals, were addressed through membership fees, admissions, and philanthropic support, enabling the Institute to evolve into a leading center for scientific inquiry and industrial education by the late .

20th Century Expansion and Relocation

In the early , the Franklin Institute underwent significant physical expansion and relocation to accommodate its growing role in science education and public engagement. Guided by its 19th-century founding principles of advancing mechanic arts and scientific knowledge, the institute moved from its original Seventh Street location to a new site at 222 North 20th Street on the in , opening to the public on January 1, 1934. This relocation, funded by a $5.1 million capital campaign launched in 1930, marked a shift toward a dedicated model, with the neoclassical Beaux-Arts structure designed primarily by architect John T. Windrim in collaboration with elements from the firm of Horace Trumbauer. The new facility, one of the first hands-on science museums in the United States, emphasized interactive exhibits to inspire curiosity about technology and industry. Key infrastructural developments followed, enhancing the institute's offerings in astronomy and immersive education. The Fels Planetarium, funded by industrialist Samuel Simeon Fels, opened in 1933 as the second planetarium in the United States after Chicago's , featuring a 40-foot dome and Zeiss projector to simulate celestial phenomena for educational programs. In 1954, the institute added the iconic Giant Heart exhibit, a four-story walk-through model of human circulation that became a hallmark of its physiological demonstrations, drawing large crowds and underscoring the post-relocation emphasis on accessible science. During , the institute pivoted to support national defense efforts by repurposing its facilities and programming for industrial training, including courses for civilians and in defense-related technologies such as and , aligning with broader federal initiatives like the Engineering, Science, and Management War Training program. The mid- to late-20th century saw further programmatic and architectural growth, culminating in the establishment of the as a central feature. Housed in the museum's rotunda, the memorial—featuring a 20-foot of sculpted by James Earle Fraser in 1906—was designated a national memorial by Congress in 1972 and formally dedicated on April 12, 1976, by Vice President Nelson A. Rockefeller, with no admission fee required for public access. This addition reinforced the institute's homage to its namesake while expanding its cultural significance. Post-war, the focus shifted decisively to public , with expansions like the 1990 opening of the Tuttleman Theater—a 79-foot domed venue for large-format films—enhancing immersive experiences and attracting over 500,000 annual visitors by the century's end. These developments solidified the Franklin Institute's position as a leading center for hands-on learning in science and technology.

21st Century Renovations and Milestones

In 2006, The Franklin Institute launched the Inspire Science! capital campaign, a $64.7 million initiative aimed at expanding facilities, upgrading exhibits, and modernizing infrastructure, which culminated in the construction of a 53,000-square-foot pavilion on the museum's south side. In December 2017, during an "ugly sweater" holiday party at the museum, attendee Michael Rohana stole the right thumb from a life-sized Terracotta statue on loan from as part of the "Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor" exhibition, an artifact valued at approximately $4.5 million. Rohana was charged with theft of a major artwork and interstate transportation of stolen property, eventually pleading guilty in to a lesser charge of concealment of stolen goods, resulting in a five-year sentence and restitution payments exceeding $17,000 to cover repair and travel costs for Chinese officials. The incident prompted the institute to implement security enhancements, including improved barriers around exhibits and system-wide upgrades, with over $50,000 invested in protective measures for the exhibition. In 2021, The Franklin Institute hosted Philadelphia artist Dyymond Whipper-Young, who created a 6,510-square-foot chalk drawing titled "The Future is Now: A World of Infinite Possibilities," surpassing the previous for the largest drawing by an individual and earning official recognition for its scale and solo execution over five days. On November 2, 2023, the institute unveiled a refreshed brand identity and , designed by Antonio & Paris to emphasize modern accessibility and thematic storytelling in science , coinciding with the opening of the $8.5 million Wondrous permanent exhibit—a two-story, 7,500-square-foot immersive experience exploring space phenomena such as black holes, , and cosmic exploration through interactive simulations, artifacts like Mars rovers, and multisensory stations. The institute's 2024 bicentennial celebrations highlighted ongoing modernization efforts, including a $8.5 million of the iconic Giant Heart exhibit—originally installed in 1954 and scaled 220 times life-size—now integrated into the new Body Odyssey permanent exhibit with synchronized light, sound, and heartbeat-tracking features across 8,500 square feet focused on and . These events also featured the November 23 opening of the $12 million, two-story Collections , showcasing over 500 artifacts from the museum's vast holdings, including the 60000 and Benjamin Franklin's glass armonica, with interactive elements and a visible collections studio. Temporary exhibits during the year included The Art of the Brick, featuring large-scale sculptures of scientific concepts, and Mars by , a 23-foot-diameter spherical installation using imagery to depict the planet's surface in detail. In 2025, the institute continued its reimagination with the opening of the temporary exhibit on February 15, exploring human anatomy through preserved specimens, and the announcement of the 2025 laureates on February 6, recognizing advancements in fields like and life sciences. A significant milestone occurred in November 2025 when the Apollo-era , on display since 1976 as part of the museum's space collection, was returned to the after 49 years. Tickets for the upcoming went on sale October 29, 2025. Looking ahead, the institute will host the world premiere of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition starting February 14, 2026, a collaborative project with spanning 18,000 square feet across eight themed galleries with 25 interactive experiences exploring the engineering, storytelling, and technology behind attractions like and . These developments form part of broader capital campaigns, including a multi-year reimagination initiative announced in 2021 to update the 1920s-era building and consolidate 12 legacy exhibits into six future-focused ones by 2026, supported by investments exceeding $50 million to align with bicentennial goals of enhanced accessibility and innovation.

