Get ready for some earsplitting fun as the traveling exhibition NOISE! arrives in the Exhibit Hall this fall. Featuring interactive stations on sound, music, and hearing, this display is sure to raise decibels! Each activity takes a playful look at the physics of sound waves as well as how music and sound affect our mood. Highlights include:

Now 'Ear This, a station featuring an over-sized model of the human ear where visitors can explore the structure and functions of our sound-detecting organ

The Sceam Chamber, complete with a sound-proof cubicle where children can scream at the top of their lungs! Outside the booth, a meter indicates the decibel level of the scream and a video monitor shows those inside getting loud.

Good Vibrations, a station allowing visitors to manipulate frequencies and amplitudes to their heart's delight! Watch the vibrations make thousands of Styrofoam beads dance through an acrylic tube.

The Wrench Ball, with various sized wrenches attached. To make sound, strike the wrenches and listen as they resonate attractive tones similar to those of a xylophone.
Spooky Sounds, an activity using silent video footage and a theremin (an electronic musical instrument that the player never touches!) inspires visitors to create eerie soundtracks. The shape of the sound waves from your songs are visible on an oscilloscope.

Other concepts you can expect to discover through Noise! include tonal memory, the Doppler Effect, wave mechanics and pitch. Come check out where all the racket is coming from at the Science Factory!

Noise! opens September 16, 2012 and will be on display through May 2013.

the Noise! exhbits are the creations of Science Works Hands-On Museum in Ashland, OR. The Science Factory thanks local sponsors Eugene Hearing & Speech Center and Checkrite Electionics for supporting this exhibition.

Special Events

Tot Discovery Day: Joys of Noise

Friday, December 7 @ 9 am - 12 pm
A casual “drop-in” program just for you and your preschooler to discover science together! The first Friday of the month, we set up activities and interactive learning stations designed to create an experience between you and your child that will ignite your child’s curiosity and interest in science. First Friday Discovery Days are where our youngest visitors can enjoy Science Factory activities “big-kid-free!”

Limited to children ages 5 and under only who are accompanied by parent or guardian. Siblings who are not the appropriate age for these activities will not be allowed into the activity areas at this time. A named member musst be present to receive membership benefits, and non-member adult guests will pay regular fees.

Members: FREE!
Non-members: $10 per parent/child combo.
Additional children $2 each.
Registration not required.

Holiday Open House

Saturday, December 8 @ 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Science Factory

All ages, drop-in program. Free Exhibit Hall admission for everyone in the family. Discounted Exploration Dome shows.

Our gift to the community this holiday season is a fun-filled day at the Museum, FREE of charge for everyone in your family! Visitors on this day receive free admission to our Exhibit Hall featuring NOISE! and discounted shows in the Exploration Dome. At 2 p.m., the Cascade Chorus will preform all of your favorite holiday songs! Come one, come all, and Happy Holidays!

Holiday Science Adventures Camp

December 22 - January 4 @ 9 am - Noon And/Or 1pm - 4 pm
Location: Science Factory

Ages 6 - 8. Advance registration required. $18 per session; $15 SF members. $162 for all 10 sessions; $135 SF members.

Even though your children are on vacation, doesn't mean their inquisitive minds have to be! These half-day camps are offered during the winter holiday break to allow your 6 - 8 year olds to explore a variety of fun science topics with lots of hands-on activities. Discover the chemistry behind holiday treats, investigate Antartic animals, rev-up your robot knowledge, learn about the amazing world of atoms, and more!

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