History

The Gateway Science Project, Inc. began in 1995 as Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo, built around intimate, unforgettable encounters with live insects and other small creatures. The goal was simple: inspire awe, spark curiosity, and open the door to science for students who might not otherwise feel connected to it. Over the years, those experiences reached more than 1.5 million students nationwide.

As the organization evolved into a nonprofit, our focus sharpened on what those encounters consistently ignited: questions, investigation, and a desire to learn more. Today, we no longer run live animal programs. Instead, we carry the same curiosity-first approach into scalable formats that can reach learners anywhere.

Mission

We turn curiosity into scientific literacy.

Who We Are

We are a nonprofit science education organization that uses curiosity as the entry point and builds pathways that help learners develop real scientific thinking skills over time. We believe science becomes accessible when learners feel wonder first, then get tools to explore and explain what they are discovering.

What We Offer

Immersive Virtual Reality Science Exploration

Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo 2.0 is an immersive virtual reality experience designed for extended, self-guided discovery. Learners can explore detailed environments and collections up close, follow their curiosity, and return again and again to deepen understanding through repeated exploration.

My Science Diary

My Science Diary is a guided workbook that helps learners practice the habits behind scientific literacy: paying attention, recording observations, asking better questions, and reflecting on patterns. It turns curiosity into a repeatable process students can use in any setting.

How It Works

We start with wonder. Curiosity drives learners to look closer, ask questions, and pursue answers. Our VR experiences create the spark through immersive exploration. My Science Diary provides the structure that helps learners capture what they notice, think critically about it, and build lasting skills in evidence-based thinking.

Who We Serve

We support educators and schools, families, and lifelong learners who want science to feel accessible, engaging, and meaningful.

Mission Support

Proceeds from Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo 2.0 and My Science Diary help fund The Gateway Science Project, Inc.’s nonprofit mission and expand access for students, educators, and families.