By Molly Magennis
Scienceworks has unveiled a new exhibition, allowing young minds to explore the science behind one of the world’s most valued resources, light.
Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light officially opened on May 14, and transported visitors to a neon-filled, music festival-like environment.
The Scienceworks exhibition gallery has been converted into a dedicated space for families to engage with science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) by playing with light in all its forms through interactive play.
The exhibition is divided into six zones, including:
– The Refractory, where visitors can use tools that bend light to make things appear bigger or closer.
– Sensor Sonic, curious minds can dance through sensors to make percussive beats, spin dials to program music with colour and scan barcodes to create a soundscape and,
– Mirror Mirror, where visitors can create patterns of colour with a giant kaleidoscope and experiment with their own appearance using a range of morphing mirrors
Scienceworks general manager Jonathan Shearer said the museum wanted to “inject our brand of fun, whole-body learning through play to the topic of light and optics.”
“Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light is where you can experiment with light sensors, lenses and lasers to explore colour, sight and the way light moves through different materials,” he said.
“Explore all of this together with your friends and family for an active and creative learning experience.”
Minister for creative industries Danny Pearson said there was no better way to learn about science than through hands-on activities and play.
“The exhibition will light up curious minds of all ages and adds to the exciting new experiences across our museums this year.”
Tickets for the exhibition are on sale now, with the show running until July 9.
