The New York Hall of Science is considered one of the premier science museums in the country. This New York City museum is packed with some 400 exhibits that challenge the mind and stimulate the imagination. Along with its multitude of exhibits, the museum features a 16-screen video wall, a 300-seat auditorium, a fantastic lunchroom area, and a Technology Gallery that allows the public Internet access.
Featured Exhibits at the New York Hall of Science
The New York Hall of Science features an ever-changing array of showings that are designed to titillate and excite a love for science. For example, 2006 features a cornucopia of events such as the Science Technology exhibit, which chronicles inventions over a span of 150 years. It also offers a Ribosome Sculpture, which clearly illustrates the structure and form of ribosome -- a cell organelle that promotes the production of protein.
Another intriguing show offered at this New York City museum is Quantoons, which is a collection of illustrations by Thomas Burk that first appeared in Quantum Magazine. Big Art offers a wide selection of paintings of biological and reproductive processes. The Art of Science Fiction exhibit features the wonderful world of sci-fi art by offering illustrations of time travel, space, and technological imaginings.
Special Events
There is always a variety of special events taking place at the New York Hall of Science. One special event visitors can participate in is the Preschool Puppet Show and activity, featuring the show Filbert Firefly's First Day of School. This show follows Filbert as he enters school and makes new friends. To cap off the festivities, youngsters decorate a wearable insect shell, which they get to keep. This activity does, however, carry a small supplies fee.
Far Out Science!, a special event taking place in 2006, features a series of exhibits focusing on the inherent excitement of science. One component of this special event is the Outta Sight Screens exhibit, which features shadow-making with technology and software to produce an "experience that is outta sight." Other featured events and exhibits in this series include The Amazing Maze and The hall of Mirrors. To increase math interest and achievement the New York Hall of Science is also featuring a program called Funky Math during this special event. This exhibit explores patterns, topography, and puzzles.
Fun Filled Math Explorations
Since math and science are so closely related, activities to enrich math skills are a significant focus of the New York hall of Science. For example, Fun With Math will be featured in 2006. With this intriguing area, children can participate in activities like the exhibit of Colossal Clocks. Here, children six years old and under learn about clocks, how they work, and how to tell time. They also get the hands on experience of making a working clock to take home.
Another current feature is the world famous Math Film Festival, showing the amazing math classics of Cyberchase: The Wedding Scammer and Reading Rainbow: How much is a Million? Many special events carry a small fee and some have limited space available. Therefore, it is best to call in advance when planning a trip in order to obtain a schedule of events and to learn about any applicable fees.
Planning a Trip to the New York Hall of Science
The New York Hall of Science features different topics daily and monthly, offering a dizzying selection of interactive events that spark curiosity and wonder. In addition to exhibits, the museum serves as a backdrop to many public and private events, appropriate for adult or children's occasions. School groups are also welcome and encouraged to come explore the exhibits, workshops, and activities. The facilities are booked well in advance, so it is advisable to make reservations up to eight weeks in advance. The museum can be called at (718) 699-0005.
The New York Hall of Science is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. It is located at 47-01 111th street, Queens, NY 11368.
