THE ART OF SCIENCE LEARNING INCUBATOR IN CHICAGOBy Harvey Seifter

Introduction Harvey Seifter is a New York executive who leads

the National Science Foundation-funded program the Art of Science Learning (AOSL) as principal investigator and director. Through the project, Harvey Seifter and his team explore the intersection of STEM skills and creativity, and the way in which these can enhance workforce dynamics. Over the past two years, three AOSL incubators have opened in the cities of Chicago, San Diego, and Worcester, Massachusetts. The selection of Chicago as a site in 2013 reflected the city’s robust entrepreneurial community.

Art of Science Learning Incubator The Chicago Incubator for Innovation is hosted at the

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI). The AOSL Phase 1 project gained vigorous support throughout the Chicagoland community at a conference held at the Illinois Institute of Technology. The fit between AOSL and MSI was natural, as MSI has implemented science-learning methods intimately tied to the artistic process. These methods include interactive learning, hands-on instruction, and engagement through digital platforms. The overall aim of the Chicago incubator is to create a creative community that seamlessly integrates business, education, sciences, and arts entities.