Who We Are
The Burlington Science Center, part of the Burlington Public School System, was established in September, 1984 by the previous Director, John Papadonis. Wendy Pavlicek, the current Director, has been part of the Science Center since September 2000. Sean Musselman joined the staff as Science Specialist in Fall of 2011 and is also the K-5 Social Studies Chairperson. Focusing on grades K – 5 science, the Science Center’s goals are to develop and maintain an active science curriculum, while supporting teachers and students in their science learning. We hope to inspire a passion for science and nature.
Wendy Pavlicek, Director, K-5 Science Specialist & Lead Animal Curator, is responsible for the Center’s Live Animal Collection and Life Science Programs. Ms. Pavlicek obtained a Biology degree from the University of Rhode Island and a Masters of Science Education from Cambridge College. Wendy previously worked at the Museum of Science in Boston for ten years doing public and school programs. Wendy is also a beekeeper and a licensed Falconer, currently flying her great horned owl named Edison. She is passionate about being an advocate for the environment. She is a community resource as a wildlife biologist and also volunteers her time with the local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts of America.
Sean Musselman, Science Specialist & K-5 Social Studies Chairperson, is responsible for the Center’s Physical and Earth Science Programs, the K-5 Social Studies Curriculum, as well as administration of the K-8 after school and summer robotics program. As a former Earth and Space Science teacher, Mr. Musselman led three cohorts of students to Costa Rica as a part of his after school “EcoClub” program and another cohort of students to a top five finish at the “Future City” national finals. Mr. Musselman is a professional development facilitator for NSTA and a member of the Cambridge College science education faculty. He also volunteers his time with the local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts of America.
Sarah Fleischmann is a Science Center Specialist and Assistant Animal Curator. She works at the Science Center, helping to maintain and upgrade kits, manage the office, and assists with Science Center programs (school based, field trips, exhibits, auditorium shows). She assists with the animal collection care and manages the high school student animal care aides. She is a Burlington graduate and has worked on numerous science research projects, veterinary clinic and animal programming.
John Papadonis (RETIRED) started the Burlington Science Center in 1984. Before starting the Science Center, he taught at the Marshall Simmonds Middle School in Burlington. Mr. Papadonis worked summers as a technical exhibit designer and course instructor for the New England Aquarium. He continues to teach science as a professor at Cambridge College.
123 Cambridge St.
Burlington, MA 01803
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30-3:00
pavlicek@bpsk12.org
musselman@bpsk12.org
781-270-1835
The Burlington Science Center 
Dear John and Wendy,
Glad to see the science center is inspiring young minds in Cambridge and beyond! As a CC graduate, and friend of Wendy and John, I can attest to the dedication they have about educating the youth in regards to the physical and biological sciences; they make it relevant to the practical world they encounter daily.
Great job guys for all the hard work that went into getting it all online.
Mitosis, Meiosis!
Amanda Jones
2008 Georigia Science Teacher of the Year
Wendy and John,
I love the blog! Miss all of you! Are looking to possibly set up PD around Science topics for next year…any interest? let me know!
Jean Perry
John
I stumbled across this web page about using Google Earth to study volcanoes and seismicity, and thought it might be of interest to use wit your seismonitor.
http://magmacumlaude.blogspot.com/2009/02/using-google-earth-to-visualize.html
John, and Wendy,
The government surplus property dept. has just announced on the Web, the disposal of potential artifacts of the Space Shuttle Program.
Only Schools and Universities can bid at this time. Need a spare tire or spacesuit ?
Go to –
http://GSAXCESS.GOV/NASAWel.htm
Paul
Hi. Can i ask when we could get an animal for April vacation???
Please email (pavlicek@bpsk12.org) or call 781-270-2928 to see what is available for vacation. Thank you.
Do you guys bring animals for kids birthday parties at people’s homes?
No, we do not but check our friends at Rainforest Reptile Shows http://www.rainforestreptileshows.com/