| Traveling Exhibitions |
 Black Holes: Space Warps & Twists February 4 – April 29, 2012
Opening February 4!
Explore what we know, don’t know, and think we know about one of the world’s greatest space mysteries—black holes. These regions in space, sometimes only a few kilometers across, have gravity so powerful that light cannot escape and matter drawn into them is lost forever. Einstein imagined black holes but doubted they could exist in nature - now evidence suggests they are quite common. Join a space mission on a journey to the edge of these strange phenomena to search for evidence of real black holes in our universe, to discover how new research turns science fiction into fact, challenging our notions of space and time in the process. At interactive stations, visitors observe the peculiar properties of black holes, their amazing journey from theory to fact, and some common - and entertaining – misconceptions; providing an in-depth experience of how black holes behave, shape our universe and influence our lives.
|
 Geometry Playground June 11, 2011 – June 10, 2012
More than 20 “do touch” exhibits engage your hands, brain and body in playful investigations of the most visible branch of math. This isn’t the textbook version of geometry you may remember! Instead, you’ll find yourself playing a goofy game of hopscotch, climbing atop a marvelously stretched out chair, creating geometric works of art and more!
|
| Permanent Exhibitions |
 Tinkering Studio: Where you can discover your inner inventor ongoing
Guests of all ages can follow in the inventive footsteps of Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell and Leonardo da Vinci in the new and improved “Tinkering Studio”! Visitors can work together experimenting and collaborating on creative activities designed to spark curiosity and foster exploration. Make origami and Spirograph artwork, design and construct simple mechanical toys from recycled materials, build marble "roller coasters" using tubes and ramps, or create "digital bling" using colorful LED lights, batteries and accessories. These are just a few examples of the activities visitors will find in the “Tinkering Studio.”
|
 Cellular Journey Ongoing
"Cellular Journey" is an all-new exhibition that will expand your knowledge and appreciation of human cell biology, the importance of stem cells and the potential impact of stems cells on medical research in the fields of regenerative and personalized medicine. You'll be able to explore the unseen world of human cell biology, learn about what cells do, and even examine real human tissue samples under a microscope. Plus, see what the layout and functions of a typical stem cell research lab look like, and explore some of the real life techniques scientists use in the lab when working with stem cells.
|
 Block Busters! What will you build? Ongoing
BLOCK BUSTERS! is the newest addition to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s permanent collection. Visitors can build free-form structures – from skyscrapers to bridges – with thousands of wooden KEVA (Knowledge-Exploration-Visual Arts) planks no glue or connectors necessary. KEVA planks can be stacked in an infinite number of ways, which might look as unstable as a house of cards but can be surprisingly stable no matter how large the structure. Visitors will have the chance to think like and engineer and build like an architect at this exhibition!
|
 Kid City Ongoing
From conveyor belts, cranes and air chutes at the factory, to shopping carts, an interactive nutrition model and a delivery vehicle at the grocery store, young visitors, infants through age five, work, create, play, and learn as they experience the every day wonders of the world within this exhibition. Throughout "Kid City," tips and strategies are offered for parent-child interaction to encourage children's social and academic development.
|
 SO WATT!: An Illuminating Look at Energy Ongoing
Energy is all around us! Did you know there are many ways to convert energy into electricity that is used for everything from lighting our homes to powering computers and appliances? Explore some of the ways we generate electricity and learn more about the unique way that the Fleet Science Center is on the cutting edge of electric production. Produced by the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, this "illuminating" exhibition allows you to be a solar engineer as well as learn about conservation efforts you can try at home!
The exhibition is made possible by grants from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Shell Trading with additional support from the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation.
|
 Aging for All Ages Ongoing
Recently updated, this exhibition created by the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a 1,200 square foot exhibition designed for…well, all ages! Groups learn about wellness and healthy lifestyle choices through fun and engaging interactive exhibits. See what you might look like at age 70 with the face-morphing exhibit or peer into a microscope and look at the differences between old and young tissue samples.
The exhibition "Aging for All Ages" is funded by a grant from the MetLife Foundation Partnership for Lifelong Learning. Additional support provided by Aging & Independence Services, a division of the County of San Diego's Health and Human Services Agency.
|
 Look! Touch! Listen! Ongoing
Spin a disk on its side and watch it do the unexpected. Reach through a twisting tornado. Eavesdrop on friends.
With over 80 permanent exhibits for you to explore throughout the Science Center, you'll discover fun interactive science exhibits that will test your knowledge, engage your senses and maybe surprise you with new discoveries about the world around you. Our hands-on exhibits are designed for all ages and cover a wide variety of science phenomenon from perception and astronomy to electricity and technology.
|
 Origins in Space Spin-offs in Science & Technology and View Space Ongoing
This photographic collection, created by the Fleet Science Center, looks at the scientific accomplishments and technological spin-offs that have resulted from NASA missions. Take a look at how scientific discoveries have entered our everyday lives.
This exhibition also presents View Space, featuring the latest images from current space missions including the Hubble Space Telescope downloaded daily via the internet from NASA and presented on a large plasma screen.
|
 Gallery of Illusions and Perceptions Ongoing
This permanent exhibition will leave you wondering if you can believe what you see (and feel!) Designed to explore how your sense of sight and touch work, this exhibition challenges you to discover how your mind and body can sometimes work together and sometimes work against each other as you observe the world around you.
|
 San Diego's Water: From Source to Tap Ongoing
Visitors will view the sources of San Diego's water, and the methods of delivering and processing this vital resource. Interactive elements explore water conservation and preservation - it's vital knowledge for all ages!
San Diego’s Water: From Source to Tap is made possible by funding from the Hans & Margaret Doe Charitable Trust and the City of San Diego Water Department Watershed Sign Program.
|
 Exploration Bar Ongoing
Visit our interactive demonstration and experiment area to get your hands on science topics such as electricity, magnetism, light, and sound. Pull up a chair and explore at your own pace while asking questions and making discoveries. Trained interpretive staff offer guidance and answer questions for a greater understanding of science concepts and processes
The Exploration Bar is made possible by The San Diego Foundation's Weingart-Price Fund with additional support from The Pratt Memorial Fund. |
