East Kentucky Science Center facts for kids
The East Kentucky Science Center is a cool place where you can explore science and the stars! It's located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, on the campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College. It has a special room called a planetarium where you can watch amazing shows about space. There's also an exhibit hall with changing displays, science classrooms, and a gift shop. Since 2008, the college has been in charge of running and funding the Science Center.
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| Established | March 2004 |
|---|---|
| Location | 7 Bert T. Combs Drive, Prestonsburg, Kentucky 41653 |
| Type | Science center, planetarium |
Contents
Discovering the Need for Science
Back in 1994, teachers and people living in the area noticed that students needed more help with mathematics and science. So, a group of people got together. They wanted to find ways to make science learning better for everyone in the region.
An Idea Takes Shape
During one of their first meetings, a person named John Rosenburg had a big idea. He suggested building a new science center and planetarium. It would be like one he knew from his hometown in North Carolina. John even wrote down his plan for the "East Kentucky Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology." A local leader, State Representative Greg Stumbo, liked the idea and supported it.
In 1997, the group found that many people in the area struggled with math and science. Because of this, they started creating fun, hands-on programs. These programs were designed to help people understand these subjects better.
Building the Center
In 1998, the Kentucky General Assembly (which makes laws for Kentucky) gave $1.6 million to build the center. They also gave another $1 million for its equipment. The first plans for the building were too expensive for a college campus. So, the center's leaders had to make the building smaller.
The new plans called for a 12,000 sq ft (1,100 m2) building. This would include an 85-seat, 40 ft (12 m) planetarium. It would also have a 3,000 sq ft (280 m2) exhibit area and a 1,000 sq ft (93 m2) science classroom. There would also be a gift shop and offices. In 2000, the organization received another $1 million for construction.
Opening Day!
The groundbreaking ceremony, which is when construction officially begins, happened on November 9, 2001. Building started in September 2002. Finally, in March 2004, the East Kentucky Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology opened to the public. Its name was later shortened to the East Kentucky Science Center.
Joining the College
On July 1, 2008, the East Kentucky Science Center became part of Big Sandy Community and Technical College. This college is part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Planetarium Upgrades
In the fall of 2011, the Planetarium got a big upgrade! They spent $200,000 to install a new Spitz SciDome HD Full Dome projection system. This system works with the GOTO Chronos Star Machine and the SkyLase Laser system. These upgrades made the planetarium one of the most advanced in the country.
Later, in 2018, a SkyLase Manual Laser controller was added. This allows for live laser shows. In 2019, a new Chroma Cove LED lighting system was installed. These improvements have made the shows even more amazing!
The center is also known by a couple of other names. Sometimes it's called the East Kentucky Science Center and Planetarium. Other times, it's known as the East Kentucky Science Center and Varia Planetarium.
