Shreveport, Louisiana -- The world's first open-access, interactive laser planetarium, which allows visitors to create their own astronomy experiences at five computerized 'Navigation Stations,' will open Saturday, November 18, 2006, as part of the all-new Space Center expansion at Sci-Port Discovery Center, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The 25,000-square-foot, $11.6 million Space Center expands the hands-on math and science entertainment center into a 92,000-square-foot attraction. The Space Dome Planetarium is adjacent to a two-story lighted Foucault Pendulum, Solarium with Sundial, rooftop observatory, and 90 hands-on astronomy, space science, and applied mathematics exhibits.
'The new Space Center elevates Sci-Port's impact and appeal on many fronts, including education, entertainment, economic development, and tourism,' said Al Najjar, Sci-Port President & CEO. 'The combined Sci-Port experience will offer a tremendous resource for visitors and students of all ages to stretch the way they think about space, science and mathematics. There's nothing else like it anywhere.'
Live programs, space shows, and interactivity in the Space Dome Planetarium are included in the general admission fee as part of the whole Sci-Port experience. One type of interactivity provides five computerized 'Navigation Stations' where visitors control the action on the planetarium screen with desk-like kiosks outfitted with pushbuttons and touch screens. Teams will work together to dock a shuttle at the International Space Station or discover the position of the stars on the day of their birth.
'This Space Dome Planetarium is much like having the universe at your fingertips,' said Najjar. 'The openness to wander freely under the dome, participate in a program, or just contemplate the heavens will be available to everyone.'
Sci-Port's Space Center exhibits will be complemented by a full range of demonstrations and hands-on workshops for visitors of all ages. Curriculum-based school programs will include all grade levels, with an emphasis on middle school through college.
New programs will also be unveiled in the science center's original Discovery Areas, featuring newly refurbished exhibits exploring the Red River, physiology, technology, physical science, and children's science.
Other Sci-Port Space Center features include:
The 32-foot-long, lighted Foucault Pendulum that rings individual chimes, set on the circumference of a circle, which 'turn' into the pendulum's swinging path. The fascinating-to-watch concept proves that the Earth rotates.
The Solarium with Sundial combines scenery with science - an elevated view of two cities, Shreveport and Bossier City, the Red River that separates them; and a unique 20-foot sundial that also functions as a skylight.
60 interactive astronomy and space science exhibits that are presented in clustered themes, including Exploring Space, The Solar System, The Sky, Flight, and Deep Space.
The Rooftop Terrace and Observatory's Hydrogen Alpha and White Light Telescopes, safely viewing spots, prominences, the corona, and the photosphere of our Sun.
30 hands-on applied math exhibits in two clusters - Go Figure and Measure Up - that focus on measurement, logic, and statistics.
Preparations for the Space Center's opening are being made in tandem with a complete refurbishing of Sci-Port's original building, which includes 200 interactive science exhibits, Louisiana's only IMAX Dome Theater, a gift shop, and café.
Since opening in November 1998, Sci-Port has served more than 200,000 visitors a year with daily-changing public and school programs, IMAX films, exhibitions and community events - plus teacher workshops, camp-ins, birthday party programs, guest speakers and traveling science carnivals. Of these visitors, 80,000 per year have been students and teachers who have used Sci-Port as a curriculum-rich laboratory for maximizing student preparation for standardized assessment tests now required as part of No Child Left Behind.
Sci-Port is located at 820 Clyde Fant Parkway on the Downtown Shreveport-Bossier Riverfront. For hours, price and program information, or to arrange a student or group visit, call (318) 424-3466, toll-free (877) 7224-7678 or see www.sciport.org
