The Arizona
Science Center
was conceived as a pilot science center by the Junior
League of Phoenix in 1980. Incorporated in 1982, the facility
opened in 1984, in downtown Phoenix. The Arizona
Science Center, which is the link to informal science education in
ACEPT, had an annual attendance in 1994-95 of over 87,000 visitors.
Growth in attendance and an increasing demand for informal science educations programs led in 1988 to voter approval of a City of Phoenix bond issue providing $20 million for construction of a new structure to become the Center's expanded, permanent home.
Construction of the new 120,000 square foot facility was completed in 1997. The Arizona Science Center is located in dowtown Phoenix within a few blocks of the City's principal cultural attractions and the Phoenix USI schools. The Center is also located within a few miles of Arizona State University, and within a half hour drive of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges.
Thus the Arizona Science Center is an integral component of ACEPT which links the various reform programs with the community through informal science education. ACEPT pre-service teaching interns are mentored by the ASC Education Staff.
Other collaborators
Diné College
Maricopa County Community Colleges
Phoenix Urban Systemic Initiative
Arizona State
University