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ImageThe seasons are changing and so are the exhibitions at the Sciencenter! You're invited to give science a whirl at the new traveling exhibition, Spin: The Science of Rotation, opening on Saturday, October 11. Explore the fun - and science - of objects that rotate with special hands-on opening day activities, a presentation, and interactive exhibits.

On opening day, from noon to 4 p.m., you can create beautiful spin art by dripping paint on a spinning platter, design spinning tops from recycled materials, and make a miniature kite that spirals through the air. At 2 p.m. Sciencenter educators Rae Ostman and Shannon McSurely will present "Spin-a-Rama." They will introduce visitors to the physics of hula hoops, yo-yos, and other toys that spin.

 

Using the interactive exhibits and real-life examples, visitors of all ages can explore how objects spin, why things spin at different speeds, and how we use spinning objects in our daily lives. You'll discover the science behind spinning toys, sports, transportation, space travel, entertainment - and even the Universe itself. At 1,500 square feet, Spin includes 15 unique exhibit areas, including:

  • "The Human Centrifuge": Heads will spin as up to four visitors sit in this innovative tub and push against a fixed wheel to experience how inertia works. Children and grown-ups alike will want to sit and spin to investigate how their efforts impact the effects of inertia. Whee!
  • "Let It Roll": Join in friendly competition as you race various objects along the tracks. Who will win the race? Switch out objects by size and weight to explore how these changes impact the way things spin.
  • "Laser Show": A laser light show is about more than just a rockin' sound track! Discover the science behind this visual entertainment by creating your own mini laser show.

 

Spin was produced with funding from the National Science Foundation and is designed to be interactive, intuitive, and engaging. The exhibit components encourage conversation among museum visitors - an essential ingredient for learning and strengthening family and community relationships.

 

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"The interactive nature of this exhibit creates natural opportunities for families to play together and talk about what they experience," said Charlie Trautmann, Sciencenter executive director. "Like all of our exhibitions, Spin makes science fun, engaging, and easy to relate to."

 

Spin was developed by The Health Adventure in Asheville, North Carolina, and Catawba Science Center in Hickory, North Carolina, as part of the Traveling Exhibits at Museums of Science Collaborative. This exhibition is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

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