June 21, 2008 – June 7, 2009

From Thomas Edison to Steve Jobs, inventors throughout history have understood that tinkering – focused activity with the right materials in the right environment – can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs. Developed by the world–famous Exploratorium and premiering at the Fleet Science Center, "Tinkering" will feature a combination of engaging hands-on exhibits and a Tinkering Studio where students and families can explore new materials, test new technologies and build new creations. Fleet exhibit interpreters will help visitors learn the process of inquiry–asking and answering their own scientific questions-then provide them with materials to engage in their own experiments.

The Fleet’s presentation of TINKERING is made possible by a generous gift from QUALCOMM, Inc.

September 27, 2008 – January 4, 2009

Following the record-setting success of Grossology, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center will get even grosser this fall! Through New Year’s Day, Animal Grossology will explore all the nasty, stinky, disgusting science of animals' bodies.

This 5,000 square foot exhibition satisfies instinctive interest in all things gross to show the incredible process going on in animals' bodies. Hands-on activities and clever animatronics explain why cows are one of the gassiest animals on Earth, how blood-sucking leeches and snails are used in medicine, and exactly how the dung beetle got its name. Visitors will learn about animals in a uniquely gross and exciting way through life-like models and games such as "Party Pooper," where participants follow clues to correctly identify which doo-doo belongs to each animal. The "Belch-A-Baby" pinball arcade game illustrates how some frogs actually give birth by "belching" out their babies. In "Dung Ball Rally," visitors become scarab beetles in an interactive video as they compete against others to push a giant dung ball into a nest.

The Fleet’s presentation of Animal Grossology is made possible by a generous grant from The Legler Benbough Foundation.

February 2, 2009 – May 3, 2009

Visitors will explore the extraordinary giant planets orbiting our Sun and learn what they tell us about the formation of solar systems, Earth, and the conditions necessary for life. Learn about the formation of our Solar System and the role that gravity plays in how planets, asteroids, and comets behave. This exhibition also presents the beauty and mystery of the giant planets and describes how they behave (atmosphere, weather, seasons, magnetic environment, and auroras). Through this exhibition you will learn more about these amazing worlds.