Fernbank Science Center
Fernbank Science Center was constructed on the edge of the 65-acre primeval forest on 4 acres of land which was deeded to the DeKalb County Board of Education from Fernbank, Inc. for that purpose. Fernbank Forest was purchased from Col. Z. D. Harrison in 1937 by a group of citizens who were interested in conservation and the preservation of this forest area for science education. In 1964 the Fernbank Trustees developed a 48-year lease which was accepted by the DeKalb County Board of Education. This lease provides for the forest to be used by all citizens of the state and southeast and stipulates that it be protected and maintained by the Board of Education in as near its natural state as possible. This lease required that the forest be fenced and all entry and use controlled and stipulated that no plants or animals be removed. While the lease is for a 48-year period, it is reviewed each year and renewed at 8-year intervals.
The Science Center building was completed and dedicated in December 1967. The cost was approximately one million dollars which was provided for in a school bond issue. The original equipment in the Science Center cost approximately 1½ million dollars and was purchased for the most part with NDEA matching funds (half federal and half local). The operational budget for the first three years, which ended on June 30, 1969, was supplied from funds under a grant from Title III, ESEA from the US Office of Education. The Science Center now operates on a budget from the DeKalb County School System. At the present time there are 81 employees.
In 1989 the special relationship, which had existed for many years between Fernbank Science Center and Fernbank, Inc., was formalized in a public ceremony during which both groups were designated as Partners-in- Education. In October 1992 Fernbank, Inc., opened the new and spectacular Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The additional resources provided by the 160,000 square-foot facility have ensured that the partnership between Fernbank Science Center and Fernbank, Inc., continues to offer an innovative and exemplary educational opportunity to all citizens.
THE PLANETARIUM
The planetarium is a celestial theater in the round, utilizing the complex Zeiss Mark V planetarium projector and Fernbank-created special effects projectors to guide the audience through the wonders of the universe. The DeKalb County School System's 70-foot diameter planetarium is one of the largest in the United States and the only major planetarium owned and operated by a public school system and dedicated to teaching and public enrichment.
PLEASE NOTE: Planetarium doors open 15 minutes prior to each scheduled performance. Programs begin promptly at the times designated. Admission or readmission after a program has begun is prohibited. Adult public programs last approximately 45 minutes and special children's programs last approximately 30 minutes. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. No children under 5 years of age will be admitted (except to our children's shows). Seating is on a first come, first served basis for public performances. The management reserves the right to change programs without prior notice.
For more information, please click on the link below:
FERNBANK SCIENCE CENTER WEBSITE
