Marist High School located on Chicago's southwest side is planning to build a science center with a high-tech planetarium dome per Chicago CBS Local. At this time, the construction site is guarded by yellow tape but soon a similar tape will protect crime scenes as the new CSI-like forensic science labs come to life.
"We go through rolls of caution tape every year in forensics. Science, now, it is all about hands-on, learning from experimentation."
Science teacher at Marist High School | Carrie Spano
Even though a large portion of the Marist campus dates back to the 1960's, they are looking to the future and shooting for the stars. The cornerstone of the campus will be a planetarium.
"It's definitely gonna be amazing! Not everyday kids my age get this experience!"
High School Junior | Matthew Steinke
The anatomy class will be getting an upgrade as well. The days of bones in boxes will be upgraded for the 21st century. Most of the $13 million came from very large donations from alums and parents with more than $10 million already raised. The new science center is expected to open next fall.
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According to Patch, a groundbreaking ceremony was officially kicked off last month to raise the $15 million needed for the science center including the addition of 10 science labs. The site where the Marist Brothers monastery used to be will be the site for the new center. At one time, the brothers lived in the science labs when the school was first built in 1963. The science center will include labs set aside for physics, biology, chemistry, environmental science, anatomy, and forensics. The physics labs will include a protected crime scene and the anatomy lab will have a patient diagnostic area with computerized medical mannequins.
"Health sciences is the second highest area of focus for our graduates in college. This science center will give them hands-on learning opportunities that reflect real world situations. Students will have the opportunity for personal research projects as well."
Principal | Larry Tucker
Hopefully all fundraising goals will be met and the $12 million science center will open for the 2019-2020 school year. The additional $3 million set to be raised will go towards the refurbishment of the school's library, art center, band room and other areas. The labs that are currently there will be converted to additional class rooms and student spaces.
