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"Making Stuff" at Adventure Science Center

Presented by Adventure Science Center at Adventure Science Center

February 19, 2011

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From the bowl that holds our morning cereal to the car we drive or the bike we ride to work, every item we use is made of complex materials, or “stuff,” as many of us affectionately call it. On Saturday, Feb. 19, Adventure Science Center, WGBH/NOVA and the Materials Research Society are giving Middle Tennesseans a closer look at the everyday items we take for granted during the special, day-long event, “Making Stuff.”

“Scientists are constantly working to advance technology and improve the world in which we live,” said Sharon Mendonsa, Senior Educator at Adventure Science Center. “‘Making Stuff’ sheds light on the fact that significant scientific advancements happen in some of the most unexpected and overlooked places – like the brush you use to comb your hair or the clothes you wear every day.”

From 10:00am to 4:00pm, visitors of all ages are invited to participate in hands-on experiments and learn from nanotechnology experts how engineering and science is used to make even the simplest items smarter, stronger, cleaner and smaller. The full schedule of the day’s activities includes examining nanotechnology, testing tensile strength and elasticity of different materials and experimenting with bioplastics.

Leading up to “Making Stuff” day, the downtown branch of Nashville Public Library is hosting activity tables on Jan. 26 and Feb. 2, 6 and 16. These activities, directed by scientists, explore how materials science is a part of everyday life. Adventure Science Center will also host a special “Science Café” at the Center from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 17 featuring scientists from Vanderbilt University, Middle Tennessee State University and Tennessee Technological University as a special guests.

The Center’s ”Making Stuff” day was planned in conjunction with Engineering Day and the new PBS series Making Stuff, that began airing Wednesday nights on Jan. 19. The event is the culmination of the four-episode series highlighting how to make materials stronger, smaller, cleaner and smarter.

“Making Stuff” day events are included with regular admission to the Adventure Science Center, which is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3 to 12, seniors 65+, active military families (with ID) and college students (with ID).

Visitors attending “Making Stuff” can also explore “Robotics,” the newest attraction to Adventure Science Center. “Robotics” is an interactive traveling exhibit on display through May 8 that provides guests a unique look into the world of artificial intelligence and robots. For more information about “Making Stuff” and other activities, visit www.adventuresci.com.

About Adventure Science Center

For 65 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science to life for children in Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama and beyond. The Center offers hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage visitors of all ages to explore how science is relevant in their lives. Adventure Science Center encourages imagination and curiosity in a fun, dynamic learning environment. Adventure Science Center is located at 800 Fort Negley Boulevard. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults; $9 for children ages 2 to 12, seniors 65+, active military families (with ID) and college students (with ID); and free for certified TN teachers (with school ID). For more information, call (615) 862-5160 or visit our web site.