What's New At Pacific Science Center

PacSci-Doku: "Replacement Parts"

2011-08-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

Our latest bi-weekly science word puzzle looks to the future with an idea that's been around a long time. Can you solve the "Replacement Parts" edition of PacSci-Doku?

All Part Of The Job

2011-08-26T14:18:00.002-07:00

What's on your calendar at work? Maybe a meeting or sales appointment. But for Pacific Science Center's Life Sciences Manager Sarah Moore it's quite different. Her to-do list can include "picking up trash" or "discuss cockroach pigment with Brigid" and even "mist snake heads." Sarah recently wrote about her sometimes odd-sounding calendar on our Life Sciences Blog. Take a look then come discover for yourself some of what she sees every day.

Slough News: Wetlab Academy Opens

2011-08-26T14:18:00.001-07:00

This fall, the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue is offering its new Wetlab Academy Seminars for high school and home school students. Go beyond your typical high school chemistry curriculum with hands-on investigations of our local watershed utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory and field equipment. Seminars include 16 sessions meeting twice a week either in the morning or after school. Registration begins September 1 for seminars starting in October. Learn More

Members, Seen Goose Bumps Yet?

2011-08-26T14:16:00.002-07:00

The world's first comprehensive exhibit about the universal emotion of fear, Goose Bumps! The Science Of Fear delivers excitement and fun (along with a few shivers) and provides an experiential and holistic view of fear science -- examining physiological, neurological and sociological aspects of this often misunderstood emotion. The exhibit is all about fear, but it's not scary. It's fun! It's a great way to understand why we humans fear certain things, some more than others, and how we can come to grips with those fears. Engaging, hands-on activities encourage guests to experience fear in a safe and enjoyable environment, measure their responses, and think about what it means to them. Goose Bumps! The Science Of Fear is open daily through September 5, 2011 and is FREE for Pacific Science Center members. More

Live From The Ocean Floor

2011-08-26T14:16:00.001-07:00

Join us this Saturday, August 27 as we catch up with two local scientists who are currently working in a unique environment - the bottom of the Pacific Ocean some 300 miles off the coast of Oregon. Utilizing a high-resolution video stream and satellite connectivity, UW scientists Giora Proskurowski and Allison Fundis will chat live with Science Center guests (weather permitting) as they view the video feed in our Portal To Current Research exhibit. We invite you to submit questions to these intrepid researchers or just come and discover what's going on at the site of an underwater volcano, rich in fascinating life and formations. We hope you can join us for this very special event. Learn More

Science On The Move

2011-08-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

Pacific Science Center takes science out and about again this weekend. Our latest appearance is at the 4th Annual Lake Hills Blueberry Festival in Bellevue. Explore our Science On Wheels exhibits and stop by our booth for some fun Science Center swag. The event takes place this Saturday, August 27 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lake Hills Elementary School in Bellevue. Learn More

Bumbershoot

Then next weekend, Sept. 3-5, we'll once again be part of Bumbershoot, Seattle's annual music and arts festival at Seattle Center. This year Bumbershoot introduces the new Youngershoot Kids' Zone located in Center House for children 10 and under and their guardians at no additional cost. The Youngershoot Kids' Zone will be open daily during Bumbershoot from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and there will be a host of fun and engaging activities. Stop by the exhibition area to explore our interactive and hands-on activities from our Science On Wheels education outreach program. Be sure to also check out our exciting and fast-paced science shows put on by our Science On Wheels presenters on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 5 at 3:30 p.m. On Sunday it's Pacific Science Center's Radical Reactions Show, and on Monday we'll present the Super Cool Science Show. Hope to see you out and about!

National Institutes Of Health Grant

2011-08-19T10:24:00.002-07:00

Pacific Science Center is excited to announce that we have been awarded a $1.2 million grant through the National Institutes of Health's Science Education Partnership Award. This five-year award will help support an exhibit space on local, cutting-edge health and medical research inside our new Professor Wellbody's Academy of Health & Wellness exhibit opening in 2012. The grant also supports the training of local scientists to share their health research with public audiences, Science Cafés linked to health themes and five annual Life Sciences Research Weekends. Look for more information on these valuable programs in the coming months. Learn More

Scientist Spotlight Saturday

2011-08-19T10:24:00.001-07:00

Join us as we explore chemical catalysts, marine larvae of the Bering Sea and how salmon affect insects on land. All that and more at a special Scientist Spotlight this Saturday, August 20. Learn More

Live From The Bottom Of The Sea

2011-08-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

A bit of scientific history was made this summer when scientists were able to accurately predict the eruption of an undersea volcano (learn more about it in this Science Daily report). If you attended either of the recent Scientist Spotlight events in our Portal to Current Research space, then you already learned about this work from the scientists themselves. And now we're taking the exhibit to a whole new level: The two scientists we featured will host a live video feed from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean some 300 miles off the coast of Oregon---at the very site of this fascinating research. Further, YOU will be able to participate. Starting this Sunday, August 21, we invite our guests to stop by our exhibit and submit questions for these two intrepid scientists. Then on Saturday, August 27, during this live video feed your questions will be answered. We hope you can join us for this very special event. Learn More

Science Communication Fellowship

2011-08-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

Are you a science professional or grad student researching global health? Applications are due Aug. 29 for Pacific Science Center's Science Communication Fellowship. We invite you to join our growing cadre of scientists, researchers and other science-based professionals who have been certified by Pacific Science Center as current science ambassadors and excellent communicators. Fellows join Pacific Science Center in inspiring lifelong interest in science, math and technology. More

Members, Now's The Time To Renew

2011-08-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

August is the perfect time to renew your Pacific Science Center membership. We have a special offer on Platinum and Titanium level memberships this month: If you buy a full year's renewal at the Platinum or Titanium level, we will convert whatever time remains on your current membership to the higher level you purchased. Both the Platinum and the Titanium memberships come with free tickets to studio feature films, so upgrade and go see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 An IMAX 3D Experience today for free. Membership already expired? Not to worry. If you renew your membership in the month of August we will give you two free regular IMAX passes. Just our way of saying thank you for supporting Pacific Science Center. These offers can be redeemed on-site at the Science Center only, so come in and renew your membership today. Learn More

Slough News: Registration Now Open

2011-08-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

Bring your class back to nature. Registration has opened for school programs at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue for the coming school year, with programs available for preschools, elementary and middle schools. Investigate soil or aquatic macroinvertebrates in our lab and then take a hike and discover the bog, pond and forest habitats of the Mercer Slough Nature Park. Programs are inquiry based and address the Washington State Science Standards. Spaces fill fast so call (206) 443-2925 to register. Learn More

Crafty As Well As Beautiful

2011-08-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

The stars of Pacific Science Center's Tropical Butterfly House are beautiful to watch, but did you know just how crafty they are? A recently published study has solved the mystery of how one species of butterfly avoids being eaten. The answer? They change their appearance to look like other species that taste bad to birds. Very clever, those little flutterbys. Learn more about the study in this article. This deceptive adaptation can be seen inside our Butterfly House, as outlined in this post on our Life Sciences Blog. So, read up on these amazing creatures, then come see them for yourself, up close and personal.

Special Offer For Groups

2011-08-11T12:36:00.001-07:00

Got a group? From now through Labor Day Weekend, Pacific Science Center has a special offer for groups. Parties of 10 or more (the usual minimum group size is 15) receive special group rates as well as a free adult exhibit entry per every 10 youth tickets. Now it's even easier to visit our Goose Bumps! Science Of Fear exhibit, take in a Danger Science Show, ride the High Rail Bike or spend time in our Tropical Butterfly House. So, put together a group of family and friends and come visit us under the arches. To book a visit or for further information, call (206) 443-3611 or email groupevents@pacsci.org. Learn More

The Great Pond Project

2011-08-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

Anyone who's visited Pacific Science Center knows the reflecting pools beneath our famous arches have been empty for some time. We're excited to report they are now being repaired. Forty-nine years ago the ponds were poured as independent slabs of concrete divided with cedar boards. The rocks you see on the bottom of the ponds were all hand placed and mortared onto the surface. Over the years the cedar has decayed, resulting in major leaks. Now, the original joints are being removed and replaced with a modern gasket and then covered with a dark seam sealer. The end result will look almost the same as the original joints, but will have much greater durability. We look forward to soon filling the ponds, seeing the fountains spouting once again and the original ambience of this beautiful space restored.

Eames Theater Update

2011-08-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

In a recent article, we told you Pacific Science Center's historic Eames IMAX Theater is now closed for renovations. We thought it was time for a quick project update. The construction team has removed all of the seats, the screen, all fluorescent lights and some interior wall panels. The carpet has been removed and an elaborate system of scaffolding has been erected to access the ceiling for work on lighting, ventilation and acoustics. Re-opening in the fall of 2011 and designed by NBBJ, the theater will feature a new IMAX 3D projection system including a new digital sound system, new seating and a complete refurbishment of the space.

Camp-In On TV

2011-08-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Pacific Science Center's famous Camp-In program was featured this week on NBC's Today Show. Look for us at the 3:12 mark in this video. Then start making plans for your group's overnight adventure at Pacific Science Center. Dates and themes for the coming season will soon be posted online and in our weekly newsletter.

Slough News: Wild Edibles

2011-08-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Discover what you can eat as you stroll through one of the best urban nature spots in the country. Join our Lake Washington Watershed interns at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue for their final Family Workshop. Find, touch and taste some seasonal edibles growing wild in the wetlands, learn how to use a tree to make rope and discover which parts of a cattail are edible. The workshop is $10 per family or $7 per individual (aimed at ages 4-12). This excellent family adventure is set for this Saturday, August 13, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. This is our last Family Workshop, so join us while you still can. 30 person capacity (first come, first served). Learn More

PacSci-Doku: "Pretty Sight"

2011-08-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Our latest bi-weekly science word puzzle is beautiful to see but deceiving. Can you solve the "Pretty Sight" edition of PacSci-Doku?

Special 3-Day Scientist Spotlight Aug. 5-7, 2011

2011-08-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

Join us this weekend for a very special three-day Scientist Spotlight event. We begin Friday in the new Portal To Current Research exhibit. We'll have two local scientists on hand to explain their work, Allison Fundis and Giora Proskurowski with the UW's School of Oceanography. They study the connection between volcanoes, hydrothermal vents and life in the deep-sea. Stop by 1-4 p.m. to meet these two eloquent scientists and learn all about "Life in Extreme Environments." In addition, our guests can decorate styrofoam cups that will be taken on Allison and Giora's next voyage to the deep. What the pressure at the bottom of the ocean does to those cups is amazing. We have some on display. Decorate your own, then come back when they return and see what happened to it.

On Saturday and Sunday we have six more scientists in our Ackerley Family Exhibit Gallery. How do bacteria eat pollution? How do robots explore Mars? How does life thrive in the coldest places on Earth? Just some of what you'll discover. Learn More

Meet A Scientist

Who are these scientists who visit us each month? They're members of our community like anyone else, except they do some very cool things. Meet one local scientist who's particularly 'cool' and who'll be on hand this Saturday, Aug. 6. Learn More

Eastside Science Café: Finding Planets Around Other Stars

2011-08-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

At our next Eastside Science Café, we go deep into space. Spotting planets as they form around other stars is tricky, but scientists now know where to look: in the large disks of dust and debris that surround certain stars. Join UW's John Wisniewski, PhD, next Monday, August 8, 7 p.m. at Wilde Rover in downtown Kirkland to discuss the latest techniques for seeking out and photographing baby planets outside our solar system. All Science Cafés are free and open to all ages. Just bring your questions. Learn More

Fear Fact

2011-08-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Q. Why does fear make us sweat?

A. Sweat is our built-in cooling system. When we feel afraid, we sweat more as part of the fight or flight response. It's one of the ways our bodies anticipate the hard work of running away or fighting - the excess moisture evaporates and helps cool us down.

This Fear Fact brought to you by Pacific Science Center's latest exhibit, Goose Bumps! The Science Of Fear. Come face to face with some of the fears that we humans deal with: fear of falling, fear of snakes and other creepy-crawly things, fear of electric shock and more. Goose Bumps! is open daily through September 5 and is included with the price of general admission - free for Pacific Science Center members. More

Celebrating 50 Years Of Discovery

2011-07-23T09:29:00.001-07:00

On October 22, 2012, Pacific Science Center marks 50 years of bringing science to life under our iconic arches in Seattle and around the Pacific Northwest. To celebrate our legacy and build excitement for our future, we are planning an exciting lineup of community-focused events and programs for all ages and we want you to be part of it! Learn More

Family Astronomy Weekend

2011-07-23T09:28:00.001-07:00

This August 12-14, join Pacific Science Center for our annual weekend of astronomy and discovery. Led by a team of enthusiastic Pacific Science Center instructors, there will be a variety of hands-on activities throughout the weekend. During the day, you will enjoy shows in our portable planetarium, build your own telescope, learn about meteors, hear from a special guest speaker and much more. After dark, discover the night sky like you've never seen it before. This year, our trip coincides with the annual Perseids meteor shower. This program takes place in Goldendale, WA. Space is still available, though limited, so register soon! For more information, visit pacificsciencecenter.org/travel, call (206) 443-3642 or email travel@pacsci.org.

It's A VERY Small World

2011-07-23T09:27:00.001-07:00

A new photo exhibit at Pacific Science Center will introduce you to a whole new world. A world that's all around us, yet invisible to the naked eye. It's the annual Nikon Small World photomicrography competition with 20 amazing images. A flea's head, the heart of a mosquito, the eye of a wasp, cancer cells and many more now on display in our Ackerley Family Exhibit Gallery through September 25. Learn More