Engineering & Technology

A Pendulum Clock

At first glance, the giant see-through-erector-set-like structure seems to be a realization of one of Leonardo da Vinci's mechanical inventions.

Where: This exhibit is not currently on view.

Albert

A mechanical object may seem alive if it responds to you.

Where: Entrance

Animation Station

A stop-motion animation is made of many pictures, each slightly different from the last.

Where: Gallery 2: Tinkering

Animation Tower

Quick-changing views create the illusion of motion.

Where: Bechtel Gallery 3: Seeing & Listening

Avalanche

Does the sand all pile up in the same way?

Where: Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery 6, Mezzanine

Bay Bridge Model

Every bridge has built in rhythms.

Where: Koret Foundation Bay Walk

Tilt a spinning bicycle wheel while you’re sitting in a swivel chair and—surprise—you’ll start spinning in circles, too. You can also witness the same phenomenon here by hanging a spinning wheel from its axle.

Where: Crossroads: Getting Started

Catenary Arch

Build an arch that supports itself.

Where: Osher Gallery 1: Human Phenomenon

Circuit Workbench

Try building these circuits found in everyday objects.

Where: Gallery 2: Tinkering

Golden Gate Bridge

In San Francisco, bridges and buildings are made to move.

Where: Gallery 5: Outdoor Exhibits

Magic Wand

Wave the wand quickly and see an image appear.

Where: Bechtel Gallery 3: Seeing & Listening

Robot Dance

Quick-changing views create the illusion of motion.

Where: Bechtel Gallery 3: Seeing & Listening

Rolling Through the Bay

Artist Scott Weaver has spent over 40 years painstakingly constructing this replica of the city of San Francisco out of toothpicks. Ping-pong balls added here or there wind their way through the model, visiting various famous sites along the way.

Where: Gallery 2: Tinkering