Just imagine! Sacramento will soon be home to a high-tech, hands-on, science museum that immerses our children – and our children’s children – in science, technology, engineering and math. Powerful demonstrations will show that the skills necessary for tomorrow’s economic success are fascinating and fun! Positioned between Discovery Park and Old Sacramento, along the river walk and just off I-5, a power plant over 100 years old will be reborn into a regional destination and educational landmark for students, teachers, and families.

Thanks to the leadership of dozens of businesses, educational institutions, and individuals with their eyes set on the future, Sacramento will soon see one of its most significant transformations as the 60-year old Discovery Museum Science & Space Center on Auburn Boulevard becomes the Powerhouse Science Center.

Building upon the Sacramento region’s wealth of natural resources and moving towards its future as a national leader in the “clean and green” economy, the Powerhouse Science Center will enable young minds to explore water, technology, and alternative energy sources using interactive computer games and exhibits. The Center itself will use a hydrogen fuel cell, urban wind towers, and photovoltaic “trees” to generate energy, while a “living machine” recycles the building’s liquid waste into water for landscaping.

“Each alternative energy source will be fully interpreted in a transparent design inside the building so visitors can see and learn how it all works,” explains Michele Wong, CEO of Founding Partner Synergex and Chair of the Powerhouse Steering Committee.

Next to the existing building, a new facility, the Earth and Space Sciences building will feature a 150-seat, full-dome planetarium capable of displaying movies or star programs replicating the night sky. It will also house the Challenger Learning Center — a simulated space program developed in coordination with NASA that allows students to use their computer-game savvy in hands-on science and space exploration scenarios.

“As the Sacramento region grows and diversifies its technology sector, STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] education is critical for our region and our nation,” says Linda Cutler, formerly Chair of the Metro Chamber Board of Directors and vice president of corporate responsibility for GenCorp, parent company of Aerojet, a Powerhouse Founding Partner. “By engaging students in the wonders of science through the new Powerhouse Science Center, we’re developing our future workforce and future rocket scientists.”

Leroy Tripette, external affairs manager for Intel Corporation, also a Powerhouse Founding Partner, agrees: “STEM careers are critical to an innovative economy and our region desperately needs new resources to inspire future engineers and scientists.”

With your help, what we now imagine will open in 2013.