This shell comes from a species of large sea snail, the green abalone. The outer brown shell layer has been removed to reveal the beautiful mother-of-pearl underneath. Did you know that the green abalone can live up to 30 years or more? They live in shallow water under rocks, in rock crevices, and other hidden… Continue reading
Will Mars appear as large as the Moon this week? Just another viral space myth according to our McDonnell Planetarium Manager, Will. Instead, look up on September 5th to see our Moon and the red planet less than 1° apart. Connect with Curiosity
Made by Kenner as part of their Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back collection, the Yoda hand puppet (complete with white hair) had a good likeness to the legendary teacher of the Jedi Knights. Just like the puppet from the film, all this hand puppet needed was a helping hand and some imagination to bring… Continue reading
Tourmaline is known as the “electric stone” because it has the ability to exhibit unique pyro-piezoelectric properties. This means that when subjected to pressure or temperature change, the crystals can produce and hold an electrical charge. Tourmaline varies in color, forming in almost every color of the spectrum. This black specimen has formed with albite,… Continue reading
Knowing where your food comes from and how it is grown is not as common as it once was. As we have become reliant on purchasing food from grocery stores and restaurants, we have become less connected to the ways our food is grown. When our guests visit the GROW Gallery, many of them are… Continue reading
This brass lantern was designed to hang under the eaves of Buddhist temples and shrines in Japan. Shaped like a pagoda, it has hinged doors and a traditional Japanese design etched on its six sides. Originally introduced from China around the 8th century for use in Imperial palaces, these lamps became popular fixtures to light… Continue reading
Native to North America, turkey vultures are a familiar sight in much of the continental United States. These large birds ride thermal waves in the sky, gliding on columns of warm air heated by the sun. The scavengers use their heightened sense of smell to find food, feasting on carrion. Their sophisticated immune system protects… Continue reading
Support science for our future. Make a gift to the Science Center’s Annual Fund today to help power connections to STEAM for everyone in our community. Asked what the word sustainability means to her, Maddie pauses for a minute to pull up a quote on her computer. “I want to get this definition right,” she… Continue reading