Leadership and Governance

The Franklin Institute is governed by a Board of Trustees responsible for strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and institutional direction. As of 2025, the board is chaired by Thomas J. Lynch, who guides key decisions on programming, partnerships, and long-term sustainability. The board comprises 54 active trustees from diverse sectors including business, education, and science, alongside nine ex-officio members such as Pennsylvania Governor , Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, and Superintendent of Schools Tony B. Watlington Sr., EdD, ensuring alignment with public policy and educational priorities. Chair Emeriti members, including Donald E. Morel Jr., PhD, Marsha R. Perelman, and James A. Unruh, provide continuity and advisory expertise drawn from decades of service, bolstering governance stability during transitions and major initiatives. The board's structure emphasizes collaborative decision-making, with committees addressing finance, education, exhibits, and science evaluation to support the institute's mission. Executive leadership is headed by the President and , a role focused on operational , , and public . Larry Dubinski has held this position since July 2014, succeeding Dennis M. Wint after his 20-year tenure from 1994 to 2014; Dubinski, the 17th president in the institute's history, oversees a senior staff including the and . Earlier notable presidents include W. Laurence Lepage, who succeeded S. Wyman Rolph in 1958 after Rolph's six-year term, and the institute's inaugural president James Ronaldson, who served from 1824 to 1841 and helped establish its foundational focus on mechanic arts. Governance has evolved significantly since the 19th century, with early records showing a Board of Managers handling administrative duties from 1823 to 1987 and a formal Board of Trustees emerging by 1888 for broader oversight. Key standing committees include the Committee on Science and the Arts, originally formed in 1824 as the Committee on Inventions to assess technological innovations and renamed in 1834, which continues to influence awards and research evaluations through minutes dating to 1932. Other specialized groups, such as the Committee on Instruction for educational programs and the Committee on Publications from 1893 to 1933, have shaped policy on learning and dissemination. Bylaws, first documented in board records from 1825 to 1897 and later incorporated into yearbooks from 1912 to 1929, outline election procedures for officers—tracked annually from 1911 to 1945—and committee operations, adapting over time to incorporate finance, exhibit development, and educational mandates while maintaining the institute's nonprofit status. These structures have enabled strategic responses to growth, including brief oversight of capital campaigns for facility expansions.

