Exhibits and Maps
SPECIAL THIS FALL ONLY Animal Grossology September 30­ December 31 Get the inside “scoop” on animal life and nature in this whimsical, educational exhibit based on the book by science teacher/author Sylvia Brazei (of Grossology: The Impolite Science of the Human Body fame). Meet some of the slipperiest, smelliest, dirtiest creatures on Earth. Go undercover as a droppings detective to ID the “poopetrators,” check out Blood Sucker Blowup and pump “blood” into a mosquito to see what anatomical features makes them unique. Piece together evidence of what the Owl had for dinner at Pellet Purge, and find out if frogs belch! Colorful interactives help students uncover all the disgusting details of nature from protozoa to pachyderms, and everything in between.
First Floor
							Space Command offers 30 interactive stations. Future astronauts attend Space Boot Camp, visit Space Academy, use satellite communication and computer-guided navigation systems. KidScience: Island of the Elements, exclusively for 5–8 year olds, introduces basic properties of air, water, earth and light. Discover energy and it’s affects as children board a ship, climb a lighthouse, power a real waterwheel, and navigate mazes. The Train Factory invites students to experience a 19th century machine shop and ride a 350-ton steam locomotive built in 1926. Students will explore concepts such as steam, pressure, friction and electric and magnetic force, and use observational skills, making and testing hypotheses.
				(+) enlarge
Second Floor
							The Franklin Air Show is an indoor carnival with games and contests demonstrating properties of flight, pilot training school—complete with a flight simulator ($3 additional), a T-33 jet trainer and the restored Wright Model B Flyer. Rathmann Hall of Science The Giant Heart: A Healthy Interactive Experiencein the F.M. Kirby Gallery of the Biosciences. Details here. Electricity Hall explores the experiments of electricity and its applications, allowing students to interact with static electricity, motors, magnetism and telegraphy. Check the daily schedule for the free, electrifying “Ben’s Curiosity Show.” Franklin…He’s Electric looks at Franklin’s accomplishments as a scientist and inventor, providing insights into science and history.
				(+) enlarge
Third Floor
								The Sports Challenge uses interactive experiences to demonstrate the role of science in sports from velocity, momentum and friction to balance, vision, and reflex. Sir Isaac’s Loft: Where Art and Physics Collide illustrates basic principles of physics in an art gallery setting. Interactives demonstrate chair reactions, light, motion and energy. See artworks that use science to play with your mind.
			(+) enlarge
Fourth Floor
Rooftop Observatory is open, weather and staff permitting, for safely-filtered, close-up views of the sun using our 10-inch Zeiss refractor telescope.
Mandell Center Direct access from 2nd and 3rd floors
SkyBike provides a heart-pounding ride of a lifetime and physics lesson all in one. Minimum height 56”; must weigh less than 250 pounds. Additional $2 at attraction. Darwin is highlighted here. Animal Grossology
Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
The official national memorial to Franklin, this 82-foot marble rotunda houses a 30-ton statue of Franklin, as well as artifacts related to or belonging to him.
Stearns Auditorium
LIVE…The Cartoon Physics Show is a dynamite, information-packed science show that looks at some serious principles in physics through the most hilarious cartoons. Free with admission. No reservations; subject to availability.