The Franklin Institute: Traveling Science Shows
Introduction Traveling Shows Traveling Exhibits Information and Prices Reserve Now
Traveling Science Shows
Show curriculum is aligned with National Science Education Standards [PDF]
Grades K-8
45 minutes in length
The Franklin Institute provides classroom activities to use before and after shows

New!
How to Build a Storm: The Weather Show
Lightning, twisters and hail—oh my! This new show reveals the science of weather...to the extreme. Where does our weather come from, and what factors make it a sunny day or a blustery one? We'll make a cloud, explore thunder and lightning, and even create snow. We promise a stormy ending to this show as we demonstrate the power of a tornado.
Science concepts: water cycle, thermodynamics, air masses, and fronts.

The Human Body
Come with us on a wild journey through The Human Body. We’ll discover how nutrients in the food we eat are digested and converted into the energy that keeps us on the move. We’ll learn how our muscles work, and what our blood actually accomplishes as it flows through our veins and arteries. Plus, there will be a special tribute to that duo that protects us from debilitating illness: Skin and mucous!
Science concepts: body systems, digestion, circulation, and immune response

Hot and Cold
Great first time show!

Turn your students into molecules as we explore the three states of matter. Make balloons shrink, bubbles freeze and a rubber ball shatter by using liquid nitrogen (N2). Students learn the everyday application of N2 in manufacturing, food production and medicine.
Science concepts: states of matter, molecules, temperature

Chemistry
Kaboom! The chemistry show explores everything from everyday chemistry to the chemical “detective” work performed by laboratory scientists. Watch as we use chemistry to turn water into gel, make a foam sculpture (in less than a minute), and explode a hydrogen balloon.
Science concepts: physical/chemical changes, acids and bases, polymers, combustion

Flight
Best done indoors with a high ceiling

From Leonardo da Vinci to the space shuttle, explore the exciting history of flight. Investigate the Bernoulli principle, and learn how airplane wings provide lift. Mechanical birds, hot air balloons, and gliders and even a rocket launch are used to demonstrate the forces of flight.
Science concepts: air pressure, forces of flight, aviation history

Life in Space
Developed in conjunction with NASA

The show begins with a bang as a rocket launches your students into space! Once there students enter “astronaut training” to explore the challenges of living and working in space. Students become “satellites” to communicate findings back to earth.
Science concepts: gravity, orbit, action-reaction

Motion and Machines
Requires a raised platform or stage

Roll, slide and spin! Investigate the basic physics of motion in this interactive show. We’ll use rubber balls, bricks and wooden blocks to introduce Newton’s Laws of Motion. Then witness these laws in action in a lever, pulley, and student-driven hover car.
Science concepts: Newton’s Laws of Motion, simple machines, friction

Electricity
Grades 2 - 8
Best performed in drier weather

Your students’ hair will stand on end as we unravel the mysteries of electricity. Explore static and current electricity. Watch as electricity travels through the air to power fluorescent light bulbs - turning students into a human “circuit.”
Science concepts: static and current electricity, electrons, magnetism

Light and Color
Grades K-6
Requires an extremely dark room

What is light and where does it come from? We’ll show you, and explain its many properties using a laser and a 1000-watt light bulb. Light is bounced, separated into different colors, and recombined to make white light. Ultraviolet light is used to make fluorescent objects (and members of the audience) glow in the dark.
Science concepts: properties of light, light technology, visible spectrum

Reservation Information: 800.285.0684
Program Content Inquiries: 215.448.1169