The John & Helen Collins Learning Center provides a dedicated space for the presentation of classes and lectures. It also features a science lab and a greenhouse for research natural biology, available for use by school groups. Astronomy lectures are among the regular featured events in the multimedia theater.
The lecture hall at the Collins Learning Center features:
- eighty-two seat multimedia theater
- comfortable seats, fold-down table arms,
- sound system,
- rear projection AV including video, slides, DVD, and computer generated presentations.
The facilities enable teachers to present pre-field trip orientation information. Conducting immediate follow-up allows students to process information and create the connections between experience and concept.
The Science Laboratory provides five lab stations with water, gas, electricity, and computer ports, a teacher demonstration table, hood, storage areas, computer lab space and field equipment for students of all ages to examine and test specimens and samples from the nature site.
The Greenhouse, when completed,will include tables and trays for plant materials for restoration projects and for conducting research in horticulture and botany.
The Library offers a collection of reference books and periodicals permitting individuals to explore ideas, check facts and conduct literature searches. A children’s section is also provided.
The Kitchenette has stove/oven, microwave, refrigerator, serving island, storage.
The Leif Everson Observatory
LEO houses a computer-controlled 14″ Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope and a TeleVue 102 mm refractor with a Coronado Hydrogen Alpha filter. The observatory dome is mechanically synchronized to move in coordination with the telescope. Six counter-weighted astronomical binoculars with permanent mounts are provided in the Stargarden viewing area with telescope platforms.Outdoor Amphitheater
