Science + You Exibit

Explore machines, processes, and technology that demonstrates the role science plays to keep your body healthy. Designed as a real-life -- but child-sized -- laboratory, Science + You allows children to explore how scientists impact health and wellness. Through interactive machinery, processes and technology, Science + You opens a window into the world of the research scientist and, through fun activities, shows how science keeps our bodies healthy. So, put on your lab coat and join us for a fascinating, hands-on journey through the laboratory: Entering the Exhibit Children will enter the exhibit as if entering a real-life laboratory. At the first station they can pretend to wash their hands, wipe their feet and shower before they put on their white lab coat and learn how important it is for scientists to work in a clean environment. Antibodies Demonstrating how antibodies act in the body, this component of the exhibit offers children the opportunity to understand a complex process through play by transferring germs (magnetic balls) from the body to a “white blood cell” tube using a moveable antibody. Glove Box Children can use a glovebox, a sealed container used by real-life scientists, with gloves built into the sides allowing one to manipulate objects safely. Demonstrating how scientists use a glovebox to contain materials as well as protect themselves, the children will wear thick gloves to measure substances using beakers, funnels and other lab equipment. Mixing and Separating Test Lab Exploring how scientists use machines to mix liquids and solids, this component of the exhibit demonstrates how different types of equipment function. Children can see the machines in action and can also manually mix and separate liquids and solids themselves. Magnification Area This exhibit features a specialized Wentzscope and video microscopes that magnify objects on a large video screen, allowing younger children to compare and contrast an array of natural and man-made items up close. Healthy Lifestyle Science has shown us that we need a balanced lifestyle to stay healthy. This exhibit component emphasizes the importance of nutrition, exercise and rest with an interactive activity. The exhibit features an outline of a human body with a hollow center. Children place puzzle pieces representing various forms of nutrition, exercise and rest into a hollow outlined body. When a healthy balance of all the components is achieved, children hear a congratulatory message. Test Kitchen In the test kitchen children are challenged to make a ‘healthy soup’ choosing their own combination of appropriate ingredients. Teaching children the importance of a balanced diet, this exhibit has stations with soup pots that can hold up to six ingredients. Children pick the ingredients from the five food groups. The burner under their soup pot lights up when they’ve selected the correct balance of healthy ingredients. Science Reflection Children can share their scientific thoughts and reflections after experiencing in the exhibit. A variety of images, drawings and terminology from the exhibit is provided that children can use to create their own collage. A display wall allows children to share their collage reflection with the public. Grease pencils will also be provided for children to write down their impressions. Exhibit entry is included with general museum admission and free for BMS Members.