Programs Include:

Liquid Nitrogen

This is a cool (make that COLD) show! 320 degrees below zero to be exact. This program demonstrates the change in properties of materials when they are exposed to very cold temperatures. LN2 is used to shrink a balloon, blow the lid off a container, blow up a balloon, make a soap volcano and much more. This is a must see show.

Sound and Music

Help see the beauty in music through the eyes of science. Learn about sound waves and see instruments demonstrated such as the flute, boom whackers, and glass jugs.

pH and Chemistry

Find out how to test pH using purple cabbage and make a rainbow of colors out of common household products.

Atomic Bingo (5th grade and up)

Learn more about the Periodic Table of Elements while playing this fun, fast paced game of bingo for prizes.

Space

Sit back as you explore the wonders of the universe! Topics include the planets, sun, our galaxy, and space travel.

Live Animals Show

Meet the animals of the HOSC, including…

• Max, the Bearded Dragon
• Mr. Cumberdale, the 5 ft Green Iguana
• Lavali, Laloo and Lata our Leopard Geckos

Learn in depth about Omnivores, Carnivores, Herbivores, defense mechanisms, and habitats.

All About Bones

Safari Bob will show you his many amazing animal skulls and furs, and teach you how to tell if an animal is an Omnivores, Carnivores, or Herbivores by examining its teeth.

Laser/Light

See a rainbow indoors as you learn about light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum! A demonstration to show how lasers work and how they are useful in conjunction with fiber optics to revolutionize communications, medicine, and many other fields.

Misc. Science Show

A combination of part of the Liquid Nitrogen, Electricity, and the Live Animal shows.

Simple Machines

Students will complete a Simple Machine Scavenger Hunt in the exhibit area and then meet in the theater to see many types of Simple Machines demonstrated. The HOSC also has an excellent video Bill Nye Science Guy – Simple Machines that last 40 minutes if your group has time to watch it

Electricity and Magnetism

Van de Graaff Generator

The Van de Graaff generator can produce voltages (charge separations) of 200,000 volts or more. It separates charge in the same fashion as with the rods and fur or silk, but much faster. A motor spins a big rubber band past metal brushes. The rubber band picks up electrons from the brushes. This makes the top of the generator positive and the base negative. Student volunteers stand on an insulating block and hold onto the generator. They pick up lots of positive charge all over their bodies. Since like charge repels, the volunteer’s hair will stand on end.

Simple Motor

A motor is a generator that is run in reverse. A battery is connected across loops of wire that are near a magnet. The battery produces a current in the wire loops. The moving charges in the loops experience a force from the magnetic field which causes the loops to flip. You can also think of the loops with the electric current through them as being an electromagnet. The electromagnet is repelled by the other magnet and is made to flip.

Tesla Coil

An 80,000 volt Tesla Coil is used to shoot brilliant arcs of electricity and light up nearby fluorescent tubes without wires. A Tesla Coil is a radio frequency transformer. They were originally developed to transmit electricity with the use of radio waves. Imagine a toaster or a hair dryer with short antennas instead of an electrical cord.

We can also cater a program to fit any topic. We have numerous volunteers from various scientific backgrounds, so feel free to give us a topic that you would like covered.

Visitor Programs

We also provide themed programs for visitors by appointment. The charge for these special presentations is $40 (non-refundable). To schedule a visit with a program, head on over to our Contact page and send us an email or call the office at 931-455-8387.