Nearly a decade after planning began, Hamilton's $56 million Science
Center was dedicated this fall, bringing together faculty members in
archaeology, biology, chemistry, geosciences, physics and psychology. View Slide Show...
A New Home for Science --
Take a Tour of the New Science Center
Photos by Bob Handelman, Bill Denison and Dave Tewksbury
"This is a time of enormous change in the teaching of science. Our
understanding of the world has been transformed by significant new
discoveries and approaches that did not exist even two or three
decades ago. At the same time, there have been conceptual changes in the approaches
to science instruction, namely an increased emphasis on the research
experience. In most science courses at Hamilton, there is no longer a
clear distinction between laboratory and lecture; students engage in
laboratory work at the same time they discuss the theoretical
significance of the material, encouraging them to become the
researchers and ask meaningful questions.
"Another dimension of change in the science classroom has come with
technological advancements, many of which involve computers. Students
can see molecular structures of chemicals and then rotate the images to
understand their structural features, run simulation programs that show
natural processes in action, and perform DNA analysis of the kind that
is used by forensic experts.
"The Science Center was designed to accommodate these changes by
providing flexible space that supports the creativity of professors who
are constantly learning how to improve their effectiveness in the
classroom. The most exciting difference between the new facilities and
the old ones is that this building allows us to see the creative work
in science education and research that our faculty and students are
accomplishing. That visibility makes it an exciting place to teach and
learn, and has raised the quality of experience enormously for all of
us.
"Although it is hard to imagine what science education will be like in
a couple of decades, and impossible to predict what path rapid
technological advancements will take, Hamilton's new Science Center
will enable smooth transitions for many, many years to come."
-- Doug Weldon, the Stone Professor of Psychology and science curriculum and facilities coordinator
Inside and Out From the 622 tons of Pennsylvania sandstone chosen to complement the original Science Building, to suspended "atriette" stairways that provide vertical connections between disciplines, read about the Science Center's interior and exterior design features -- many of which are environmentally friendly.
Science Center Unveiled Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, chairman of the House Committee on Science, called Hamilton's new Science Center a "breeding ground for future scientists" at the Sept. 30 dedication. Watch the dedication event and read about other events of dedication weekend.