Facilities and Exhibits

Building and Architecture

The Franklin Institute's current building, located at 222 North 20th Street in Philadelphia's cultural district, was designed by architect John T. Windrim in the Beaux-Arts style and opened to the public on January 1, 1934. The neoclassical structure originally envisioned a four-wing layout enclosing a central across an entire , but only the eastern two wings were completed due to funding limitations imposed by the . Spanning over 400,000 square feet across multiple floors, the building features a symmetrical facade with classical elements, including a prominent colonnaded entrance that evokes grandeur and symmetry typical of early 20th-century civic architecture. At its core lies a spacious rotunda housing the , a domed space that serves as the architectural and symbolic heart of the facility. Subsequent expansions have integrated modern additions while preserving the historic envelope. In 2014, the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion added 53,000 square feet of space adjacent to the memorial, including education centers and galleries, and achieved for features such as energy-efficient systems and climate control. This pavilion, part of a broader $64.7 million Inspire Science! campaign launched in 2006, enhanced the building's capacity for immersive experiences without altering the original neoclassical aesthetic. The integration of these additions maintains a cohesive layout, with the original wings framing pathways that guide visitors through interconnected floors blending historical and contemporary elements. Recent renovations, completed in phases leading into 2024, have focused on improving accessibility and visitor flow to create a more intuitive and welcoming environment. These updates addressed navigational challenges from prior piecemeal additions by reconfiguring public spaces, such as transforming a 10,000-square-foot former exhibit area into a two-story gallery with exposed historic trusses for an airy feel, and adding mezzanine levels for better circulation. Enhanced mechanical systems ensure stable environmental controls, while accessible entrances via 20th Street and parking garage elevators, along with upgraded pathways, support inclusive navigation across the multi-level facility. These improvements, aligned with the institute's bicentennial in 2024, prioritize universal design principles to accommodate diverse visitors while honoring the building's 1930s heritage.

Permanent Exhibits

The permanent exhibits at the Franklin Institute form the core of its hands-on , spanning three floors and offering interactive experiences that engage visitors of all ages in key concepts. These installations emphasize , allowing participants to manipulate objects, conduct experiments, and observe phenomena firsthand to build conceptual understanding of physics, , , and astronomy. Designed to accommodate over 500 daily visitors, the exhibits align with national science curricula, fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills through play-based exploration. One of the institute's most iconic features is the Giant Heart, a walk-through model of the circulatory system measuring 28 feet wide and 18 feet high, scaled to represent a heart 15,000 times larger than life. Originally constructed from , , and fabric over a metal frame in the , it was temporarily closed in May 2024 for renovations and reopened on November 23, 2024, as the centerpiece of the new 8,500-square-foot Body Odyssey exhibit. This updated installation incorporates immersive technology, full-body simulations, and interactive environments to explore the body's and interactions with the external , enhancing its educational on and . The Train Factory, reimagined as the Hamilton Collections Gallery following a 2019 gift from the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, which opened on , 2024, showcases with a suspended Baldwin 60000 on a cutaway floor, overlooking archival collections. Visitors interact with model railroads and displays that demonstrate principles of , , and industrial innovation, tracing the evolution of transportation technology from the onward. The exhibit highlights electromagnetic principles through static generators, a that produces musical tones by vibrating air molecules, and live demonstrations of sparks and charges. These elements allow hands-on experimentation with , , and energy transfer, building foundational knowledge of electrical phenomena discovered by figures like . Sir Isaac's Loft serves as a dedicated playground for physics, where visitors engage with falling objects, chain reactions, and optical illusions to illustrate and . Through climbing structures and manipulative devices, the exhibit promotes inquiry into , , and in an accessible, playful format. SportsZone challenges participants to test physical skills in activities like pitching, jumping, surfing simulations, and running, while revealing , , and concepts. Interactive stations measure reaction times, , and motion , encouraging visitors to apply scientific principles to athletic performance and personal . Introduced in November 2023, Wondrous Space occupies 7,500 square feet across two stories, providing an immersive multisensory journey through cosmic phenomena such as black holes, galaxies, and . Funded by an $8.5 million investment including a $3 million gift from The Boeing Company, the exhibit features interactive simulations and displays that demystify astronomy and , inspiring excitement for science.

