WORCESTER, Mass. - The EcoTarium will soon help kids gain an interest in science and math with a new interactive program called “Be a Physicist.”

It was made possible through a $16,000 grant from the Franklin Institute. Kids will be able to step into the shoes of a scientist with a focus on exploration, experimentation and problem solving.

As this next generation will eventually be called on for jobs in the STEM field, the museum’s staff say it’s a program with benefits for decades to come.

"Everything we do here at the EcoTarium, we really strive to have kids be creative and innovative, teaching them those skills to become future scientists," said Katie Chappell, director of education and exhibits.

"This program allows students to have real life application,” said museum educator Katie Bean. “And it’s really different from classroom learning because these kids get to have hands on experience."

Since the program was funded by grant money, it will be free of charge to participate.