A survey of sorts, Nerdy content inside... (work-related)

[cliffette]

For those who've been to science museums (or even normal museums) before and enjoyed the experience, what kind of exhibits were effective or fun or left an impression on your mind?

eg. I can remember an earthquake ride from when I was about 8, I remember a lightning machine that made real lightning and also I remember a really, really viscous fluid in a container that was going to reach the bottom of the container in about 1997.

I'm trying to see what works and what doesn't. If you haven't been to a science museum, then off you go... I'll wait for your reply.

[Andyr]

I like dinosaurs, other fossils, and invertebrates. And gems.

I remember lightning machines and viscous fluids too, which were cool. And a big pair of dishes that let you talk across the room (like one of those old cup telephones).

[Eral]

Kids love bones. (me too.) They also love "What's under the skin?" diagrams and models when they are over eight. Some like it earlier -but it can freak out some under sixes.
Interactive exhibits, where you push buttons and see effects are pretty fab too -like that static electiricity one at Scienceworks that makes your hair stand up. Anything that lights up, or moves. Bright colours are good.
Recreations of old living standards- like what it was like on a ship for an immigrant, early settler houses, convicts' huts. Also modern things like interior of a space shuttle or airplane controls.
Miniatures of ships and cars and trains and planes. If they move or make noises these are even better.
Things people used to use.
Once I took a grade of 1/2 kids to the Museum and they loved the rocks and gems-they were fascinated that such stuff was in the ground. It might have been the colours, but I was surprised how interested they were.
Anything that demonstrates how things kids use every day work - like lights, fridges, hot water- they love that. In 2004 I had a grade 3/4 who watched candles burning and were enthralled. If it poses a question,(where is the wax going?) or answers one you have their complete attention.

[Bex]

In general, displays I could touch were far preferable to anything behind glass. Anything interactive was great, and particularly anything that meant I was allowed to handle living animals.

[icelus]

I, um... really like rocks.

[cliffette]

Thanks everyone.

It'll definitely be interactive, with lots of things to play with and do. But I'll try to get bones and ... er... rocks in there!

[icelus]

Metamorphic rocks rule!

[Andyr]

d00d, igneous pwnz j00

[cliffette]

Duh, the best is clearly sedimentary, my dear Watson.

[Drew]

The type of rock doesn't matter, people. Paper beats rock every time.

[Andyr]

I chuckled quite a bit when I read that.