Exhibit fosters curiosity – the driving force behind science

Have you ever had a question that no one you know was able to answer? Maybe we can help. On Saturday (June 6), Explorit Science Center will open an exhibition that may provide answers to your burning inquiries. It’s called “I Wonder …” and it will run through Sept. 6 at our main site, 2801 Second St.

The exhibit is based on questions submitted by the public over the past year and can be found upstairs in the Gumerlock Gallery.

This exhibit's primary goal is to focus on curiosity, the driving force behind science. How do scientists find answers? How do they approach questions? Have all the questions been asked yet?

Here is a sneak peek at what you might find when you visit:

• Investigate the nature of colors by mixing them together,  creating rainbows and  performing a variety of experiments inside a darkened booth.
• Use a range of tests to determine the identity of a given mineral.
• Shake up your day with an exciting earthquake table. Do you possess the engineering skills to successfully build a structure that will survive a quake?
• Propel balls into the air and watch them hover as if by magic using a powerful cushion of air.
• Learn all about the wide world of plants. How do they eat? How do they grow?
• Blow up a balloon and shoot it across the room on a wire to learn about how rockets work.
• Are optical illusions and mind tricks more your thing? Lucky for you, we will have some of those, too!

Naturally, that's only a sample of what you will find come Saturday. You will
have to come check it for yourself if you want to know more.

"I Wonder?" is the brainchild of Anna Grace, exhibits coordinator, and Jon
Bell, exhibit developer.

Grace is especially excited about the opening of this particular exhibition because it's been a long time coming. “I've been trying to develop an exhibit based on people's questions for a while –  it's a unique approach to designing an exhibit.’

Both Grace and Bell have had fun reading the questions as they made their way into their hands. You, too, will be able to look at them (maybe you will see yours!) because they will be displayed on a Gumerlock Gallery wall.

Hundreds of questions were received and similar themes were grouped together.

Oddly enough, color was one of the themes. Questions ranged from the classic "Why is the sky blue?" to “Why are there colors?”

“I’m most excited about the fish tank,” Bell says. “We had several questions about fish, and thanks to some help from Woodland Aquarium, we were able to purchase a large tank (40 gallons) that will be able to stay in the Gumerlock Gallery indefinitely. People love to look at fish, and we can learn a lot by watching them.”

As is true for all exhibitions, the designers have strived to create an exhibit suitable for all ages to enjoy and learn together about a facet of science.

“I Wonder...” is sponsored by Northrop Grumman.

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Members and special guests can get an early look at the exhibition tonight from 6:30 to 8:30. Members of the public are welcome to stop by and learn what Explorit has to offer, particularly membership opportunities. This event’s primary purpose is to honor members and donors. Woodstock’s has donated pizza.  

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Explorit Science Center is open from 2-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission is $4 general, free for ages 3 and under. The museum is at 2801 Second St., Davis. For more information: (530) 756-0191 or www.explorit.org.