St. Louis Science Center offers much to see – from prehistoric times to space travel
Space may be the final frontier, but it’s my favorite area of the St. Louis Science Center. Visitors can check out exhibits related to space, space travel and even the stars.
The Science Center offers variety of activities and exhibits for all ages. But, my two favorite centered on space and dinosaurs (yes, apparently, I am still a kid (at heart)).
We were at the center with Lisa’s dad and uncle, so we checked out the entire science center, before eventually heading to the planetarium, to check out a show on the constellations.
The bridge you walk across to the planetarium from the main portion of the museum crosses Interstate 64. You can look through glass panels at your feet and see cars whooshing by.
The bridge offers several items on exhibit. The bridge itself looks like a hallway on a space ship.
A model of Mars sits in the middle of an area, where people can actually touch. The background resembles the surface of the red planet.
The bridge is adorned with models, toys and other interesting items related to space and flight.
Astronaut Barbie apparently has taken flight. A Lt. Uhura doll (from “Star Trek”) is among the other toys in the display.
R2D2 headlines a “Star Wars” exhibit.
Does anyone besides me remember the futuristic planet-looking radios from the 1970s?
A model of an astronaut honors the first human known to walk on the surface of the moon in 1969.
Models highlighted private companies’ “Ventures” into space travel.
Space modules are located just outside the planetarium’s theater.
In addition to space travel, the planetarium highlighted air travel.
People sat at a control desk simulator and guided airplanes in for successful landings.
The planetarium’s show that we watched highlighted the star’s constellations, such as The Big Dipper, Orion’s Belt, etc. The presentation was informative in nature.
Following the show, we checked out the space station exhibit which rings the theater. A rock from Mars is on display, as well as a rover replica.
Prior to checking out the planetarium, we visited the dinosaur section. It featured fossils and replicas of the animals that roamed the earth so may millions of years ago.
The Science Center also offered a look into the human mind and body. You could check out games that challenged the mind and body. One section showed advancements in bone joint replacements.
We looked at the “Energy Experience” section. A brief history of electricity and other power in the United States contained an opportunity to show how much energy a person could create by riding a stationary bicycle. Lisa and her Uncle Brad create enough power to generate a small radio for a short time. You definitely got a workout.
The lobby has a cool ball display that is two-floors tall.
The St. Louis Science Center should be on everyone must-see list when visiting the area. Admission is free to the museum. However, there are fees for parking, Omnimax movies, planetarium shows and some special exhibits. Check out the website for more information at www.slsc.org.
