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History
The Holifield Science Learning Center provides a nature study center for the Plano Independent School District. The center is a combination of two areas of education; the Outdoor Learning Center and the Living Materials Center.
The Outdoor Learning Center was headed by teacher/nature interpreter Sally Evans and began in 1977 when the first students and teachers began to use the site and trails of a 20 acre wooded area on Rowlett Creek. Mrs. Evans was the only teacher in Plano ISD specializing in teaching outdoor activities. Students would arrive by school bus and unload in the field. At the time, there was no building, so all instruction was given in the midst of nature!
The Living Materials Center began as the Jim Dunlap Living Materials Center in 1976. Biologist Jim Dunlap was looking for a way to interest his high school students in biology. "I found that you cannot teach if students do not listen. They will not listen unless you hold their attention. Animals hold their attention." He kept animals in his classroom to enhance his lessons. His rapidly growing animal collection eventually became the Living Materials Center, helping to educate all Plano ISD students.
In 1987, construction began to create a home base for both the Living Materials Center and the Outdoor Learning Center as they exist today. The building was completed in 1989 and dedicated as the Bill Holifield Science Learning Center in 1991.