Theaters and Immersive Experiences

The Franklin Institute offers a range of theaters and immersive experiences designed to deliver multimedia through audiovisual presentations, interactive performances, and sensory engagements. These attractions complement the museum's hands-on exhibits by providing dynamic, narrative-driven explorations of scientific concepts, fostering deeper understanding among visitors of all ages. The Fels Planetarium, funded by industrialist Samuel Simeon Fels, opened in 1933 as one of the earliest planetariums in the United States, featuring a 60-foot-diameter dome that serves as an expansive screen for astronomical projections. With a seating capacity of 250, it hosts digital star shows such as "The Sky Tonight," which simulates current night skies and constellation stories, and "Worlds Beyond Earth," narrated by , showcasing immersive visualizations of space missions and distant planets. These programs, along with laser light performances synchronized to music, emphasize by tracing of the cosmos from ancient times to modern telescopes. Shows run multiple times daily, encouraging visitors to connect earthly with phenomena. The Tuttleman IMAX Theater, added in 1990 as part of the museum's Futures Center expansion, was a pioneering dome with a 180-degree tilted screen that enveloped audiences in large-format films focused on scientific themes like and . It featured upgraded digital projectors in the to enhance resolution for documentaries such as those on NASA's missions, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually before its closure. However, following a shutdown in March 2020 due to the , the theater was deemed financially unviable for reopening amid high upgrade costs and shifting digital viewing trends, and it permanently closed in November 2023. In its place, the Theater now provides -style screenings with and high-definition projection for educational films and presentations. Live science shows at the institute deliver interactive demonstrations on core scientific disciplines, performed several times daily in the PECO Demonstration Theater on the third floor. These 20- to 30-minute sessions cover through the Show, which explores reactions, and the Show using to demonstrate ; physics via the Show featuring coils and experiments; and with Mystery Dissections of organs like cow eyes and sheep hearts. Audience participation is central, allowing visitors to engage directly with phenomena such as electrical circuits or examination, promoting conceptual grasp over . Upcoming additions include a Weather Show in fall 2025 and Inside U in 2026, expanding coverage to and human . Immersive experiences extend beyond theaters into multisensory environments tailored for diverse learning needs, with the 2024-updated attractions exemplifying this approach. Body , which opened on November 23, 2024, as part of the museum's bicentennial renovations, invites visitors on a walkthrough journey through the , senses, and via interactive installations like the iconic Giant Heart. This exhibit highlights how bodily systems interact with the external world, using visual and tactile elements to illustrate topics from effects to medical innovations. To support neurodiverse and sensory-sensitive learners, the institute provides sensory backpacks with noise-canceling tools and fidget items, along with a dedicated sensory guide mapping low-stimulation zones throughout the space. These features integrate seamlessly with permanent exhibits, extending visitor immersion in biological sciences.

Temporary and Traveling Exhibits

The Franklin Institute features a series of temporary and traveling exhibits that rotate periodically to introduce novel themes in science, , and , often through collaborations with artists, institutions, and organizations. These exhibits provide immersive, time-limited experiences that complement the museum's offerings by emphasizing current innovations and global perspectives. Typically lasting 6 to 12 months, they occupy 10,000 to 20,000 square feet of dedicated space and require separate timed-entry tickets to ensure optimal visitor flow and engagement. Recent examples include the 2023 installation of Mars by artist , a seven-meter-diameter spherical artwork constructed from 120 dpi imagery of the Martian surface, offering visitors a close-up view of and exploration. This traveling piece, which drew on NASA's scientific data for authenticity, was suspended in the museum's atrium and tied into broader space themes. Later that year, premiered as a world debut, showcasing over 250 rare artifacts from The Company's archives in immersive galleries that explored storytelling, animation, and creativity. In 2024, The Art of the Brick highlighted bricks as a medium for engineering and artistic expression, featuring more than 100 sculptures by , including large-scale, Philadelphia-exclusive pieces that demonstrated structural physics and design principles. The exhibit, recognized by as one of the top global must-see attractions, ran from February to November and attracted widespread acclaim for blending play with scientific concepts. In 2025, : Vital presented an anatomical journey focused on health and balance, using over 150 ethically sourced human plastinates—including 20 full-body specimens—to illustrate the body's systems and the impact of lifestyle choices. This international traveling show, created by anatomist , operated from February to September and emphasized preventive wellness through interactive displays. Looking ahead, Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition is scheduled to open on February 14, 2026, in partnership with , spanning 18,000 square feet across eight themed galleries with 25 interactive elements that delve into the physics, engineering, and history of amusement park design. Running through at least September 2026, this debut installation will then embark on a North American tour, showcasing replicas and models to illustrate themed entertainment's innovative applications of science. These exhibits frequently stem from partnerships with entities like for scientific accuracy, international museums for anatomical collections, and entertainment leaders for experiential content, ensuring diverse, high-impact programming that rotates to maintain visitor interest.

