HOME ABOUT CALENDAR NEWS PROGRAMS SCIENCE INDEX & SEARCH CONTACT or FIND US EXPANSION SUPPORT

Koolas to Tipis to Tule Huts Key Ideas: American Indians, American Indian Architecture/Structures, Early American History, Architectural Development

(When the word tipi is mentioned, most Americans bring to mind a picture of the traditional housing structure of the American Plains Indians. Even though the tipi, pueblo and other American Indian architecture is a symbol of America itself, how much do we really know about the structures that early American Indians chose to create and live in?) Full text of "Koolas ... "

Are We Having Our Droughts? Key Ideas: Drought, Weather, Water Cycle, Environment, Groundwater, Water Conservation.

(A drought makes itself known. The low reservoirs are the most evident sign of drought, but other measures also signal drought: low rainfall totals for the last 5-7 years, ever sinking groundwater levels, water rationing in the larger cities, reduction in stream and water flow, etc.) Full text of "Droughts ... "

Keeping the Insides In Key Ideas: Skins, Peels, Borders, Boundaries, Shells, Bubbles, Membranes, Exoskeletons

(Skins, peels, borders, boundaries, shells, membranes, exoskeletons, wrappers, scales, films, paint, glazes, cases...and the list goes on! Everywhere that we look, we see things being contained. Our bodies are covered with our largest organ, the skin. Every room in our house provides other examples: peels on bananas in the kitchen; hot water tank in the garage; glaze on a ceramic pot in the living room; pillowcases on our pillows in the bedroom, etc. Even the house itself keeps us in and keeps weather, other people, noise, etc. out.) Full text of "Keeping the Insides In."

Out of Sight, Into Mind Key Ideas: Microscopy, Astronomy, History of Science, Senses, Vision, Perception

(Most human beings are very visual creatures. We rely on our eyes to provide us with more vital information than any other sense. Scientists, too, rely on their vision and powers of observation to increase their knowledge of the structure and function of our universe. But even though our eyes are among the most highly developed of all the animals, they are actually quite limited. During this exhibit we will explore objects and events too small, too far away, too fast, or too slow for normal vision using some of the tools that scientists have created to help us "see" the "invisible.") Full text of "Out of Sight Into Mind"

Predictable Patterns Key Ideas: Patterns, Predictability, Probability, Frequency

(When we think of patterns, we may initially think of visual patterns such as those in fabric, wallpaper, art pieces. But patterns are so much more than that! Patterns are trends, such as radioactive decay and the colonization of intertidal zones. They are cycles, changes occuring over time, such as life cycles, seasonal cycles, planetary cycles and tidal cycles. There are even irregular patterns such as the predator-prey relationship and plant succession events. Recognizing a pattern can help us make predictions about what happens next. Patterns help to tell us what to expect from our world.) Full text of "Predictable Patterns"

Rhythmics Key Ideas: Rhythms, Biological Rhythms, Circadian Rhythms, Musical Rhythms, Seasonal Rhythms, Patterns, Sequences, Mathematical Rhythms

(What draws us to rhythms of music and verse? Is it because our lives, our bodies, are so inextricably intertwined with rhythms such as the beating of our hearts? Humankind has always had a fascination with rhythms. Rhythms are truly part of every culture and our everyday lives.) Full text of "Rhythmics "