Exhibits
June 6–September 12 2008
The forces are with you as you race around a track, fire an air cannon, fly through a simulation and wing your way through an air stream. Then you will use the power of light to illuminate the science behind illusion and color. It is a summer of science fun!
Too Small to See
Visiting Exhibition January 26 - May 4, 2008 Journey from the macro-world to the nano-world. With a billion nanometers in a meter, nanometers are used to measure things on the atomic scale. Note: A scaled-down version of "Too Small to See" will continue on display until September 12. Details
Butterfly Station and Garden
The beauty of the Butterfly Station and Garden is sure to inspire you to create your own butterfly garden. Find out which caterpillar host plants attract which butterfly species. Explore the best methods of attracting butterflies to your yard.
Permanent Exhibit Galleries
Fundamentals of Science
Unlock the secrets of biology, gravity, friction, force, light and magnetism! Discover how your genes make you unique. Check your heart rate, balancing ability and blood pressure. Make sparks fly as you check out electricity. Launch balls to learn about orbits. It's interactive fun for all ages!
Time of Your Life
Explore the triggers of biological timing. From migration to day/night cycles to jetlag, plants and animals respond to environmental clues with certain behaviors. Through interactive stations, discover what makes nature “tick.”
Estelle H. Womack Natural History Collection Life Along the Dan
Examine the fauna and flora of the Dan River region in this captivating display of local treasures. Plant and animal specimens along with paintings and photographs pique interest and awareness of the diversity of local wildlife and its relationship to its surroundings. In the Critter Corner, meet the newest live creatures our curator has on display, and test your skills at identifying fur by touch.
Hunters and the Hunted
Go on safari without leaving Danville with this stunning array of large animal mounts donated by the Walter Grant family. Spectacular predators and prey, including a tiger and a polar bear, are key features of this exhibit.
Fossils and Minerals and More — Oh My!
Dig into geology in this down-to-earth exhibit. From the best of Virginia’s rocks and fossils to the far reaches of the South Seas, you will find rocks, minerals, fossils and modern shells of all kinds.
Sproutsville
Science excitement begins here! Visit Sproutsville, a small-scale town featuring building blocks, a stage play area, a loft, lighthouse, and light and color investigations. Sproutsville is sure to enthrall young scientists ages 1 to 8.