Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space KC

The Community Resource for STEAM Education

Welcome to the Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space, where science, technology, engineering, arts and math are the conduits that spark children’s creativity, imagination and innovation. 
Through consistent and ongoing STEAM  experiences, students of all ages and backgrounds learn to create, communicate and collaborate.

In our thoughtfully-designed learning center, K-12 students learn to use the technology and tools that will power tomorrow's workforce. Educators connect for meaningful professional development. And community partners have access to specialized spaces and equipment that turn regular lessons into real-world products and projects. Here, anything is possible. So what's your idea?
"Providing meaningful, hands-on opportunities for every child will shape future generations of innovators.”

Our Mission

IDEA Space KC provides a mutually supportive space in south Kansas City where students and educators explore Innovation, Discovery, Entrepreneurship and Arts through consistent, ongoing learning experiences.

Our Vision

IDEA Space empowers learners and educators today to create the Kansas City of tomorrow, a community resource where students in preschool-grade 12 engage in STEAM learning through hands-on activities and experiences. Through collaboration with regional private, public and home school programs, students acquire important 21st century skills: creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving.

IDEA Space will broaden and diversify pipelines into four key workforce development areas: skilled trades, engineering, advanced manufacturing and computer science. Students participate  through after school programs, summer courses, school and non-profit partnerships and receive increase their comfort and confidence in STEAM fields.

 

Leadership

Art Hall

At IDEA Space KC, powered by The Barstow School, we believe every student should be comfortable and confident in their STEAM skills. No matter what school they attend in our region, students can walk through the doors at IDEA Space and find the tools, technology and people who can help turn an big ideas into reality.

We partner with schools to extend what happens in their classrooms through specially-designed classes, field trips, badge programs, after-school opportunities and summer camps. The bright futures we want for our students begin with giving young people meaningful opportunities to engage with science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
 

    • Art Hall is the President of The Barstow School and IDEA Space KC. He has 25 years of experience in education and technology.

Facilitators & Staff

List of 4 items.

  • Aaron Dalton

    Director
    Aaron Dalton channels more than two decades of deep expertise in engineering, woodworking, drafting and robotics into inspiring the next generation of creators and problem solvers.
    Read More

  • Tristan Jordan

    Assistant Director
    Tristan Jordan brings a diverse background in education, from directing summer camps to coordinating a public school education foundation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from the University of Central Missouri, with additional studies in Sport Communication and Theatre.
    Read More

  • Bree Pusey

    STEAM Coordinator
    Bree Pusey comes to IDEA Space with several years of teaching experience, including Physical Science, Engineering and Computer Science courses. She is a Teach for America alumnus and has focused on combating educational inequity throughout her career.
    Read More

  • Bradley Evans

    STEAM Educator
    Brad Evans comes to IDEA Space KC with 13 years of teaching experience in South Korea and China. He brings experience teaching social studies, design, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary learning experiences, utilizing project- and inquiry-based learning approaches to create engaging learning experiences. Brad is an alumnus of Illinois State University and received his advanced degree from State University of New York.  
    Read More

List of 1 items.

  • The Barstow School Board of Trustees

    Executive Committee
    Greg Graves, Chair
    Tiffany Simpson, Vice Chair
    Peter Vrooman '88, Treasurer
    Jennifer Gille Bacon, Secretary
    Jason Backstrom '03, Member at-Large, Advancement
    Mira Mdivani, Member at-Large, International
    Srikala Subramanian, Member at-Large, Trustee Governance

    Members
    Abe Assefa
    Nicole Baker
    Andrea Becker '08
    David Bell
    James Byrd
    Tim Cowden
    Neha Doshi
    Allison Dummermuth
    Erin Garrison
    Shruti Tejwani
    Jennifer Thiessen Waldeck '90
    Art Hall, Ex-Officio

Inclusion, Diversity and Equity

IDEA Space KC is committed to inclusion, diversity and equity for those who enter into our space, for our students, for our educators and for our community. Our staff is dedicated to offering a culturally competent curriculum and promoting workplace diversity. 

The Barstow School's Inclusion, Diversity and Equity department will oversee efforts to create a community that values and supports racial equity and justice and promotes equal opportunities for all.

Media Gallery

List of 3 news stories.

View All News

List of 3 news stories.

List of 2 news stories.

List of 4 items.