Science First® is a manufacturer of science education equipment, environmental sampling equipment and portable planetariums. We like to think it represents much that is good about small business in America today. We were founded in 1960 by a college physics instructor, Frank Lee, who is the father of the current president, Nancy Lee Bell. Mr. Lee designed products he would have wanted to use in his own classes, focusing on teaching value, sturdy construction and hands-on applications. Originally located in Buffalo, NY, the company benefited from the many small garage shops and hard-working people in the area.

Over the years the company has made several acquisitions which has helped diversify their product line and grow their business. All are niche businesses which require flexibility in manufacturing methods and good customer service. The acquisitions include:

• Wildlife Supply Company®, purchased in 2000, a manufacturer of water sampling equipment which sells to universities and government agencies and has had a stellar reputation since its founding in 1938.
• Starlab® (Learning Technologies), purchased in 2008. The Starlab is a portable planetarium that sells to school districts, museums and science centers and provides an amazing immersive experience that can be set up in minutes in gym or cafeteria.
• The Science Source, purchased in August, 2014, a manufacturer of science education equipment similar in many ways to Science First's core business.