Cow's Eye Dissection

For years the Cow's Eye Dissection has been the pinnacle of the Exploratorium's interactive demonstrations. Not only does it give visitors a better understanding of how the eye works, and how our eyes differ from those of other species, but it's also fun, exciting, and even a little messy.

The Virtual Cow's Eye Dissection gives site visitors an in-depth explanation in Real Audio, with more images and descriptions.

As part of our Traits of Life Exhibition, Explainers extract DNA from wheat germ. The Explainer first breaks down the cells and then the nuclei of the wheat germ, therefore revealing DNA, the blueprint of life.

Flower Dissections

Explainers walk visitors through the anatomy of a flower. Using a dissecting scope, the Explainers are able to reveal the tiny male and female parts of a flower as they discuss how flowers and pollinators create a diversity of new plant life. The demonstration uses a bouquet of showy flowers.

Explainers perform card tricks with the primary focus on illusion and how what we notice depends on our attention. Come see if you can detect what is really happening.

Drawing Board

Create your own artwork at Drawing Board, combining the elements of momentum with a truly artistic flourish.

© Exploratorium