The Carnegie Science Center expects to get bigger and better.

Science Center officials say they plan to expand by 80,000 square feet, build a new home for the center's popular SportsWorks exhibition and create an outdoor "eco park" under an ambitious 10-year master plan.

During a briefing before city planners today, science center officials said they even hope to make a new parking lot an educational tool. It is expected to feature a semi-permeable surface for water drainage that would provide an opportunity to teach visitors about storm water management.

"All of that is an opportunity for learning. From the time you get there until the time you go home, there are learning experiences all along the way, even in the parking lot," said Ann M. Metzger, the science center's acting co-director.