Our first demonstration illustrates how the transit detection method works using a flashlight and a moving planet. In the second demonstration, participants can see spectral emission lines from different gases in tubes to illustrate how spectroscopy works. Our third demonstration illustrates how coronagraphy works for imaging of exoplanets.
New Moon images throughout the lobby, open visitor gallery w/Moon rock, 3D image viewing, 3D puzzles, scavenger hunt for Moon data, draw your own mission patch.
An interactive tunnel comprising the small intestine through which the kiddos can travel and observe different cell types involved in immunological regulation and digestion as well as different mechanisms through which we digest food.
The first activity will involve our lab providing a plate of bacteria colonies with fluorescent genes that make them colorful. Participants will be able to streak new plates on their own to draw with the colonies, such as to write their name, and we will later grow the plate for them and upload a picture for them to view. The second activity involves us placing a microscope slide with bacteria enclosed so participants can watch them swim under a microscope or with a Foldscope.
Coronaviruses: Explore viruses in a safe friendly display for all age levels. Look at cells and virus infected cells on microscopes. Watch short videos showing cells during infection. Learn the latest about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID. Build origami virus models. Killing Cancer with Viruses: Visitors will see how cancer is treated with a virus. Mix ingredients to create a glowing solution representing cancer. Then quench the cancer with a virus treatment. Give treatment to therapy to Sparky.
For the strawberry DNA extraction, participants will be able to harvest DNA from a strawberry using a few simple supplies. Chemicals will be handled only by lab members who have all current laboratory trainings. For the "Cell Crafting", participants will get to construct a cell using a plastic bag, orbeez, pom-poms, and other craft supplies.