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Exhibit Galleries

The Discovery Center's areas of organization (exhibit halls) are designed to not only provide the opportunity for learning new information, but to also think about things you already know in new ways.

Brain research, especially recent studies aimed at helping aging adults keep their brains fit. has led to recognition of the value of introducing novelty into our daily thoughts and actions. Creating new mental pathways and links to previously learned information help to make our brains more vital. Our planned exhibitions areas include:

Soup-up Your Scientist Skills - In this gallery, exhibits will challenge you to utilize the cognitive skills needed to work as a scientist. These exhibits will primarily consist of interactive games and puzzles that are fun to play, while providing practice in important thinking skills such as observation, logical thinking, spatial reasoning and problem solving.

How Information Travels - This Gallery will be organized around something with which most people deal with everyday - the transformation of information. Almost everyone is comfortable with the idea of transferring information via mail, telephone, the internet, etc. How are these modes of information transfer similar or different from the ways that information is transferred in other systems? How does starlight arriving at the earth from a distant star act as a message form the distant past? How does the brain relay messages throughout the human body? How does the transfer of information in complex systems such as ant colonies, traffic jams, or flocks of birds provide structure to these systems, and make them behave in surprising ways?

Intersections and Connections - This gallery will explore the intersections and connections between science and other disciplines such as art, music, literature and engineering. Many people think of science as being very distinct from activities such as art and music, but there can be considerable overlap in terms of methodologies and goals. In a similar vein, many people don't distinguish between science and engineering, and often think of technology as a necessary "product" of science. Exploring the intersection and connections between science and technology can help clarify what roles science plays in society, including, but not limited to serving as a generator for new technology.

How Do We Know Stuff - What is the nature of scientific knowledge? How is scientific "knowing" similar or different from knowing things in other ways? How do scientists go about their work? How is scientific evidence gathered and evaluated? Exhibits in the gallery will help shed light on these questions, and enable yo to explore the ways that scientists learn things. Discover how a well-designed experiment can reveal the inner workings of a previously mysterious process. How do telescopes, microscopes, particle accelerators, or geological and archeological methods allow scientists to "observe" things that can't be seen with the unaided eye? Explore different modes of learning/knowing things (visual, auditory, kinesthetic,etc.) and discover how your own mind approaches the problem of "knowing stuff."

Science City: A Young Children's Discovery Area- this gallery is especially designed for toddlers and pre school children. It is never too early to begin developing cognitive, sensory-motor and social shills that are the foundation for later learning in science and other areas. Play is children's work. Creating an environment that is carefully designed for the kind of play that promotes learning, creativity and social interaction is what Science City is all about.

Science Park: Taking the Learning Outside The Building - Some of the most engaging exhibits lend themselves to an outdoor setting. These exhibits are sometimes large in scale, use elements such as sun, wind and water -or require movement, such as climbing or running. In reality, science if all around us and affects all that we do. Outdoor exhibits are just plain fun and engaging. Usually visually interesting, like a giane lever wiht a car at one end, outdoor exhibits draw people to them. In addition to the learning these exhibits offer in their own right, they will also be a reast and a taste of waht the museaum holds inside, enticing you toa come in and experience some more.