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HELP BUILD AMERICA’S MOST UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL FACILITY
Previously known as the Elk Creek Observatory (founded in 2000) – the only school-owned observatory in the world – the Banner Creek Science Center will soon be a significant expansion thereof. The BCSC committee is in the process of raising $ 4.5 million in order to construct a 17,000 square foot facility to house the existing observatory and the new labs and classrooms which will be a part of the new science center. It’s the goal of this all-new replacement center to be an extension of the classroom, providing meaningful learning experiences – for children and adults – that can not be duplicated in a classroom.
Imagination, inspiration and an over-riding respect for nature will be the foundation of this powerful new educational curriculum.
And both the curriculum and the special programs that will be based upon the center’s curriculum are and will be developed around the unique terrain and landscapes within the 1500 surrounding acres. A further goal of both the center and its curriculum is to motivate students to become life-long learners of science, even to the extent of pursuing careers in science. Adults will gain a greater appreciation for nature and hopefully nurture it throughout their lives.
Upon completion of the BCSC, it is anticipated that we will have developed a full-time, low-cost curriculum for students of the schools, colleges and universities in our area, as well as informative mini-seminars for the “drop-in scholars” – children and adults alike. It is our expectation that nearly 30,000 students will visit and utilize the facility annually. It’s further anticipated that this number will increase exponentially in future years. And, the primary goal of the BCSC is to instill in all visitors a sense of belonging to the natural world and give them an understanding that we are all connected.
A SUPPORTING ENTITY TO NASA – FROM THE GROUND UP (TO OUTER SPACE).
Under the auspices of the Elk Creek Observatory, students were provided the opportunity to work with NASA on black holes, gamma ray bursts and asteroids. The students also have and will continue to contribute earth-based observations of NASA’s crafts in orbit. It is anticipated that in the future the BCSC will As part of the Banner Creek facility, students will also be involved in studying and working with blazers, extra solar planets, near-earth objects and variable stars. The BCSC students will also be partnering with Brigham Young University to assist with gathering data and providing all-important observations. This curriculum will also include further study of blazars, extra solar planets and near-earth objects. In addition the observatory can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the world, via the internet.
In addition to the hands-on classes taught within the new Banner Creek Center’s observatory, additional educational opportunities will take place in both spacious and well-appointed learning laboratories and classrooms; and on the trails, wetlands, lakes and tall grass prairies comprising both the 11.5-acre Outdoor Learning Site – designated and donated by the county – plus the surrounding 1,500 acres,. The educational opportunities offered by the BCSC will focus primarily upon conservation, applied mathematics and a variety of science programs inclusive of not just astronomy and space science, but also the following areas of science:
Genetics Ornithology Native Species
Bio Science Entomology Water Quality Studies
It is the goal of the center to provide over 500 courses per year – for both the full-time area students and the thousands of anticipated traveling “drop-in” students. The Banner Creek Science Center promises its visitors a unique learning experience – one to be applied and treasured for a lifetime.
YOUR DONATION TO THE BANNER CREEK SCIENCE CENTER
Will Support America’s Most Unique Educational Facility from the Ground Up.
