Mission

Empowering learners to engage in science exploration and the natural world

Vision

We envision a world where every learner has access to impactful hands-on education.  We are committed to giving learners the tools they need to solve real-world problems creatively and passionately. In doing so, we ignite curiosity and scientific inquiry, which will change how learners view and interact with the world around them.

Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium 

Since 1969, the Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium has been enthralling audiences with images of our neighborhood, the night sky and the universe.  In the 73-seat, 30-foot planetarium in which recent updates have made this dome state-of-the-art. A new laser 4K fish-eye projector allows images and shows anywhere from planet Earth to the outer reaches of space. Our upgraded laser system and sound system creates a multisensory experience for our concert laser shows. With the continued support of the Margaret C. Woodson Foundation, our 1969 Spitz A3P star projector has LED lighting to continue to provide a hyper-realistic night sky for all ages. 

Rainforest

Have you ever heard of a rainforest right outside of Charlotte? Our indoor rainforest supports a wide range of vegetation types and demonstrates different aspects of the rainforest ecosystem, such as the importance of tree canopy. This artificial humid environment includes a raging waterfall and life-like rock structures. 

Aquariums

Have you ever seen stars under the sea? Explore our 1,300 gallon touch pool modeled after a coastal tidepool. Inhabitants include various starfish, sea urchins, tropical fish, and other marine species. In addition to our touch pool, our facility has 3 two-hundred gallon aquariums that include native fish and aquatic turtle habitats. 

Animal Collection

Slithering, hopping, and crawling around are our animal ambassadors! Our animal collection includes creatures with no legs, and some with as many as eight legs. With a combination of North Carolina native and exotic species, we promote conservation of the natural world, and help students develop a closer connection to nature. In addition to our ambassadors, we possess various biofacts, allowing us to bring nature inside the classroom.

Setzer School

Built in Southern Rowan County in 1847, this one-room schoolhouse educated children in the area for 50 years. One-room schooling incorporated multiple students from every grade level in the same building and only operated for 2-3 months during the year. In partnership with the Rowan Museum, the Setzer School is used as a resource for public programming. Students have a chance to compare how their school life has changed compared to Setzer, and what inventions, changes, and societal freedoms have changed since the mid-19th Century. 

Science Labs

Put on your safety goggles and lab coat, because it’s time to start a dissection in Horizons Unlimited’s science lab! Hone your dissection skills, learn how to properly use stereoscopes, and have a blast with your lab partner learning about animal anatomy. 

We offer dissection programs to 7th grade and high school students, focused on developing lab skills such as tool use, comparative anatomy, and lab safety. Dissection options include our introductory pickle (great for students who are both familiar and unfamiliar with dissection skills),  grasshoppers, worms, crayfish, squids, herrings, and sheep hearts.

Seating up to 60 students, our science lab(s) can be divided into two separate laboratory spaces. Equipped with lab tables, chairs, stereoscopes, and a washroom, our lab is suited for a wide range of lab -related uses. 

Horizons Unlimited welcomes school groups of all kinds for field trips. Located in Rowan County, Horizons Unlimited provides a unique and engaging opportunity for students to explore science through hands-on learning experiences, both indoors and outdoors. 

Field Trips

Our field trip programs are designed to allow students and teachers access to science resources beyond the classroom. Our Core Experiences allow for a fully customizable field trip created by the teacher, while our grade-level specific Programs are based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Science as well as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).  Designed with intent, these Experiences and Programs are purposefully designed to be on target for student’s developmental levels as well as to cover their science standards through a hands-on and purposefully designed lesson. To schedule a field trip:

Click here to view the Horizons Program Guide and to submit an interest form for a field trip. 

If you need specific resources to carry out an investigation or lab, please view the Horizons Equipment Checkout List below and contact us for the availability of resources. 

Please contact us at horizonsinfo@rss.k12.nc.us to discuss possibilities for your group.

Community Partnerships

• https://yourrowan.com/horizons-unlimited-one-mans-dream-for-rowan/ 
• https://salisburypost.com/2021/04/15/horizons-unlimited-will-hold-in-person-summer-camps/
• https://www.salisburypost.com/2020/09/24/horizons-unlimited-taking-learning-to-students-this-semester/
• https://www.wbtv.com/2020/04/18/horizons-unlimited-receives-duke-energy-foundation-grant/
• https://www.salisburypost.com/2018/01/11/horizons-unlimited-program-builds-bridges-between-middle-and-high-school/
• https://www.salisburypost.com/2018/08/09/let-it-go-students-in-horizons-unlimited-art-camp-learn-to-let-emotions-out-grievous-gallery/
• https://www.wbtv.com/story/33517534/civilian-conservation-corps-to-be-celebrated-in-salisbury/
• https://www.salisburypost.com/2017/09/28/fun-learning-stem-stacks-up-for-overton-elementary-school-students/

Address

1636 Parkview Circle, Salisbury NC, 28144

Directions for Schools:

Park and enter in the back of the building accessible from Lilly Avenue. If using GPS, type in 1000 Lilly Avenue and follow the road all the way to the end. At that point, you will be in our rear parking lot.

Directions for public openings and events:

Park and enter at the front entrance of our building accessible from Mahaley Avenue. If using GPS, type in 1636 Parkview Circle, Salisbury, NC 28144.  We are up the hill from Knox Middle School.