Classroon Extension Programs, Mobile Outreach Programs, Community events monthly, after school programs

To inspire, motivate and stimulate innovative thinking in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math, and career development for K-12 students; enhancing their lives through instruction, hands-on, and experiential education delivered through partnerships with schools, corporations, universities, and community.

• 1959 - The first building was located in a vacant synagogue on Arlington Ave N, St. Petersburg. The Science Center of Pinellas County, Inc. was a result of this work and it continues Mr. Guild’s mission of encouraging interest and study in science with a hands-on educational approach. The Science Center of Pinellas County, Inc. was incorporated. • 1961 - The Science Center and the Pinellas County Schools began a cooperative Classroom Extension Program (CEP) which has students in kindergarten through 5th grade come to the Center on field trips that enhance classroom learning. • 1963 - Science Center Guild organized. • 1966 - The present building on 22nd Avenue N. was completed. • 1971 - The Discovery Center, adjacent to the main building opened. • 1972 - St. Petersburg Times donated a mainframe computer that helped launch the Science Center into computer education. • 1982 - The Mobile Outreach Program (MOP) began to “deliver” hands on science to Kindergarten classrooms. • 1982 – 1990 housed Pinellas Regional Engineering Science Fairs. • 1993- The St. Petersburg Astronomy Club began free public telescope viewings and lectures at the Science Center. • 1997 - The Carol Samuels Observatory opened, and a powerful 16-inch Meade telescope was installed a year later. • 1994 - A permanent exhibit, “Discoveries by African-American Scientists & Inventors” opened was expanded in 1996. Also an archaeological exhibit, “Stewards of the Past,” opened. • 1995 - The Mobile Outreach Program expanded to include outreach to senior adults and “at risk” children. • 1996 - Eckerd College students begin an annual program of volunteer work at the Center. In the same year, the Center began offering computer classes for adults ages 50 and up. • 1999 - Two grand openings were celebrated – the 16th century Indian Village and the Xeriscape gardens. • 2000 - The Animal Life Room received renovations, including new animal habitats. • 2001 - The Margaret Ewell Dickins Marine Room opened, featuring a 600 gallon life touch tank. • 2002-03 - the planetarium was renovated, including handicapped accessibility. The “Spirit of Columbia” Planetarium and Theater features a Minolta MediaGlobe planetarium projector, the first of its kind in the United States. • 2004 - The computer lab was outfitted with 25 new Sony Pentium 4 computers donated by Tech Data. • 2005 - The wetlands exhibit underwent major renovations. It is part of our outdoor Environmental Learning Zone, an ongoing project that also includes walking trails and an upland area. • 2006 - Installation of a personal safety/fire alarm system and renovation of the alligator habitat. • 2008 - Progress Energy Room and Bay News 9 Room opened. • 2009 – May, Reorganization, reinvention, and new STEM focus. October, 50th Anniversary.