EARTHS Magnet School will officially open its Exploration Center on Thurs., Feb. 11 at 8 a.m. The center includes a resource library and physical science, life science and computer labs.

EARTHS (Environmental Academy of Research Technology and Earth Science) is a magnet school that Conejo Valley Unified School District opened at the former Manzanita Elementary campus last year.

Jana Goldsworthy, an EARTHS advisory board member, is coordinating the life science lab.

“The Exploration Center is the physical embodiment of what we offer here at EARTHS,” Goldsworthy said. “The emphasis of our school is on research and technology. It’s just the place for hands-on learning.”

The computer lab has 48 new computers, and the library holds more than 1,000 new books.

Goldsworthy said parents have been in the center labeling books and scrubbing fish tanks, and local companies have lent their expertise for upcoming labs. Thousands of dollars in laboratory equipment has been donated, and teachers and volunteers have been writing grants for individual labs and learning programs.

“We have to be innovative about a lot of things at this school,” Goldsworthy said. “Given the budget situation, we rely a lot on the community. We’ve been amazed by the donations we’ve received from companies and individuals.”

EARTHS is at 2626 Michael Drive in Newbury Park.

—Joann Groff