The Schroeder Family Exploreum was founded on a simple idea: every child deserves the opportunity to explore, discover, and imagine. That vision took a major step forward on June 4, 2026, when the Exploreum officially opened the North Wing at 300 S. Main Street in downtown Joplin. Phase One features hands-on experiences designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, including a Bubble Monster attraction, an oversized Lite-Brite, a 3D Tetris game, and other interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play. As families begin experiencing the Exploreum firsthand, we’re reminded of something important: STEAM learning matters for every child.
STEAM Learning Builds More Than Knowledge.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) isn’t just about preparing students for future careers. It’s about helping children understand how the world works while building confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills along the way. When children experiment, build, test ideas, and explore hands-on exhibits, they learn how to ask questions, think critically, and work through challenges. Those skills are valuable whether a child grows up to be an engineer, artist, teacher, healthcare professional, or entrepreneur. Research has consistently shown that hands-on, play-based learning helps children develop important cognitive and social skills while encouraging curiosity and lifelong learning.
Why Encouraging Girls in STEAM Matters
STEAM opportunities benefit every child, but studies show that girls often begin losing interest in STEAM subjects during their elementary and middle school years, despite performing just as well as their peers. Early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math activities can make a meaningful
difference. When girls are encouraged to explore, experiment, and solve problems, they gain confidence and begin to see themselves as capable creators, innovators, and leaders. Providing welcoming environments where all children can engage with STEAM helps create more opportunities and opens doors to future possibilities.
How the Exploreum Is Making a Difference
The Exploreum was created to give families in our region access to engaging, hands-on learning experiences close to home. With the North Wing now open, children can interact with exhibits that encourage exploration, creativity, collaboration, and discovery. Whether they’re creating giant bubbles, experimenting
with light and color, or solving puzzles through play, they’re developing skills that will serve them for years to come. As the Exploreum continues to grow, future exhibits, programs, workshops, field trips, and community partnerships will create even more opportunities for children to engage with STEM learning in meaningful ways.
Looking Ahead
The opening of the North Wing is an exciting milestone, but it’s only the beginning. Every exhibit, program, and experience is designed to inspire curiosity and help children discover what they’re capable of achieving. By creating opportunities for exploration today, we’re helping build the problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow.
Help Grow the Exploreum
As we continue expanding exhibits, educational programming, and community partnerships, your support helps create even more opportunities for children and families to learn and discover together. Learn more about the Exploreum and ways to get involved at:
https://exploreumjoplin.org/
Together, we can inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, creators, innovators, and leaders.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing
Development in Young Children
American Association of University Women (AAUW), The STEM Gap: Women and Girls in
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Microsoft, Why Europe’s Girls Aren’t Studying STEM
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM Occupations Data