Brief History
The idea of a Science Center was conceived by Robert A. Vines in the late 1950's. From the old library building at Spring Branch Elementary School, Mr. Vines traveled to schools lecturing on the wonders of nature's plants and animals. In 1967, SBISD purchased a vacant church building, the present site on the Science Center that bears its innovator's name. The sanctuary was converted into the first exhibit hall, later being remodeled into the Texas Wildlife Sciences Hall. In 1971, the Halls of Geology and Oceanography were built through bond fund allocations. The Jack Roach Hall of Exotic Animals was added in 1974 as a result of a generous donation by the Roach family. Subsequently, the five-acre arboretum was developed, complete with an outdoor classroom and pond nestled under large hardwood trees. Other additions to the facility include the Gallery of Natural History and the Spring Branch Botanical Garden.
Facilities
The Science Center contains four large exhibit halls, a gallery of natural history and a five-acre arboretum. The Texas Wildlife Sciences Hall contains Texas mammals, birds and reptiles that are displayed in their natural habitats. The Geology Hall houses a tremendous collection of rocks, minerals and fossils, including a 33' Allosaurus dinosaur. Diverse marine life from around the world are exhibited in the Hall of Oceanography. Actual fish specimens, seashells, echinoderms and marine birds are displayed in various underwater environments. The Jack Roach Hall of Exotic Animals is one of the most popular halls at the Science Center. The hall contains a superior collection of rare and endangered animals from Africa, India, Alaska, South America and Mexico. The Gallery of Natural History is designed to house temporary exhibitions that are acquired through loans, or that are constructed at the Science Center. These exhibitions are generally on display for 6-9 week periods throughout the year. The five-acre arboretum and bird sanctuary, located just east of the exhibit buildings, is the home of approximately 200 native species of trees, shrubs and vines. An outdoor classroom area is centrally located in the arboretum and has a seating capacity of 50 students. The Spring Branch Botanical Garden, donated by Anderson Landscape and Nursery, displays selected plants native to the Southern United States and Mexico. The garden is located in the entrance area of the Science Center and is accessible to the public 7 days a week.
http://www.springbranchisd.com/instruc/science/vsc/faq.htm
Back to top
|
