The Missouri University of Science and Technology founded as the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy around 1870 is located here. Originally focused on the state’s mining industry and its technological needs it eventually added curricula and courses of study to include mining, civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering and chemistry, metallurgy, mathematics, physics, and geology. Rolla’s health and recreation center, The Centre, has an unusual program it presents at its Aquatic center called Pictures in the Pool. On the second Friday of October, November and December, the center provides innertubes and surprises so that you can lounge in the pool while the staff presents a movie.