The Exhibitions:
With so many interesting exhibitions available at the New York Hall of Science, it may be difficult for the average visitor to choose where to go and what to do first. Thankfully, there is something for everyone at the center.
The Hidden Kingdoms Exhibition – World of Microbes
This fascinating exhibition introduces us to the millions of microbes that surround us and yet we cannot see them. Visitors get to view microbes through giant microscopes and can view the millions of these elements in an aquarium. They will be amazed at what goes on in a single drop of pond water! A favorite in this exhibition is the Giant Eye of a Needle that enlarges amoeba, euglena and others to 1000 times their real size to gain an understanding of this amazing, hidden world.
Mathematica: A World of Numbers
Mathematics will never be the same again to the visitor who views this exhibition. Designed to transfer the excitement of the science of numbers to visitors, the exhibition views mathematics from different, original perspectives ranging from interactive exhibits to spontaneous formations. There are six units in this exhibition, including projective geometry, multiplication and minimal surfaces.
The Rocket Park
For space fundies, this is a not-to-be missed part of the New York Hall of Science. Spread over an impressive 5000 square foot area, the park offers visitors the option to literally feel the excitement of rocket science. It is possible to climb inside the replica of Friendship 7 Mercury Capsule to experience what the astronauts did in their space missions. Also on display is an original Titan II booster (including a 2-man Gemini booster) and an original Atlas booster.
The Search for Life Beyond Earth
This exhibition shows visitors how possible it is to discover life on other planets. It looks at the way microbes thrive in the most extreme temperatures – from acidic rivers to boiling hot mud pools – and examines how this has led scientists to suppose that there is life beyond earth. The hands-on exhibition allows visitors to drive a Mars Rover and visit the ocean floor in a submersible, among other exciting features
The Sports Challenge
This exhibition offers visitors the chance to try out fifteen different stations to study elements such as balance, friction, reaction, reflection, aerodynamics and others. Some of the more popular stations include:
The Reaction Time Challenge: Visitors need to hit their foot on the gas pedal as quickly as possible when the light turns green.
The Climbing Challenge: Visitors learn about friction as they scale a rock wall in an attempt to reach the top.
The Balance Challenge: This station allows visitors to ride a surfboard with the simulated experience of a real wave, and see how balance plays a huge role in the surfer’s attempts of staying on the board!
Preschool Place
This area of the New York Hall of Science is perfect for kids of ages six and younger. In incorporates ways in which urban meets rural in a number of interesting and ingenious hands-on aspects. Kids get to experience multi-sensory activities in special areas set aside for the very young ones as well.
Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus Area
Another area that is perfect for the older kids is this popular activity center. For a minimal fee, kids get to create their own science related masterpieces, including a fluttering butterfly, a magic box and a kaleidoscope. Special activity sessions are planned throughout the year, where children can learn about a science and then apply it to their creation.
The Science Playground
One of the most popular attractions of the New York Hall of Science, this gigantic playground is spread over 30,000 square feet and appeals to kids and adults of all ages. Visitors get to experience specific scientific elements (such as balance, sound, sight and motion) on traditional (and not so traditional!) playground equipment. The playground boasts dozens of playground elements, including a park, a well-protected rubber play surface, a picnic area and much more.
Some of the more popular playground equipment available in the Science Playground include:
The Giant See-Saw: Over 20 people at once can play on this see-saw to understand the element of balance. The size of this apparatus allows people to move backwards and forwards along the fulcrum and thus encourages the exploration of balance.
Octoscope: This giant kaleidoscope can be moved and visitors get to view new shapes and arrangements every time the mirrors are turned.
The Climbing Space Net: Visitors are invited to climb this huge jungle gym made out of flexible steel ropes and experience how their weight affects the structure.
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