Who Are We?
The Howard B. Owens Science Center, (HBOSC), a 27,500 square foot facility owned and operated by the Prince George's County Public Schools, has as its mission to provide excellence in science and technology education through student centered programs and services. The Center seeks to provide students in grades K-12, with opportunities to participate in unique activity-based science instruction. Our staff of teachers practices their craft from teacher developed curriculum materials that approach science literacy from the perspective of developmental, exploratory learning. Textbooks are never used except by program developers as references for consistency with county curriculum. Hands-on, data intensive activities provide students with experiences in physics, chemistry, physiology, biology, space science education, paleontology, meteorology, optics, nutrition, computer science, and astronomy. Teachers on site continuously develop new programs and update current offerings.
Prince George's County Public Schools serve a diverse student body that is composed of students who are 70% African American, 20% Caucasian, and 10% of other minority groups. Our curriculum incorporates a multicultural, interdisciplinary approach with a competency based evaluation component. It is within this backdrop that the HBOSC serves as an extension of the classroom, designing, supporting and augmenting classroom activities as they relate to science instruction.
Approximately 90,000 students visit the Center annually. The Center serves students with special needs as well as gifted and Advanced Placement science students Course offerings range from 1.5 hours to 4.5 hours. These offerings are made available through prescheduled class visitations by public schools , private schools and parochial schools; programs for the general public and weekend groups; and summer enrichment classes. Girl Scouts and Brownies of the National Capitol Area account for nearly 5,000 participants through our Saturday enrichment programs leading to merit badge awards.
The only permanent planetarium in the county is located at the Owens facility. The planetarium is used primarily to teach astronomy, but HBOSC also finds uses in other subject areas. The large (15 m diameter by 11 m height) dome provides a realistic view of the night sky for up to 174 persons. The Center houses the Challenger Learning Center (CLC), a simulated space environment including a mission control and space station. Our CLC is part of a national network of sites developed as a living memorial to the memory of the seven Challenger astronauts. Our extensive Nature Trial provides the students a chance to learn in an outdoor setting. In addition, a number of our courses are supported by free-standing exhibits featuring arthropods, reptiles such as snakes, turtles and alligators. In all there are about 2500 square feet devoted to a variety of exhibits.
As we approach the next century it is becoming increasingly important that we develop a citizenry adept at accessing and utilizing the results of technology for professional, community and personal use. Knowing where to find information and how to use the technology that provides access to it will become the important skill of the next century. The development of informed decision makers will be critical to individual and national success.
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