May 24–September 1 2008
Shoot an air cannon. Serve your head on a platter. Build a bridge. Test your reaction time. It’s all at the Danville Science Center’s new exhibit Totally Random Science opening during Family Night, Friday, June 6, 5:30–7:00 pm.
“We’ve developed Totally Random Science as a delightful mix of science and fun,” says Science Center Director Jeff Liverman. “The exhibit gives you a chance to explore different principles of science in ways that feel more like games than opportunities to learn. Of course, while you’re enjoying yourself you are also broadening your knowledge of science.”
“Look Ma, I’m flying.” At least that’s what you may be tempted to say at the anti-gravity mirror. This mirror is designed to make you appear to float above the ground. Now that you’re in the mood to fly, sit down at the flight simulator to check out your skills as a pilot.
Ready…Aim…Fire. The air cannon is aimed at a wall of shiny disks. Can you make the butterfly shimmer? Serve your head on a platter. Talk to folks walking by. Is it magic? No — it’s an illusion.
Test your reaction time by dropping a stick from one hand and catching it in the other. The stick is marked with time increments so that you can judge your speed. Balance another stick vertically on your finger. How long can you keep it there?
Step into a light beam. BZZZZ. What’s that? Step into another light beam and it makes a different noise. Dance around and create your own rhythm. Try to discover the center of gravity on a meter stick. Now add weights and see if you can find a new center of gravity.
Stack wooden blocks in a curve without knocking your creation over. Now build a caternary arch. Use PVC pipe to build a tower or bridge. Use pulleys to lift 40 pounds. How many pulleys make it easiest to lift the weight?
The Science Center has brought back many of the exhibits in Too Small to See. Visit a world of the very small — the nano-world. See atoms 100 million times their actual size. Arrange moving atoms into a pattern. How does that work when the atoms keep moving? Walk through a huge model crystal where the atoms seem to go on forever. Climb on carbon tubes. Build molecules. Use the same tools that scientists do to make nano-sized structures. Walk through the infinity crystal where the repeating pattern of atoms seems endless. Climb model carbon nanotubes.
Totally Random Science is developed by the Science Center. Too Small to See was developed through a partnership of Cornell University, the Sciencenter and Painted Universe Inc. with funding from the National Science Foundation. Totally Random Science and Too Small to See are at the Science Center Friday, June 6-Sept. 7.