exploratorium

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman

Check upcoming events for dates and times

Exploratorium, Pier 15

Free for Donors and Daytime Members.

Note: There is limited capacity for this program; seating will be made available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open your eyes to the physics of natural phenomena with Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman. In this dynamic series, surprising visuals, real-time and recorded experiments, and intriguing objects illuminate wide-ranging presentations on topics such as color, time, fireworks, science fiction, and the universe. Each program is focused for general or adults-only audiences, and conversation is encouraged to help everyone find the same wavelength.

Since joining the Exploratorium in 1971, Ron Hipschman has worked as an exhibit developer, author, teacher, and webcast host. He currently works on the Exploratorium’s Environmental Initiative, implementing and maintaining a collection of environmental monitoring sensors and developing visualizations for the Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery’s super-resolution media wall. In addition to Full-Spectrum Science, Ron hosts the monthly After Dark series Everything Matters: Tales from the Periodic Table.

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Upcoming Events

Jan
26

Full-Spectrum Science: Radioactivity
Sunday, January 26, 2020

What's going on inside the nucleus of an atom? Why does it spit out radiation? Did you know that you are exposed to radioactivity every day? Learn the facts about this somewhat controversial topic.

Feb
23

Full-Spectrum Science: The Last Doubling
Sunday, February 23, 2020

Is growth always good? The biggest threat to our existence on planet Earth isn’t asteroids—it’s us. Why can’t our population continue to grow? Learn about the exponential function and the conclusions we can draw from it.

Mar
22

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: The Universe
Full-Spectrum Science: The Universe
Sunday, March 22, 2020

We tend to think of “home” as the building in which we live, or the town or city where we reside. Voyage to the edge of the known universe, and gain some perspective on the tiny planet we call home. See some of the amazing ways the universe is structured, and learn how it’s evolved.

Apr
26

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Sound
Full-Spectrum Science: Sound
Sunday, April 26, 2020

What is sound? How high a pitch can you hear? Can you measure the speed of sound with a yardstick? Can two sounds add up to no sound? Explore these questions and more in this resonant presentation.

May
24

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Mirrors
Full-Spectrum Science: Mirrors
Sunday, May 24, 2020

Why do you see yourself in reverse when you look at yourself in a mirror? Why are you not upside down? Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman reveals the physics behind different types of mirrors and reflects on fascinating aspects of their construction and applications.

Jun
28

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Fireworks
Full-Spectrum Science: Fireworks
Sunday, June 28, 2020

Come ooooo and ahhhh at the science behind these big booms! Where do fireworks come from? Who invented them? What causes their beautiful colors, and how do the bursting shells create such different patterns? Join us for some real illumination, and learn the difference between a jerb and a lance.

Jul
26

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Heat and Temperature
Full-Spectrum Science: Heat and Temperature
Sunday, July 26, 2020

How does your thermostat work and how does a Thermos® know to keep a hot thing hot and a cold thing cold? The mysteries will be revealed in this talk.

Aug
23

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Lasers
Full-Spectrum Science: Lasers
Sunday, August 23, 2020

In 1960, the laser was known as “a solution looking for a problem.” Now we can hardly imagine life without them. Learn what’s special about laser light, how it’s made, and how it’s used in everything from DVD players to eye surgery to fusion energy research.

Past Programs

Dec
26

After Dark: Full-Spectrum
Thursday, December 26, 2019

Come see our winter exhibitions before the year is over! Explore Glow and Curious Contraptions and close out the year with our staff scientist Ron Hipschman and Full-Spectrum Science. 

 

Dec
22

Full-Spectrum Science: Mixing Color
Sunday, December 22, 2019

Are the primary colors really red, yellow, and blue? How can you get yellow from mixing red and green together? Bring your most colorful questions to this vivid presentation.

Nov
24

Full-Spectrum Science: Making Color
Sunday, November 24, 2019

Explore ways to make color—from neon signs to oil slicks to rainbows and more. Learn all about light, how it is made and interacts, and take home materials to build your own spectroscope.

Oct
27

Full-Spectrum Science: Science Fiction Turned Fact
Sunday, October 27, 2019

If you’ve ever wondered where your flying car or rocket belt is, or why you don’t yet have a robot servant, find out at Full-Spectrum Science.

Sep
22

Full-Spectrum Science: Time
Sunday, September 22, 2019

In 1905, Albert Einstein threw a monkey wrench in our perception of time and space. Join us as we examine a few of these quirks on a conceptual nonmathematical level. Yes, you can age slower than your twin!

Aug
25

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Lasers
Full-Spectrum Science: Lasers
Sunday, August 25, 2019

In 1960, the laser was known as “a solution looking for a problem.” Now we can hardly imagine life without them. Learn what’s special about laser light, how it’s made, and how it’s used in everything from DVD players to eye surgery to fusion energy research.

Jul
28

Full-Spectrum Science: The Moon
Sunday, July 28, 2019

What does the moon have to do with tides? When do lunar eclipses happen and why? Why is a growing moon called a waxing moon? Come learn the answers to these questions and more with staff scientist Ron Hipschman.

Jun
23

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Fireworks
Full-Spectrum Science: Fireworks
Sunday, June 23, 2019

Come ooooo and ahhhh at the science behind these big booms! Where do fireworks come from? Who invented them? What causes their beautiful colors, and how do the bursting shells create such different patterns? Join us for some real illumination, and learn the difference between a jerb and a lance.

May
26

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Mirrors
Full-Spectrum Science: Mirrors
Sunday, May 26, 2019

Why do you see yourself in reverse when you look at yourself in a mirror? Why are you not upside down? Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman reveals the physics behind different types of mirrors and reflects on fascinating aspects of their construction and applications.

Apr
28

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Sound
Full-Spectrum Science: Sound
Sunday, April 28, 2019

What is sound? How high a pitch can you hear? Can you measure the speed of sound with a yardstick? Can two sounds add up to no sound? Explore these questions and more in this resonant presentation.

Mar
28

After Dark: Outer Space
Thursday, March 28, 2019

From exoplanets to space biology, what exists outside of planet earth has long exerted a pull on the human imagination. Come catch a glimpse into what lies ahead in the future of space exploration.