Best Science Exhibits At Carnegie Science Center In Pittsburgh
Whether you're a native Pittsburgher or visiting for the first time, it's no secret that this city houses some of the most extraordinary, intriguing museums and exhibit halls in the country. You've visited the CSC once or twice, but have you stopped to appreciate all of its award-winning nuances? Give the following five a first try, or a second glance; you might be surprised.
Carnegie Science Center
1 Allegheny Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 237-3400
www.carnegiesciencecenter.org
Roboworld
www.carnegiesciencecenter.org
When you think robots, your mind might immediately associate C3PO or even your home's Roomba. However, prepare to have everything you know about robots dissolve when you step foot into the world's largest robotics exhibit. Machines that assist us in our everyday lives, mechanical air hockey (just try to beat the computer), an interactive guide named 'Andy' and even your favorite movie 'bots come to life in this one-of-a-kind experience. See the robotic basketball player that scores a near-perfect shot every time, the machine that can sense motion and the digital arm that will take your digi drawing and turn it into something tangible.
Rangos Omnimax Theater
www.carnegiesciencecenter.org
A four-story IMax domed theater - one of only 50 in the entire US - will entice, thrill and delight everyone in your party with its superior, high-quality projection, crystal clear sound and can't-be-beat seating. There's not a bad bench in the entire theater, as you're surrounded on all sides by the action. Current films include "Into the Arctic," "Sea Monsters" and "Tornado Alley," plus the award-winning "Jerusalem." The science center even hosts laser shows featuring the music of Pink Floyd, Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson. Check the CSC's website for showtimes and ticket info.
Exploration Station Jr.
www.carnegiesciencecenter.org
For the littlest scientists in your party, make a point to check out the super-interactive, hands-on Exploration Station Jr. With a crazy fun splash table, live animals and creepy crawlies making regular appearances, a ball factory and build station, you'll be hard-pressed not to spend your entire visit on the fourth floor. Exploration Station even has a semi-private area for nursing mummies, books and puzzles to play with and a quiet area to take a rest - or play doctor! Get your little guys engaged and educated in one trip - you won't want to miss this exhibit.
Highmark SportsWorks
www.carnegiesciencecenter.org
Science isn't always about chemicals, barometric pressure and dissecting specimens - physical science plays a very important part of this field as well. Part of your admission fee is entrance to the Highmark SportsWorks, a fully interactive exhibit with over 30 areas to experience that all focus on the anatomy of sports. Take a leap off Bounce, the high-flying trampoline, or test your center of gravity by taking a ride on a mechanical skateboard. Strap in for a completely simulated roller coaster ride, or take a trip through a digital human as a piece of bacteria works its way through the entire host system. A 25-foot rock wall, an Olympic race, air hockey, a basketball challenge and so much more await at this complete immersion exhibit - and be sure to add at least an hour or two to your visit to accommodate all of the fun things HSW has in store.
SpacePlace
www.carnegiesciencecenter.org
Find out just what it would be like to be an astronaut at the city's only space-exploration arena. Experience zero gravity in a space simulator, discover artifacts, explore hands-on what real astronauts train for and check out the Zeiss Model II Star Projector. You can even design your own rockets to launch from high above CSC's ground floor - all for the same admission fee. As a bonus, CSC's gift shop carries astronaut merchandise, so stock up on some fun, unusual treats like freeze dried ice cream, meteor rockets and glow-in-the-dark "space theaters."
Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn't studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she's out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
