Emerald Coast Science Center facts for kids
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Established | 1989 |
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Location | 31 SW Memorial Parkway Fort Walton Beach, Florida |
Type | Science |
The Emerald Coast Science Center (ECSC) is a super cool place where you can explore and discover science with your own hands! It's located in Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Florida, right on the beautiful Emerald Coast.
This exciting science center started in 1989. Back then, it was called the FOCUS Center, which stood for "Families of Okaloosa County Understanding Science." In 2001, it changed its name to the Emerald Coast Science Center. ECSC is a non-profit organization, meaning it's dedicated to its mission rather than making money. Its main goal is to get everyone in the community excited about science and learning. They want to inspire you to ask questions and explore the world around you!
Discover Science: Fun Exhibits at ECSC
The Emerald Coast Science Center is packed with awesome exhibits, both inside and outside, designed to make learning about science a blast. You can touch, play, and experiment with everything!
Inside the Science Center
Inside the main building, you'll find several special rooms and open areas filled with interactive displays:
- Animal Room: Get up close with some amazing creatures! This room lets you learn about different animals and their habitats.
- Makerspace Room: This is a creative zone where you can build, design, and invent. It's a great place to try out new ideas and see how things work.
- KITS in the Kitchen: Ever wondered about the science behind cooking? This area explores chemistry and physics using everyday kitchen items.
- Florida Ecosystem Exhibit: Learn all about the unique plants and animals that live in Florida's natural environments. You'll discover how different parts of the ecosystem connect.
- Main Exhibit Halls: These large open spaces are filled with tons of hands-on exhibits. You can challenge your brain with puzzles, try out robotics, and explore many other scientific concepts.
Outdoor Adventures
The fun doesn't stop inside! The Emerald Coast Science Center also has exciting outdoor spaces:
- Turtle Habitat: Observe turtles in their natural-like environment and learn about these fascinating reptiles.
- Butterfly Garden: Walk through a beautiful garden filled with plants that attract colorful butterflies. It's a peaceful spot to learn about insects and pollination.
- Shuffleboard Court: Take a break and enjoy a game of shuffleboard, showing how even simple games involve physics!
The ECSC is a fantastic place for kids and families to spend a day exploring, learning, and having fun with science!