New Science Center Expands Timber-lee Education Program

Situated on 600 acres in the southern Kettle Moraine State Forest, Timber-lee Christian Center camp, retreat and conference complex in East Troy has developed, among other things, a nationally-recognized environmental education program. With the completion of a new two-story, 13,000 square foot Science Education Center last August, Timber-lee is improving and expanding the scope of its program.

The architecture of the science building 
complements the surroundings with native
 stone and wood.

The new building provides students a combination of activities to explore the marvels of God's creation and increase their knowledge and understanding of and their relationship with science and the environment. It also complements the camp's Outdoor Environmental Education Program and other activities.

The Science Education Center includes a
handicapped-accessible Six-Day Creation Walk. It's designed to be non-threatening and educational as it addresses basic questions of faith and the physical/biological world.

The building's upper and lower levels both house a multi-purpose classroom with space for 35 students. A hands-on Discovery Room is also found on each level with the upper level focused on space, matter, energy, and time. The theme for the lower level room is "We are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - The Human Body."

Traditional classroom furnishings and learning
resources are complemented with ready 
access to the natural environment.

Two specially ventilated animal rooms serve different purposes. One is for a "Talk with the Animal" program while the other is for lab animals.

The building also includes an environmentally friendly geothermal heat pump system for heating and air conditioning (see the Summer 2000 Geothermal article).

Michael Manke, Administrative Director of the Science Education Center, said, "Everyone is more than pleased with the project. Because of all the forethought and planning that went into the project, changes were very minimal. The pre-planning was very helpful, and the project has allowed us to offer a high quality product for our guests."

Heat Pump Serves As Education Tool 

As part of Timber-lee's environmental program, the Science Center is using its geothermal heat pump for more than heating and cooling. The Center is collecting actual heating/cooling, energy consumption and operating data. Students will analyze how the heat pump compares to fossil fuels in terms of cost, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness.