Best Science Exhibits In Minnesota
Society is filled with curiosity about science and the way things work. In Minnesota, there are entire museums dedicated to examples of science and technology throughout history. Whether it is an interactive exhibit or an object of interest, there is so much to learn through visual experiences and encounters. Although science may not have been a favorite subject in school, science exhibits contribute to a lot of understanding and knowledge about the world around us. Visit these science exhibits in your community.
"Body Electric"
The Bakken Museum
3537 Zenith Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55416
(612) 926-3878
www.thebakken.org
The body is full of electricity and the Bakken Museum has an interactive exhibit to prove it. Located in the beautiful mansion purchased by Earl Bakken in 1975 specifically to start up the museum, the Bakken explores electricity and magnetism through interactive exhibits. "Body Electric," a permanent exhibit in the museum, features a collection of antique and modern medical devices that used the body's electric current for diagnoses and treatments. Most notable is the collection of pacemakers from the last century and the exhibit that uses your heart's electricity to make music. Also interesting is the area where you can use your own brain waves to move a ball. You'll be amazed at how complex your body is.
Experiment Gallery
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 221-9444
www.smm.org
The Experiment Gallery allows visitors to play scientist and conduct their own experiments. Interactive areas of the exhibit offer information and experiment ideas for optics, magnetism, weather, physical science and many other topics of interest. Most popular is the weather station, where visitors can control and watch the formation of a tornado. There are also hands-on experiments at a wave tank, where one can control the flow and size of waves. Although the entire museum is a fantastic exhibit in itself, the Experiment Gallery really brings you into the lab.
"World Works"
Minnesota Children's Museum
10 W. 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 225-6000
www.mcm.org
An interactive exhibit that introduces kids to the fun of science, "World Works" is by far the most popular exhibit in the Children's Museum. "World Works" allows children to cultivate a love of science by letting them explore how things work in the world. Kids learn through play on a pretend construction site to see how it's possible to move large objects. Visitors play with lights and shadows on the shadow wall and learn about buoyancy at the water tables. The exhibit never fails to bring about more questions about the world and learning for the curious mind.
"Nano-Imagine"
Duluth Children's Museum
115 S. 29th Ave. W.
Duluth, MN 55806
(218) 733-7543
www.duluthchildrensmuseum.org
The latest trend in research and technology is the study of the nano-universe. At the Duluth Children's Museum, an entire exhibit is dedicated to this tiny world. Sciences study matter at an atomic level and use that information to manipulate the larger organism or object. This exhibit shows the nano-world with large-scale models of particles and interactive displays to help visitors understand this scientific development. Learn how knowledge of nano-particles has contributed to advancements in science and technology. Get inside this little world.
Heritage And Wind Power Learning Center
108 Center St. S.
Lake Benton, MN 56149
(507) 368-9577
www.lakebentonminnesota.com
Wind power is so abundant in Lake Benton that it used to power an entire town. Check out the Heritage and Wind Power Learning Center to learn how wind is harvested into useful energy for a community. Lake Benton is referred to as the "Wind power capitol of the Midwest," and it is obvious, with its 600-plus wind turbines, why this applies. The Learning Center discusses how wind power works, why this form of clean energy is important for the future and what benefits there are to using wind energy. A guided tour takes about an hour and includes a tour of the Wind Garden as well.
Related: Nerdy Nights: Best Events For Geeks In Minnesota
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
