Welcome to the Science Discovery and Outdoor Learning Center at IUP.
Located in the courtyard of Stouffer Hall, IUP’s Science Discovery and Outdoor Learning Center is one of the most versatile learning areas on campus. This 7,150 square foot learning area was designed to create an outdoor learning environment not only for prospective teacher educators that want to teach science, but also as a resource for the region’s teachers and elementary and middle-school students.
This center is all about Pennsylvania. From the plants located around the center to the unique water feature, students will be able to learn about insects and animals that can be found throughout the Commonwealth. Even the walk areas have been uniquely designed to expose learners to tracks from different animals common to Pennsylvania.
“It’s not unique for a university to have an environmental center or to be associated with an outdoor science center, but it’s special in part because it’s such a little space offering so much information, it’s focused on Pennsylvania, and it has something for all levels of children,” Meghan Twiest, a faculty member in the Professional Studies in Education Department, said. “Young children will understand that the marks in the sidewalk are animal tracks. Older students will not only identify what animals made the tracks, but can also do an analysis of what the tracks mean—whether the animal was running or walking, for example.”
For more information about this unique center and its learning capabilities, please contact Dr. Meghan Twiest at mmtwiest@iup.edu.
Become a Lasting Part of the Science Discovery and Outdoor Learning Center.
Your gift will have an impact not only on IUP students, but also local students and community members. In addition, your generosity has the potential for global impact, as students of all ages will learn about the importance of caring for the environment. For more information on how you contribute, download the Science Discovery and Outdoor Learning Center brochure.
