ITHACA, NY – Explore the science of motion at the Sciencenter’s summer exhibition, “Roll, Drop, Bounce,” plus special hands-on activities during opening weekend, Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21.
“Roll, Drop, Bounce” features twelve colorful, interactive exhibits designed to engage young scientists and their families in the fun side of physics. This active learning laboratory offers rolling wheels, dropping objects, bouncing balls, and things on-the-move. In a hands-on way, guests will explore kinetic energy, momentum, Newton’s Law of Motion and other physics principles.
Guests of all ages will think, experiment, and play as they investigate catapults, balancing acts, balls racing on ramps, and more. Experiment with kinetic energy (the energy of motion) to make the ball loop-the-loop. Design and engineer a mini-car, then race it down a ramp to discover which features make it roll the farthest. Test the cause and effect of friction with a puck on an air-levitation table, then experiment with angle to ricochet the puck into the goal. Build the coolest ball roller coaster with funnels, chutes, and tubes.
As part of the exhibition’s opening weekend celebration, guests can experiment with gravity, launch a catapult, make and test a spinning helicopter, and more through special hands-on activities. These activities will be offered on both Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, at 11 am and 1 pm.
The “Roll, Drop, Bounce” exhibition and activities are included with regular museum admission. An exclusive Sciencenter members-only preview of the exhibition, with hands-on activities will be held on Friday, April 19, 6 – 8 pm. “Roll, Drop, Bounce” is sponsored in part by Tompkins Trust Company.
The Sciencenter inspires excitement for science through interactive exhibits and programs that engage, educate and empower. The hands-on museum offers guests of all ages more than 250 exhibits, educational programs, a gift shop, an outdoor science park and a seasonal miniature golf course. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for children 3-17 years, and free to members and children under 3. For membership information, current programs and activities, please visit www.sciencenter.org. The Sciencenter is a proud member of the Discovery Trail in Ithaca.
