The Natural Science Center of Greensboro has been an advocate for scientific learning since October 5th, 1957, although then it was known as the Greensboro Junior Museum. Having gone through several expansions, it has grown from a single building into a complex that fulfills multiple roles and continues to serve the community and school systems of Greensboro and the region today. Though the Science Center has broadened its scope since opening*, the original statement of purpose that defined the organization as “an endemic facility providing indoor and outdoor learning experiences in the natural and physical sciences” could still serve today.
My name is Trent Hazzard, and I've been with the NSC for a year and a half. I've volunteered as a docent in Animal Discovery and am currently a part-time zookeeper. I also enjoy working with the education department in summer camps and classes when I have the chance. I have a great interest in science education and making science accessible and interesting, especially for children. I love the Science Center and make no secret of it.
That, along with a conversation with a fellow zookeeper kick-started this blog. We talked of the vested interest in the Science Center that many people we know have. Children come in and ask about specific animals by name, people look forward to regular events, and staff are constantly asked excellent questions because kids are genuinely interested in the answers.
The purpose of this blog is to invest in that curiosity and to increase it in both breadth and depth. I hope that this blog will provide additional information on animals, exhibits, staff, volunteers, guests, the community, and anything else you would want more information on. Although I plan to contribute consistently, I always welcome guest posts from staff, volunteers, and guests of the museum.
There are lots of new additions coming up at the NSC that we are excited about, including the openings of HealthQuest and Titanic:The Artifact Exhibition Exhibit, the SciQuarium groundbreaking, and much more. Look for news about these as well as posts about the animals and exhibits you already know and love.
-Trent
*The top picture is of the original Science Center building. The bottom is a bird's eye view of the building, including the upcoming SciQuarium expansion.
