Facilities Directory

The Center for Science and the Schools has facilities for school-related programming, including a reception area, staff offices, multimedia studio, a curriculum R&D facility, and additional space for meetings and other work. In collaboration with Penn State Science Education, CSATS also has convenient access to well-equipped model science classrooms (equipped for elementary and secondary science teaching) and prep rooms. The Center is located in Chambers Building, a stone's throw from the Nittany Parking Deck, which has ample visitor parking. Here are directions to CSATS.

Offices and Studio, (814) 865-3525, 182 Chambers Building
The main offices include a large reception/business area; offices for the Associate Director and several graduate students; and a well-equipped audio/video editing, analysis, and small-scale production studio. The Studio has two high-end nonlinear editing workstations, prosumer miniDV cameras and tripods, assorted microphones and other accessories, and a small set with a 6' x 10' chromakey ("green screen"). For more complex multimedia projects, the Center works closely with Penn State Public Broadcasting, which has extensive audio and video production facilities.

Conference Room, 863-5238, 118 Chambers
A large conference room is equipped with a large conference table, computer-equipped cubicle work areas, a wireless video projector, and other AV resources. The room can also be utilized for small-group breakout sessions.

Curriculum Center, 863-5238, 119 Chambers
A growing library (approximately 1000 titles) houses commercial and noncommercial curriculum materials for teaching K-12 science. The Curriculum Center is being equipped with a reference set of exemplary curriculum materials, as identified by NSF, AAAS, and the U.S. Department of Education. These include elementary FOSS and STC kits, as well as the diverse supplies needed to replenish kits after use. The facility also has a self-serve coffee bar and room for food setups, breakout group meeting, etc.

Science Classrooms, 863-5238, 116, 121 Chambers
Two model science classrooms are utilized for preservice and inservice teacher education programs. One is configured for elementary science and one for middle-secondary science. The rooms are well-equipped with the usual stuff of science teaching (microscopes, sinks, fume hoods, burners, etc.) as well as wired/wireless video projection, wired/wireless ethernet access, prep rooms, etc. Both rooms are large and flexibly arranged for breakout sessions, seminars, classroom, or laboratory work. The facilities are staffed daily, as well as evenings and weekends when needed.

Other Facilities
CSATS has access to a wide range of other instructional support resources in Chambers Building. These include three computer laboratories, a videoconferencing facility, a wireless cart equipped with 15 laptop computers, classrooms and conference rooms, and two auditoriums. CSATS will also work with other outreach and professional development units to provide services ranging from housing and dining (for residential courses) to distance education (e.g., through the World Campus). We will also soon begin hosting "one-stop shopping" information about Penn State K-12 education opportunities on our file server. The website will help educators access information about opportunities through the Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, the Eberly College of Science Action Potential Science program, and many other units, including initiatives at other campuses, such as the Capital Area Institute for Mathematics and Science in Harrisburg and the Mobile Robotics Program at Abington. Stay tuned!