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Air
Cannon 
 A
blast of air will startle and wow those who dare to try the air cannon. A
solid thump on this amazing contraption will compress the air within and
send it across the room to perhaps an unsuspecting friend. Try it on a
friend with long hair! When the membrane thrusts a burst of air out of the
hole, it displaces the surrounding air out side. The surrounding air swirls
around in the shape of a twisting doughnut. The twisting doughnut will carry
the original burst of air as far as 50 feet away. The physics of moving air
is called fluid dynamics. It may seem strange to call air a fluid but motion
of gases and liquids are very similar. When a fluid twists or swirls, it's
called a vortex.
Magic
Mirrors
 A
series of three curved mirrors demonstrate that reflected images play
interesting tricks. As participants change position in front of the mirrors,
distortions occur in the reflected light causing them to appear shorter,
taller, fatter or thinner.
Zoetrope
 This
forerunner of the motion picture consists of a drawing table and a rotating
drum. Make your own drawing in 12 segments, put it in the drum and watch
your picture come to life. Cost is .25 per sheet.
Frozen
Shadows
 One
of the most popular exhibits on the Center's floor, it demonstrates the
physics of light and motion. Creativity and fun is the name of the game with
this exhibit, as body motions are "frozen" on a reflectorized
wall. Fun for young and old.
Harmonograph
 The
only device that requires assistance from Center staff, it is highly
effective for showing how motion and friction relate to one another while
producing fascinating drawings and patterns. Participants can take their
drawing home. Some children have become very proficient and creative on the
harmonograph.
Did you know? No two drawings from the harmonograph are the
same. Every one is unique!
Hot
Air Balloon
 The balloon rises to the ceiling when filled with hot
air by pressing a button, returning to its original position
after cooling. This exhibit helps to explain molecular motion
as related to heat, and the effect of temperature on the
density of air.
Did you know? Air density decreases with increasing altitude and
changes with variances in temperature or humidity.
Puzzles
 A
variety of puzzles are available that require some serious thought and
dexterity. Take 'em apart and put 'em back together, a challenge to be sure
for those inclined to this activity.
Bubble Race
 Three
tubes filled with liquids of varying viscosity are available for
experiments. Both large and small air bubbles are introduced at the bottom
of each tube. As the bubbles rise, many different patterns and speeds can be
observed.
Did you know? Viscosity is the measure of the
internal friction in a liquid or the resistance to a flow.
Tractor Cab
 A
real tractor cab with all the controls and a video screen to make it a truly
hands-on experience that will stimulate an interest in the science of
agriculture, for all ages.
Rocks and Minerals
Revealed
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Almost everyone has picked up an interesting or colorful rock and
wondered where it came from or how it got that way. This exhibit provides
examples of hundreds of rocks and minerals that you can examine and hold.
Signs and labels explain how they are classified by geologists and their
geomorphology (the branch of geology that studies the characteristics and
configuration and evolution of rocks and land forms). Computers are
available that help you understand and appreciate the world of rocks and
minerals.
Did you know? Geologists classify rocks into three
general categories, called igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
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