Lancaster Science Factory

The Lancaster Science Factory's mission is to create an environment for learning which helps children develop curiosity, think creatively and build confidence as they learn the principles of science and the application of science in engineering and technology.

Highly interactive exhibits, workstations and mini-labs will offer "open-ended" learning experiences with opportunities for visitors to experiment and create.

We will actively seek to make the Science Factory accessible to all the young people in the community.

Description:
While there is something for everyone at the Lancaster Science Factory, the main target audience is students in grades 3-8. We hope to make the Lancaster Science Factory a destination for families and a vehicle for merging the generations. We hope to have older children, young adults and senior citizens volunteering in one of many ways.

History:
(JON RUTTER,staff writer Sunday News)

Part of a growing nationwide trend, the Science Center process has evolved quietly here for nearly four years.

Bunting, a former advertising executive in Lancaster, has lead the charge along with more than 20 other community leaders, including Bill Griscom, president of the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, and businessman S. Dale High.

The center was incorporated Aug. 13, 2004; the actual building will be called the Lancaster Science Factory.

The group is partnering with the School District of Lancaster in Gov. Ed Rendell's "Science: It's Elementary!" program to beef up science classes with hands-on tools.

Bunting is inviting the community to participate in the center's "E=MC2 Capital Campaign," which seeks to raise $1 million in public and private funding for the initial establishing phase of the center.

He noted that businesses have been eligible to contribute to the project and be considered for state Educational Improvement Tax Credits since last July 1.

EITC funding will pay for exhibits within the School District of Lancaster's "Science Lab" program for elementary and middle school students.
Educational themes will include optics and light, air and flight, water, physics, electricity and magnetism.

Kids will be able to follow their curiosity at mini-work stations, a puzzle area, a science "cafe" and a classroom.

A small staff, including volunteers, will provide guidance, Bunting said, but the center will emphasize self-directed learning.

"Each exhibit or station gives the kids freedom to do it their own way."

The Science Factory is scheduled to open Jan. 1, 2008. Bunting anticipates 40,000 visitors in the first year.

Contact person: Venus Clements, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

454 New Holland Ave. Lancaster, PA 17602 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.lancastersciencefactory.com/

Directions:

From Queen Street, turn right onto Chestnut Street. Turn left onto Plum Street. Cross Walnut Street and pass a cemetery on your left. Go straight through the first traffic light and turn left into the parking lot.. . . (more)

Last updated on May 11, 2009