Benjamin Franklin National Memorial

The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is a dedicated rotunda within The Franklin Institute in , , serving as the official national tribute to as designated by the [United States Congress](/page/United States_Congress) in 1972. Modeled after the Roman Pantheon and designed by architect John T. Windrim, the Memorial Hall features an 82-foot square space with equal length, width, and height, crowned by a self-supporting domed ceiling weighing 1,600 tons. The interior incorporates rare marbles from , , and in its floors, walls, columns, pilasters, and cornices, establishing it as the ceremonial heart of the Institute's main building. At the center stands a dramatic 20-foot-tall statue of , sculpted by James Earle Fraser between 1932 and 1938 from white Seravezza and weighing 30 tons. The statue depicts Franklin seated in contemplative pose on a 92-ton pedestal of Rose Aurora veined sourced from , and the entire Hall opened to the public in 1938. It received its formal dedication as the national memorial on April 12, 1976, by Vice President Nelson A. , with ongoing support from the for maintenance and exhibits. Surrounding the statue are interpretive displays from the Frankliniana Collection, highlighting key aspects of Franklin's life and inventions through artifacts, artistic depictions, and original scientific instruments. These include exhibits on his , which protected buildings from electrical strikes; , an innovative eyewear design combining convex and concave lenses; and the famous demonstrating that lightning is a form of , illustrated by a circa 1816 painting by . A timeline of Franklin's life traces his journey from printer and writer to statesman, inventor, and Founding Father, emphasizing his multifaceted contributions to science and society. As a cultural landmark affiliated with the , the functions as a venue for special events, including awards ceremonies and public gatherings that honor Franklin's legacy, and it remains open free to the public during hours.

Publications and Awards

The Journal of the Franklin Institute

The Journal of the Franklin Institute was established in 1826 by The Franklin Institute as a key platform for disseminating scholarly papers on engineering and scientific advancements, originally under the title The Franklin Journal and American Mechanic’s Magazine. This publication quickly became integral to the institute's mission of promoting mechanical arts and knowledge, initially featuring proceedings from institute meetings, membership details, and reports on emerging scientific discoveries across various fields. By the early , it had shifted to rely primarily on contributions from institute members, solidifying its role as a dedicated for technical discourse. Early volumes of the journal prominently addressed practical topics, such as the design and operation of , which were pivotal to the Industrial Revolution's expansion . For instance, issues from the included detailed analyses of steam engine efficiency and expansive use in industrial applications, reflecting the era's focus on mechanical innovation. A significant milestone occurred in 1828, when the journal was designated as the official outlet for listing patents issued by the U.S. government, enhancing its utility as a comprehensive record of technological progress. This patent publication role continued for decades, underscoring the journal's early contributions to documentation and literature. Today, the Journal of the Franklin Institute is a peer-reviewed monthly publication managed by , maintaining its status as the second-oldest continuously published peer-reviewed journal in the United States. Its scope encompasses , , and interdisciplinary areas, with a strong emphasis on control systems, , data science, , and . The journal holds an of 4.2 as of 2024, indicating its sustained influence in these domains. In recent years, it has transitioned to full digital accessibility through , facilitating global reach and incorporating open-access elements via its companion journal Franklin Open, launched in 2022 to provide faster publication for high-quality submissions. This evolution aligns with the institute's ongoing research mission, supporting widespread scholarly engagement with over a century of archived content available online.

