Serves as an interactive environment for more than 400,000 children year.  The center includes a large multipurpose learning room designed for a variety of exhibits; a 250-seat auditorium for lectures and presentations featuring a state-of-the-art audio visual system and stage; six flexible classrooms to accommodate activities for all ages; and research space featuring a reading room and rare book archives.  The center also provides an animal outreach facility for hands-on learning, which includes separate, enclosed, conditioned spaces for reptiles, small animals, and birds.  The center also contains a 540-square foot audio/visual studio with darkroom and video production facilities.