Science shows are presented by Fort Discovery staff members three times daily, Monday through Saturday, and two times on Sunday. Shows are held in the Power Station, located on the second floor adjacent to the Communications Gallery.

Demonstration subject matter includes electricity and magnetism, motion, sound, light and color, matter and cryogenics, air pressure and some chemistry. Demonstrations may be devoted specifically to one topic or may include science areas that overlap to illustrate a principle.

Listed below you find a brief description of some of the demonstrations we currently present. For additional information, please feel free to contact the Program Manager.

Electricity

Demonstrates what electricity is, how magnetism is related to and produces electricity. Demonstration experiments may include any or all of the following:

• Magnets
• Simple wire coils
• Van de Graff generator
• Tesla Coil

Sound

Explains what sound is and how is occurs. Demonstration experiments may include any or all of the following:

• Acoustical glass breaker
• Laser oscilloscope
• Singing rods

Motion

Explains Newton's first and third Law of Motion. Demonstration experiments may include any or all of the following.

• Coke bottle and sewing hoop
• Pendulums and bowling ball
• Baseball and racquetballs

Matter and Cryogenics

Explains the four states of matter: solid, liquid, gas and plasma. Experiments include the following:

• Changes in matter caused by temperature and high voltage electricity
  
  (Small additional fee is required and by request only)

Air Pressure

Explains the effects of air pressure (14.6 lb. per square inch) on different objects. Demonstrations may include any or all of the following:

• Balloon forced into a bottle
• Sipping soda through a straw
• Holding suspended glass panes in the air, by air
• Raising water level
• Crushing a can

Chemistry

Explains different combinations of chemicals and how the mixtures produce spectacular results.

Light and Color

Explores reflection, refraction and other properties of light and color. Demonstration experiments may include the following:

• Color wheel
• Reflection mirror
• Bubbles
• Blind spot