October 18, 2004
A visit to the Science Museum of Minnesota
Earlier this year, Heidi and I joined became members of both the National Geographic Society and the Science Museum of Minnesota. While we really enjoy getting the National Geographic magazine, the Science Museum is definitely a treat. Interesting exhibits, shows, and displays. This most recent visit was as interesting and informatove as ever.
I must admit, after arriving at the museum too late to view the mid-afternoon IMAX film, I was wondering how we'd possibly spend 4 hours at the museum, waiting for the next show. Well, I was astonished at the amout of time we spent looking around, working with different interactive displays, and showing Caroline around. It certainly changed my perspective to have 16 month old Caroline there, as my activities were charged with an interest to show her lots of new and exciting things. Needless to say, the animatronic T-Rex in the lobby cought her attention when it turned and roared, but she made it through without even a whimper.
The displays of minnesota wildlife, vegetation, informatin on lake and rivers, and the awesome displays of archeological materials were very fun. The interactive diaplays of waves, tornados, blood flow, and a host of other exhibits were, somehow, more interesting with a child there.
We took time out to watch the new 3D show about the Mars rover expeditions of Spirit and Opportunity. The 20-minute film largely focused on the efforts to send the rovers to the surface of Mars to determine if liquid water was ever present on the 4th planet from our sun, and the presentation was very interesting. Only about 10 minutes of the film required the use of 3D glasses.
Nor surprisingly, Caroline did not get a pair of 3D glasses, but since I know how disturbing a 3D screen image is without the glasses, I was a little worried about messing up her vision... so about a minute into the 3D part of the film, I slipped my 3D glasses over her eyes. Her reaction was amazing. She was riveted to teh screen, staring intently at the images, and actually reaching out for them. I'm sure I had the same reaction at my first 3d film, but seeing her reach out was simply incredible. I wonder if the IMAX film was as interesting...
For me, the IMAX is the main reason we became members of the Science Museum. The films are awe inspiring, both in sheer size, vibrancy, and sound. This presentaiton was Forces of Nature, with stories about volcanos, earthquakes, and tornados. I think National Geographic does a wonderful job telling their stories, even without the power of IMAX film, but WOW.
All in all, I had a wonderful time at the museum. I look forward to returning again with my family soon.
Posted by MEK at October 18, 2004 10:29 AM