We have often heard the phrase, “It’s not rocket science” to describe something that is easy to understand.
Now, the Children’s Museum of Denver’s new exhibit 3, 2, 1…Blast Off! teaches kids the principles of flight and fundamentals of rocket science in a simple and fun way.
And adults, too. For the first time ever, I constructed something that actually took flight.
On Saturday, my kids and I were among the first to experience the new interactive science exhibit that runs through September 6, 2011. The United Launch Alliance, which provides space launch services to the U.S. government, was on-hand with their mascot Rocky the Rocket to inaugurate the new exhibit that aims to bring science and engineering to young children.
There are two different facets to the exhibit: The Lunar Outpost and Launch Pad, set up outside on the plaza (weather permitting), and the Engineering Lab, located inside the Museum.
Lunar Outpost and Launch Pad
I have never been able to construct a paper airplane that flies more than a few feet so I doubted my ability to help my kids launch their own rocket. With a simple guide and helpful volunteers, we wrapped paper around a tube for the body, pointed the tip into a cone nose, cut and taped on fins and colored our rockets. We then walked over to the Launch Pad where we attached the plastic base of our rocket, hit the blue “Air” button and waited until the air pressure reached 100 p.s.i. (pounds per square inch). After the countdown, we pressed “Launch” and watched our creations take flight.
When our initial rockets were lacking, we went back to the adjacent Lunar Outpost to make changes. For inspiration, we watched the loop on TV that showed successful and failed space missions, a testimony that life’s greatest triumphs often come about by trial-and-error.
In the end, we triumphed. My rocket…errr…I mean Bode’s rocket launched 60 feet, just a stone’s throw away from the makeshift moon. Next stop: Infinity and Beyond.
The Engineering Lab
My children could not get enough of the Engineering Lab that is located inside of the museum’s theater. What they thought they were doing: Pointing and launching rockets at various planets and also creating fun things that float in the air.
What they were really doing: Exploring the elements of aerodynamics, physics, technology and engineering by building, launching and testing their own rockets, planes, hovercrafts and other flying devices. Through experimentation with building materials and a variety of air-pressure mechanisms, they were investigating the properties of flight firsthand.
Little did they know they were rocket scientists in the making.
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3, 2, 1…Blast Off! Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All activities are included with Museum admission. Address: 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver, CO.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
Karen
Like you, I’m a bit of a failure as it pertains to constructing anything. But this exhibit looks fun. I haven’t been to the museum in years but it seems right up my kids’ alley. Thanks!
Lana Jones
My kids are so excited to check it out! Thanks for the info.