It’s Time to Learn & Explore at The Soar Lab – A Museum-like Experience for Children Featuring Sheila Halpin and Angela Knapek
Posted on November 21, 2025In this episode of Connecting Communities, Leah Verier-Dunn talks with Sheila Halpin and Angela Knapek from Soar in 4 about the opening of their new children’s museum-like learning lab. Soar Lab is a new Manatee County neighborhood gem that families must check out! With a focus on the importance of family engagement, the three discuss all that one can expect when they show up at the Soar Lab.
Timestamps
- 00:30 - Intro
- 01:24 - Sheila talks about the history of Soar in 4 and how she got here
- 03:40 - Angela discusses how she became involved in Soar in 4
- 05:51 - Sheila shares the mission of Soar in 4
- 09:15 - Angela talks about why this work is so important for the community
- 10:05 - Sheila gives information about their Pop-up events at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
- 12:22 - Sheila opens up about what sparked the idea for the Soar Lab
- 16:09 - Sheila talks about the journey of the Soar Lab
- 21:01 - Angela reveals some of the interactive exhibits at the Soar Lab
- 24:19 Hours and ways to come to the Soar Lab with your family
- 26:35 - Big Picture Small Steps
- 27:03 - Angela and Sheila share their long-term goals for the Soar Lab
- 29:24 - Angela and Sheila discuss the importance of hands-on learning
Links to Learn More
- Soar in 4 Website
- Soar in 4 events at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
- Soar in 4 - Soar Lab
- Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Website
- The Patterson Foundation Website
- More Connecting Communities Podcasts
- Blog: It’s Time to Learn & Explore at The Soar Lab – A Museum-like Experience for Children
- Soar in 4 Instagram
- Manatee County Schools Instagram
- Soar in 4 Facebook
- Manatee County Schools Facebook
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