WELCOME TO THE FRANCIS MALCOLM SCIENCE CENTER!
We offer a captivating place for year-round science explorations in life and physical science with a focus on the natural environment, as well as astronomy, for children and learners of all ages.
providing a unique environment for learning adventures in life science and physical science
WELCOME
We offer a unique place for year-round science explorations in life and physical science with a focus on astronomy and the natural environment for children and learners of all ages.
EXPLORE ⌘ WONDER ⌘ DISCOVER
Since opening in 1983, the Francis Malcolm Science Center (FMSC) continues to teach and scientifically inspire the communities of Aroostook County. Thousands of visitors attend our hands-on public programs and events each year.
The only organization of its kind in northern Maine, FMSC is home to the nation’s northeastern-most planetarium theatre. An exciting new addition is our observatory with a retractable roof to view the night sky. We also offer outdoor and indoor nature classrooms devoted to a discovery approach in life and environmental science. Our 260-acre forest of mixed trees and northern peatland flat bog adds an enriching experience of our Aroostook County wilderness.
The Science Center generally closes during the school year’s summer vacation. Contact us for details about off-hour programs and visits at [email protected]
Who We Are
Vision
Our vision is to inspire curiosity and expand knowledge about the universe through exploration, education, and discovery.
Mission
The mission of the Francis Malcolm Science Center is to provide a unique environment for learning adventures in life science and physical science. Public programs are offered to the entire community throughout the year to encourage school and family participation in comprehensive science explorations from Earth to the Universe, throughout the use of our 260+ acre forest, trail system, and outdoor classroom, as well as observatory and planetarium.
Observatory Zones
Years of Experiences
Members
What We Do
Discover the universe
Our education programs are designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of the natural world and scientific principles. From immersive nature hikes to hands-on experiments and skywatching sessions.
With a capacity of 35, the planetarium theater offers a comfortable and unique venue for space, earth, weather, ocean, ecosystem and light pollution programs.
The Science Center happily offers scouts, boys and girls, a select opportunity to enjoy fulfilling belt loop, pin, and badge requirements in nature and space science.
Human perspective of the universe
For centuries, humanity has gazed at the stars, seeking meaning, knowledge, and connection with the cosmos. The universe has shaped our myths, religions, and scientific discoveries, influencing how we perceive our place within it.
Ancient civilizations saw the sky as a divine realm, using celestial patterns for navigation, agriculture, and storytelling. Over time, scientific advancements transformed our understanding, revealing that Earth is not the center of the universe, but a small part of an ever-expanding cosmic expanse.
Today, modern technology allows us to explore distant galaxies, search for extraterrestrial life, and unravel the mysteries of black holes and dark matter. Yet, despite all we have learned, the universe remains vast and largely unknown. This fuels our curiosity, reminding us that we are both insignificant and extraordinary—a species capable of looking beyond our own world and contemplating the infinite.
