EXPLORIT Science Center - Weekly Column

There's still time left to discover there is more to art then meets the eye. When it comes to hands-on experiments showcasing science in music and art, dance and theater, Explorit's current exhibition is the place to be. Over thirty exhibits and experiments offer inventiveness for the right brain and rationalism for the left brain.

Explorit's exhibition "Picture This! Math and Science in the Arts" is great for kids of all ages. Here is a sampling of what you can experience when you visit.

The physics of sound come alive in the xylophone, a table top stringed instrument and other instruments including the rain-stick, the hand-drum and maracas. Sing at Explorit and watch your voice come out wiggling in digital waves with the aid of an oscilloscope.

Jump on the blue stage, spin the disco ball and perform in your own fantasy band! Count up the beats you make with your feet and instrument. How many beats can you make in 10 seconds? Also, learn how to dance like beautiful Celts and radiant Africans.

Color is the basis of most visual art, from watercolors to weaving. The halls of Explorit offer a unique look into the behavior of light and its role in colors. Build white by using three simple colors. Try an experiment using colored light and dancing shadows.

There are a variety of unique table-top tools to help create original one-of-a-kind art that children can do together with their parents. Families can also create drawings with the power of repetition, inertia and friction on the Harmonigraph. Try out the colorful tops that draw while spinning!

Become a word smith and find out you really don't need those vowels in your name to be who you are. Cultures such as the Egyptians built names and words without the use of vowels. Also, tackle some poetry building exercises.

In addition, children and adults can learn how to recreate the gentle, simple ancient process of woven textiles, crack the mystery of the keystone in architecture or even how to build flying machines (also known as kites).

Go to Explorit to sculpt with clay your greatest masterpiece. Most of all go to Explorit to have fun! Delve into the beauty of balance by experimenting with the balancing mobile.

These are only a sampling of what activities are found in “Picture This! Math and Science in the Arts.” Stop by to discover what else is on display.

As the end of summer heats up, come in out of the heat and into the cool. Explorit's halls show how science is cool and is in the heart of every creative undertaking.

Explorit will have regular public hours on Saturday and Sunday, but will be closed for the Monday holiday.

Explorit Science Center is at 3141 5th Street in East Davis. The current exhibition is “Picture This! Math and Science in the Arts.” Public hours are Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.explorit.org or call Explorit at (530) 756-0191.

Explorit Science Center Weekly Column