Lawrence Hall of Science Introduces New Exhibit: Facing Mars

OR

Veronica Urdaneta
510–643–3849
veronicaau@berkeley.edu

LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE INTRODUCES NEW EXHIBIT: FACING MARS
Rocket Design, Martian Gravity and Space Travel Simulation
Transport the Human Mind to Outer Space October 3–January 3, 2010

Berkeley, California
September 29, 2009

On October 3, 2009, the Lawrence Hall of Science will introduce their latest exhibit, Facing Mars, welcoming children, wannabe Martians and astronauts into the world of space travel and exploration.

Facing Mars will present opportunities to experience over two dozen simulations of space travel. Visitors will be encouraged to ‘walk on Mars’ in an exhibit that subtracts 60 percent of a human’s weight, design and test launch rockets and even build a maze for a Mars robotic rover. Questions such as ‘what will you eat on your three-year journey?,’ ‘what will happen to your body in microgravity?,’ and ‘if Mars has any signs of life, could you recognize them?’ will be presented – and answered – leading visitors through a creative learning path of all that’s involved with a Martian mission.

An interesting coincidence to the opening of Facing Mars is the introduction of LHS’ new interactive sky dome planetarium. Opening with the show ‘Red Planet Mars,’ visitors will have the chance to unravel some of the secrets of the red planet and learn how to spot Mars in the night sky. The planetarium will feature a brand new geodesic dome and is being installed with a state-of-the-art projection system. The 45-seat theater will reopen on Saturday, October 3 and throughout opening weekend, admission to the planetarium will be complimentary.

Accompanying the launch of the Facing Mars exhibit and the unveiling of the new planetarium will also be Education Guides, developed by the Ontario Science Center, for teachers and parents. Known for providing science and mathematics curriculum to more than fifty percent of the nation’s schools, these guides enhance on and off-site experiences with thought-provoking suggestions and activities.

Lawrence Hall of Science – Facing Mars

October also marks the introduction of Ingenuity in Action, a new program where visitors engage in hands-on creative projects like an engineer or scientist would. Offered as a series, Ingenuity in Action will include special themed activities and demonstrations, weekend workshops, and an Ingenuity Lab, where guests can engage their creative brains and use a variety of materials to design, build, and test their own innovations. In honor of the launch of Facing Mars, the theme for October’s Ingenuity in Action will be Mars. Guests are encouraged to participate in each month’s theme with ‘Passports to Innovation,’ where children receive stamps that once filled, make them eligible for prizes.

Visitors are encouraged to bring snacks and picnic in the outdoor areas. The museum is open during the hours of 10am to 5pm with a standard admission of $6-$12 (members, Berkeley students and children under three receive complimentary admission). For more information, call 510-642-5132 .

Planetarium Tickets

Tickets are $4 per person (except during opening weekend), and are sold at the Front Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone must have their own ticket. Planetarium Passes must be exchanged at the Front Information Desk for tickets.

Please note the age restrictions for each program. Children under 6 will not be admitted, except for programs listed for ages 4-8. For showtimes and age-related information, please visit http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/visit/planetarium.

The mission of Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) is to inspire and foster the learning of science and mathematics for all. LHS is the public science center of the University of California, Berkeley, and an innovative leader in the field of science and mathematics education. Engaging students and their families in the fascination behind science and math, LHS connects with classrooms, schools and communities. The Hall also designs and disseminates effective instructional materials and exhibits while creating distinctive learning and leadership opportunities for educators. LHS is committed to serving all, especially those with limited access to science and mathematics.