San Francisco Exploratorium
December 26, 2013
The exploratorium, located near pier 39, gives people of all ages a chance to experience science hands-on. Experiments range from the topics of physics in motion to life biology to electricity and even concepts on how your brain functions. Each activity has a small sign that describes the purpose of the action and how it relates to your life and science; the card also askes questions to stimulate individual thinking. These educational challenges are set up in a giant hall and people are free to wander around and learn at their own pace and about subjects they are interested in.
My Favorite Activity
Although there were many interesting activities to indulge in at the Exploratorium, my personal favorite was The Black Room. It was a small dimmed room that had sensors along the edges of each black wall, which contained a screen. Whenever a person stood in the designated area, it would project their shadow or body shape onto the corresponding screen with contrasting, white light. This room was designed to encourage movement with other people through the form of dance. The computers produced an outline of a person and the task was to line up your body with the image. Once the desired position was assumed, the outline would began a slow choreographed dance with unique poses. In an attempt to provide interaction, the figures on the screen began to hold hands with each other, inevitably forcing the people in the room to hold hands as well. As the dance progressed, so did the interactions with different people; for example, we would begin to hold both hands, hug each other, and even lean on the other with our backs touching. This created a bond and a sense of trust with new people. This activity helped me pursue a challenge that was outside my comfort zone, but was able to make me feel a sense of accomplishment and gratification. I was thankful that another stranger was dauntless enough to dance with me and take a risk in the trust part of the exercise. I also enjoyed that this exhibit was relaxing and a diverse experience in contrast to the former experiments I participated in.
Although there were many interesting activities to indulge in at the Exploratorium, my personal favorite was The Black Room. It was a small dimmed room that had sensors along the edges of each black wall, which contained a screen. Whenever a person stood in the designated area, it would project their shadow or body shape onto the corresponding screen with contrasting, white light. This room was designed to encourage movement with other people through the form of dance. The computers produced an outline of a person and the task was to line up your body with the image. Once the desired position was assumed, the outline would began a slow choreographed dance with unique poses. In an attempt to provide interaction, the figures on the screen began to hold hands with each other, inevitably forcing the people in the room to hold hands as well. As the dance progressed, so did the interactions with different people; for example, we would begin to hold both hands, hug each other, and even lean on the other with our backs touching. This created a bond and a sense of trust with new people. This activity helped me pursue a challenge that was outside my comfort zone, but was able to make me feel a sense of accomplishment and gratification. I was thankful that another stranger was dauntless enough to dance with me and take a risk in the trust part of the exercise. I also enjoyed that this exhibit was relaxing and a diverse experience in contrast to the former experiments I participated in.
Slideshow of several different exhibits
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Observation Point
Another cool feature of the Exploratory was the observation telescope that looked out over San Francisco. The view finder could be adjusted using a remote control and could reach all the corners of the city. People could see exactly what was happening at certain points at the exact time the events happened. You were able to track seagulls, as the birds were flying, and follow their path in the sky throughout the buildings. This attraction was located at the top of the building, outside, in a dark clothed tent. The absence of light emphasized the constantly updated picture that was portrayed on the table top inside the tent. Pieces of paper were also provided to point out objects and for drawing over the picture. You could trace buildings or the Golden Gate Bridge onto the paper then later look at a outline of the structures. |
Relations to Engineering and Design
One amazing part of visiting the Exploratorium was the connections I could make between the activities and my school education. Due to the fact I am enrolled in Physics and Engineering, I have experimented with many different tools, machinery, and techniques to support structures. In the picture to the left, there are many different panels to express individual ways materials can be used or applied. Each square has a diverse word embedded into the panel by the use of that specific object. For example, the word 'paint' is painted onto a block, while the word 'drill' is visible because exact sections of the panel were drilled out in order to create the letters. I find this way of showing unique designs very creative; it's cool to actually visualize the outcome of a certain process and see the changes it can make to a simple panel. During our first unit, I used several of these techniques to test which material was the most supportive, effective, or efficient. I felt so proud when I realized I actually understood the benefits and problems of the majority of the examples. For instance, wood glue is quite strong, but it takes a longer time to set. Instead, I could drill in screws if the pieces of wood allowed that possibility. Throughout my entire life, I will probably use these different methods in home designs, building models, or other construction projects.
One amazing part of visiting the Exploratorium was the connections I could make between the activities and my school education. Due to the fact I am enrolled in Physics and Engineering, I have experimented with many different tools, machinery, and techniques to support structures. In the picture to the left, there are many different panels to express individual ways materials can be used or applied. Each square has a diverse word embedded into the panel by the use of that specific object. For example, the word 'paint' is painted onto a block, while the word 'drill' is visible because exact sections of the panel were drilled out in order to create the letters. I find this way of showing unique designs very creative; it's cool to actually visualize the outcome of a certain process and see the changes it can make to a simple panel. During our first unit, I used several of these techniques to test which material was the most supportive, effective, or efficient. I felt so proud when I realized I actually understood the benefits and problems of the majority of the examples. For instance, wood glue is quite strong, but it takes a longer time to set. Instead, I could drill in screws if the pieces of wood allowed that possibility. Throughout my entire life, I will probably use these different methods in home designs, building models, or other construction projects.
Future Visits
For the future, I am excited to explore the biology portion of the Exploratorium. Although I was capable of trying several life related experiments, I would enjoy going back and truly understanding biology concepts on a deeper level. There would be an increased number of exhibits that I could relate to and I would be able to think of new experiments that would build of the current examples at the Exploratorium. Another thing that might be better next time I visit would be the live dissections or presentations. I did not have enough time to stay for the demonstrations, but I think watching one would benefit my learning. I would be able to ask the questions I have instead of just wondering about the answer and then forgetting to Google it at home. I also think listening to a lecture from a professional would help me with my own presentations. I could watch the process of information and discover ways to keep the audience involved and interested. I'm really excited to come back next year!
For the future, I am excited to explore the biology portion of the Exploratorium. Although I was capable of trying several life related experiments, I would enjoy going back and truly understanding biology concepts on a deeper level. There would be an increased number of exhibits that I could relate to and I would be able to think of new experiments that would build of the current examples at the Exploratorium. Another thing that might be better next time I visit would be the live dissections or presentations. I did not have enough time to stay for the demonstrations, but I think watching one would benefit my learning. I would be able to ask the questions I have instead of just wondering about the answer and then forgetting to Google it at home. I also think listening to a lecture from a professional would help me with my own presentations. I could watch the process of information and discover ways to keep the audience involved and interested. I'm really excited to come back next year!
*Here is a link to the San Francisco Exploratorium website.