Masks and vaccinations are recommended. Plan your visit
Black Sand
At this simple but ever-popular exhibit, black sand from nearby beaches make spiky patterns that reveal the invisible magnetic field between the poles of two giant magnets.
Circles of Magnetism
Electricity moving in a wire makes a circular magnetic field.
Where: Gallery 2: Tinkering
Liquid Litmus
See the chemical reactions taking place in an electrolytic cell, as electricity flowing through a tank of salt water and pH-indicating dye creates zones of acidic (yellow) and basic (blue) solutions.
Magnet + Electricity = Motor
All motors operate for the same basic reason: When electricity flows through a wire and a magnet is nearby, the magnet exerts a force on the wire. Without either the magnet or the electricity, there is no "push" to make the motor turn. Turning the magnet over--reversing its magnetic field--reverses the "push" and causes an opposite rotation.
Where: This exhibit is not currently on view.
Magnetic Clouds
"Clouds" of iron particles dart and dance in a magnetic field.
Where: Gallery 2: Tinkering
Seeing and Listening Explainer Station
Explainers do light and sound demonstrations.
Strange Attractor
Magnets in the pendulum and the disks transfer energy back and forth, making the pendulum swing in unpredictable ways.
Where: This exhibit is not currently on view.
