- By Hester Vermaak
- Entertainment
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On "Outdoor Galore" opening day, the Sciencenter will unveil the "Sciencenter Falls," an interactive waterfall with a stream bed. At 2 p.m., Sciencenter educator John Alvarez del Castillo will share techniques for growing miniature water gardens. Kids can take home a water plant to start their own garden.
At the new "Sciencenter Falls" exhibit, visitors can create their own water flow design by building a dam wall with blocks, sculpting the sandy streambed to divert the water, and sending rubber ducks on a joyride through all the pools and channels.
Inspired by local waterfalls, the waterfall model was designed to show the source of a stream, and how dramatic changes in elevation impacts water flow. Local residents and tourists will appreciate the artistic local shale formations, rock pools, and colors in this custom-made waterfall representation of fiberglass and sculpted foam.
"We wanted to take advantage of our local geography by designing a new science exhibit that is representative of the Ithaca area," said Charlie Trautmann, executive director of the Sciencenter. "The stream bed is dynamic and changes with every visitor who interacts with it. The exhibit is outside in our Emerson Science Park, so there's lots of freedom to run, climb and get messy as you explore science at all the different exhibits," he added.
The "Sciencenter Falls" exhibit is one of more than a dozen new additions to the Sciencenter's popular outdoor playground, which was upgraded with the help of nearly 300 community volunteers in May.
Visitors can explore geometry on a 14' high rope climbing structure; make music with steel drums, bongos, xylophones, gongs, chimes, washboards, and a giant bell; investigate bubbles, make a bubble wall, blow bubbles, and stand inside a huge bubble; and dig, pour and shape sand in the large new sand play area. The Emerson Science Park is included with museum admission and is open during museum hours, weather permitting.
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