Franklin Institute Awards

The Franklin Institute Awards program, one of the oldest comprehensive science and technology honors in the United States, was established in to recognize pioneering contributions that advance human knowledge and well-being, in keeping with Benjamin Franklin's legacy of innovation and inquiry. The program began presenting awards in , initially through certificates and exhibitions, and has since evolved to include medals and substantial prizes, honoring more than 2,000 scientists, engineers, inventors, and leaders across diverse fields. The Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science stands as the Institute's highest distinction, established in 1990 following a $7.5 million bequest from industrialist Henry Bower in 1988; it awards $250,000 and a 14-karat annually to an individual for groundbreaking work in a designated scientific theme, such as for the 2026 cycle. Complementing this are the Medals, awarded since 1915—initially as the singular and restructured in 1998 into discipline-specific honors in areas including chemistry, , , life science, , and physics—each carrying a $10,000 and a . The program also features the Benjamin Franklin NextGen Award, launched in 2021 for early-career innovators, as exemplified by its first recipient, , for her role in development. The 2025 laureate class includes nine honorees, such as Katharine N. Suding for the Bower in ecosystem science and for business leadership. Notable past recipients underscore the awards' prestige, with 128 laureates also earning Nobel Prizes. received the Franklin Medal in 1935 for his foundational theories of and . was honored with the in 1957 for developing the first effective . earned the Benjamin in Life Science in 2003 for her transformative observations of behavior and advocacy for conservation. The annual awards and dinner, a black-tie event featuring medal presentations and tributes, takes place at the within the Institute; the 2025 edition on May 1 was hosted by Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts and livestreamed for global audiences. Many laureates have contributed seminal papers to The Journal of the Franklin Institute, further linking the awards to the Institute's scholarly tradition.

Research and Educational Programs

Informal Science Learning Research

The Center for Innovation in Science Learning (CISL) at the Franklin Institute was established in the early 2000s as a dedicated hub for advancing informal science education research, with a primary emphasis on exhibit efficacy, visitor behavior patterns, and measurable learning outcomes in non-classroom settings. This center supports the institute's mission to foster lifelong science engagement by studying how diverse audiences interact with interactive displays and immersive environments, reaching over 1 million participants annually through its broader informal learning initiatives. Research methodologies employed by CISL include visitor surveys, observational tracking, and evaluative assessments to capture engagement data and long-term impacts, often involving thousands of participants per year to ensure robust sample sizes. For instance, a pilot study on effectiveness utilized questionnaires distributed to approximately 500 visitors to gauge knowledge retention, revealing that self-directed explorations led to recall of more than 50% of exhibit-specific information. These approaches help identify how environmental factors influence attention and comprehension, informing iterative improvements in exhibit design. Key studies have compared hands-on interactive experiences against passive viewing, consistently showing enhanced visitor motivation and conceptual understanding in active participation formats, as evidenced in evaluations of the institute's core exhibits. Publications from these efforts, including internal reports and NSF collaborative outputs like the Leap into Science summative evaluation, have shaped national standards for and directly influenced subsequent exhibit developments at the institute. Such findings also guide applications in the institute's youth programs by highlighting effective strategies for sustaining curiosity beyond single visits.

Youth and School Programs

The Franklin Institute partners with the to operate the Science Leadership Academy (), a magnet public charter high school founded in September 2006 that serves approximately 500 students in grades 9-12. This selective-admission program emphasizes inquiry-driven, in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (), fostering skills in research, collaboration, and real-world application through partnerships with local institutions like itself. SLA students regularly engage in informal science experiences at the Franklin Institute, including weekly visits for ninth graders to explore exhibits and conduct hands-on activities. The Institute's summer camps and field trips provide accessible STEM education for K-12 students, with programs like GSK Science in the Summer™ serving over 7,000 youth annually in the Greater area through themed sessions on topics such as space , , and environmental studies. These free initiatives include hands-on experiments, career , and culminating field trips to , where participants apply concepts in immersive settings; nationwide, the program reaches more than 25,000 students each year across 33 states. In 2025, the program adopted the theme "Be a !", estimating 6,400 participants in Greater and 23,400 nationally. field trips, integrated into these efforts, offer guided explorations of exhibits like labs and environmental simulations, supporting curriculum alignment for thousands of visiting students from public schools. After-school clubs at the Franklin Institute focus on building skills through programs like PACTS (Partnerships for Achieving Careers in and ) and Scholars, which provide year-round enrichment for middle and high school students from diverse backgrounds. PACTS offers bi-monthly workshops on environmental research and hands-on , along with field trips and mentoring to develop leadership in underserved communities. The Scholars initiative, a four-year program recruiting 20 Philadelphia-area freshmen annually, includes coding sessions, maker activities in and , professional development, and industry exposure to prepare participants for careers. In 2024, the program expanded outreach to highly motivated, underserved high school freshmen through open applications, emphasizing equitable access to these resources. SLA graduates demonstrate strong postsecondary outcomes, with a four-year graduation rate of 97% as of 2025. on the program highlights its effectiveness in preparing students for majors in college, attributing success to the integrated project-based approach and museum partnerships.

