Imagine stepping into a realm where curiosity knows no bounds and every corner sparks discovery. The Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center is not just a building; it’s a vibrant gateway to immersive science education and boundless exploration. For young learners and seasoned enthusiasts alike, this state-of-the-art facility redefines the landscape of science learning centers, offering unparalleled opportunities to engage with the wonders of our living planet.
This groundbreaking 120,000 square foot expansion is poised to revolutionize how we understand and interact with science. Envision fourteen cutting-edge laboratories and classrooms buzzing with activity, each designed to foster hands-on learning and critical thinking. Picture breathtaking new habitats showcasing the biodiversity of our world, and a premier banquet and events center dedicated to hosting world-class educational gatherings. The Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center is meticulously crafted to be a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, solidifying its position as a leading science learning center.
Our core mission extends beyond the impressive architecture and innovative facilities. We are deeply committed to ensuring that exceptional science education is accessible to all. The Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center actively bridges educational gaps, reaching out to students from historically underserved and rural communities throughout Utah and beyond. We believe that every child deserves the chance to explore the wonders of STEM, and this center is our commitment to that belief.
Join us in this transformative endeavor. Together, we can cultivate profound connections with the natural world and foster a lifelong appreciation for the delicate balance of our Living Planet. By supporting the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, you invest in a legacy of learning that will empower future generations of scientists, conservationists, and informed global citizens.
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Explore the Asian Cloud Forest and Species Survival Center
At the heart of the Science Learning Center lies the Asian Cloud Forest and Species Survival Center, a breathtaking five-story habitat that serves as a living testament to biodiversity and conservation. This extraordinary exhibit is more than just a display; it is a crucial hub for education and species preservation, embodying the core values of a premier science learning center.
Alt text: Exterior view of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center building, showcasing its modern architecture and integration with the natural landscape, emphasizing its role as a leading science learning center.
This quarter-acre conservatory transports visitors to the lush, misty environments of Asian cloud forests, showcasing a curated collection of rare and endangered species. Observe the elusive clouded leopards, a true highlight of the center, alongside playful Asian small-clawed otters and fascinating binturongs. The habitat is also teeming with a variety of Asian birds, reptiles, and fish, creating a vibrant ecosystem that captivates and educates.
The Asian Cloud Forest and Species Survival Center is not only an immersive exhibit but also a vital component of the Aquarium’s commitment to global conservation efforts. It serves as the central point for the Aquarium’s participation in Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding programs, in collaboration with the esteemed Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This initiative underscores the Science Learning Center’s dedication to hands-on conservation and its role as a leading institution in species preservation.
Key features of the Cloud Forest habitat include:
- Multi-Level Exploration: Visitors embark on a journey through different strata of the cloud forest, from the forest floor to the mid-story and canopy, gaining a comprehensive understanding of this complex ecosystem.
- Dedicated Breeding Center: State-of-the-art animal care labs and nurseries are integrated into the habitat, supporting the breeding programs for clouded leopards, Asian small-clawed otters, and other SSP animals. This reinforces the Science Learning Center’s commitment to active conservation.
- Diverse Animal Collection: Prepare to be amazed by the incredible array of species inhabiting this ecosystem, including clouded leopards, Komodo dragons, tree kangaroos, Asian small-clawed otters, giant beetles, and many more fascinating creatures. Each animal contributes to the rich tapestry of life within this exceptional science learning center exhibit.
State-of-the-Art Classrooms and High-Tech Laboratories for Immersive STEM Education
The Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center significantly elevates STEM education through its innovative classrooms and high-tech laboratories. Designed to inspire learners of all ages, from K-12 students to university undergraduates and lifelong learners, these facilities are integral to the center’s mission as a premier science learning center.
Innovative Classrooms: Stepping into these classrooms is like entering a new world. Thematically designed to represent diverse habitats such as rainforests, tide pools, and even an Antarctic research station, these captivating spaces bring STEM concepts to life. The expansion from three to fourteen state-of-the-art onsite and virtual learning facilities dramatically increases the Science Learning Center’s capacity to reach students from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations. By partnering with leading educators, the Science Learning Center ensures that STEM fields are not just taught, but experienced, fostering a passion for discovery in the next generation of scientists and explorers.
High-Tech Laboratories: Equipped with cutting-edge technology comparable to that used by local research institutions, the new high-tech laboratories provide unparalleled opportunities for advanced science education. These labs are specifically designed to support high school and university-level courses in critical fields such as marine biology, chemistry, genetics, and oceanography. By offering access to such advanced resources, the Science Learning Center significantly expands the educational reach of the Aquarium, impacting hundreds of thousands of students and solidifying its reputation as a leading science learning center for advanced studies.
Alt text: Interior rendering of the Cloud Forest Habitat within the Science Learning Center, showcasing the multi-level structure, lush vegetation, and diverse animal exhibits, highlighting the immersive educational experience offered by the science learning center.
Premier Banquet and Conference Center: Supporting Education and Conservation
The Science Learning Campus introduces a unique Banquet and Conference Center, a versatile facility that not only enhances event hosting capabilities but also strategically supports animal care, conservation initiatives, and the overall operational sustainability of the Science Learning Campus and Aquarium. This center plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term financial health of the institution, allowing the Science Learning Center to continue its mission without relying on operational subsidies.
With a substantial seating capacity accommodating up to 1,000 guests in banquet format or 2,500 in a theater-style arrangement, the event center significantly broadens the Aquarium’s capacity to host a wide range of events, including large-scale scientific conferences, educational lectures, and community gatherings. The integration of this revenue-generating facility is a forward-thinking approach to supporting the core educational and conservation missions of the science learning center.
Key features of the Conference space include:
- Grand Ballroom with Shark View: The centerpiece is a stunning grand ballroom capable of hosting up to 850 seated guests, featuring a unique private viewing window directly into a shark habitat. This offers an unforgettable and immersive backdrop for any event, seamlessly blending entertainment with the educational ethos of the science learning center.
- Flexible Configurations: The space is designed to be highly adaptable, easily accommodating everything from grand banquets and large conferences to smaller, more intimate breakout sessions and workshops.
- Sustainable On-site Catering: Event catering is provided on-site, featuring a commitment to sustainability with menus emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients, aligning with the conservation values of the Living Planet Aquarium and the Science Learning Center.
- Full Access to Exhibits: Conference attendees and event guests enjoy full access to the indoor and outdoor exhibits of the Aquarium, enriching their experience and providing unique opportunities for engagement and learning beyond the conference setting.
Be Part of Our Legacy
Help us build the future of science education and conservation. Your contribution to the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center directly supports our mission to inspire, educate, and empower. Consider making a donation or purchasing a personalized brick or plaque to become a lasting part of the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium legacy.
PURCHASE A BRICK OR PLAQUE
Your commemorative brick will be thoughtfully placed in the pathway leading to the EECO (Ecosystem Exploration Craft & Observatory) stage, while plaques are prominently displayed on the stage wall, illuminated at night. By purchasing a brick or plaque, you not only leave your mark on the Science Learning Center but also directly contribute to the ongoing success of this vital science learning center and its mission to inspire the next generation.