Teacher Professional Development

The Franklin Institute provides professional development opportunities for K-12 educators, focusing on enhancing science instruction through evidence-based strategies in , , and . These programs are designed to equip teachers with tools to foster student engagement and align classroom practices with standards such as the (NGSS). The Master Educator Program is a flagship year-long initiative for teams of 2-4 teachers and administrators from schools or districts in southeastern and . It features four full-day sessions, either virtual or in-person, covering topics including brain science, the science of learning, innovation in STEM education, , , and creating memorable learning experiences. Participants engage in collaborative activities, receive a to the Institute valued at up to $450, and culminate in an innovation showcase and graduation ceremony. Upon completion, educators earn 20 Act 48 credits and a micro-certificate recognizing their expertise in research-informed teaching practices. The program builds a among participants to advance inquiry-based teaching in their institutions. In addition to the Master Educator Program, the Institute offers shorter, targeted workshops such as four-hour sessions on "The Science of Learning," which explores and brain-based strategies for classroom application, and "Supporting Student Inquiry Skills," which emphasizes NGSS-aligned practices to promote student autonomy. These sessions incorporate hands-on activities, modeling of teaching techniques, and access to exhibits like Your Brain or Wondrous Space for reinforcement, along with museum admission, meals, and parking. Act 48 credits are available for in-service teachers attending in-person sessions of at least three hours, with reciprocal options for educators in and . Educators also benefit from a suite of online resources tailored to support science instruction, including podcasts and videos that explore scientific concepts and teaching methods, such as the "So Curious!" series and "Curious Cosmos" podcast. Exhibit-aligned lesson plans, pre- and post-visit activities, and curriculum guides are provided for permanent exhibits, covering topics in life science, , earth and science, and , all mapped to NGSS. Through the Leap into Science program, informal and formal educators access training videos, bilingual curriculum guides, and activity materials focused on hands-on learning. These efforts demonstrate significant positive impacts, with evaluations indicating improvements in participants' knowledge, awareness, practices, beliefs, and behaviors related to brain science and learning. The programs integrate with partnered school initiatives, such as those at the Science Leadership Academy, to extend inquiry-based approaches into classroom settings.

Community Partnerships and Outreach

The Franklin Institute extends its mission through strategic collaborations with corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies to promote STEM access for underrepresented groups. These partnerships emphasize inclusivity, providing resources and opportunities that reach beyond the museum's physical location in Philadelphia. A cornerstone program is Partnerships for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science (PACTS), established in 1993 to support underrepresented middle school youth in pursuing technology and science careers. The year-round initiative offers science enrichment, career exploration workshops, cross-age mentoring by high school students, and leadership training, engaging approximately 60 participants annually from the Greater Philadelphia area. Corporate partners contribute through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC), enabling free participation and professional networking events with STEM industry leaders. Launched in the mid-1990s, the Girls at the Center initiative, developed in partnership with the and funded by the , sought to enhance girls' engagement in via family-oriented mentorship, hands-on events, and science learning activities. The program emphasized collaborative adult-child interactions to build confidence and interest, culminating in a national guidebook, Girls at the Center: Girls and Adults Learning Science Together, distributed to support similar efforts across the U.S. Outreach efforts include community-based programs like GSK Science in the Summer, a free delivered in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and a national network of science centers, libraries, and to introduce grades 2–6 students to and sciences through interactive sessions. Similarly, the Institute's Mission2Mars program, partnered with , equips local organizations with resources for education, reaching diverse communities via workshops and events. Between 2023 and 2025, equity-focused grants, such as those from the for inclusive math programming, have bolstered these initiatives by funding accessible materials and training for underserved areas. In May 2025, the Institute partnered with Moore College of Art & Design to expand opportunities, supporting the launch of Moore's Entertainment Design major. In 2024, these partnerships served 45,500 youth and 700 educators across 21 states, achieving diversity objectives through targeted funding that ensured free or subsidized access for low-income and minority participants.

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