Tech it Out!

Have you ever stopped to wonder how your Wii works? How a suspension bridge is…well…suspended? And just where are those horses that power a Ferrari? Join us for Feb. 21-22 and you’ll get an insider’s look at the scientific marvels and mysteries that are part of our everyday lives! From hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations to live entertainment, this two-day event offers fun for the whole family!

Engineer your own weekend of exploration!

WHEN:
February 21, 2009 10am-5pm
February 22, 2009 Noon-5pm

WHERE:
MNS Fair Park Campus: Science Building (1318 South Second Avenue) and Nature Building (3535 Grand Avenue)

COST:
Non-Members: Included in general admission cost.
Members: Free! Plus, be sure to check out the Member’s Only Room on the second floor of the Nature Building where you can enjoy beverages and snacks, special children’s activities and more!.

Order Your Tickets Today!
Order your tickets online or visit the museum box office on the weekend of the event. Not a member? Not a member? Join now! or call 214-428-5555 x1461.

Demonstrations

The Speed of Science
Feel the need for speed? Wondering what a carbon fiber engine looks like? Then stop by and take a peek under the hood of a true racing Ferrari! See the latest technology behind one of the coolest cars on the road.

The Science of Hypersonic Speed
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the future of aviation! And meet aerospace researcher Raj Narayanan, who works on the technologies used to build the biggest, fastest jets for NASA, Boeing and the U.S. military.

D/FW BMW Riders Association
Explore life on the open road with a look at how BMW motorcycle technology has evolved over the past 30 years. Riders will be on hand to answer questions. Plus, sit on a bike to see what it’s like!

Micro RC Jousters
The exotic worlds of paper craft, micro RC cars, and the Renaissance Festival converge in this unique demonstration. Learn how to transform any micro RC car into an action-packed jouster!

Mousetrap Cars
An oldie…but a goodie! Mousetrap cars are back, yet with the same classic engineering demonstration. Come see the principles of potential and kinetic energy in action as these cars compete to see which is the fastest and which goes the farthest. Kits will be available for on-site construction.

Scientific Illustration
Now that’s tricky! At this hands-on demonstration, you’ll learn how to sketch your own scientific illustration of an arthropod or brain using bilateral symmetry trick with carbon paper.

Second Life
Who says you can’t create your own reality? Sponsored by IBM, you’ll use tools to shape the world of this open-ended virtual demonstration. Sample games of Power Up! and Forbidden City will be on hand for you to experience.

Hybrid Horsepower
Yes, hybrids have horses too! Cowboy Toyota will have three hybrid vehicles on hand—a Camry, Prius and Highlander—to explore. So stop by to discover the future of sustainable-technology and what makes these cars go!

How Do You Connect with the World?
Plug in to all cool ways you can connect with friends and family! Nokia Siemens Networks will fill you in on how today’s communications technologies are harnessing the power of the Internet and wireless networks.

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Explore the world of modern medicine! Learn how new technologies like Silo Spine Instrumentation and Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Ribs are helping overcome challenges with early onset scoliosis. Plus, you’ll get an up-close look at examples of prosthetic legs and arms.

How Does a Wii Remote Work?
What makes the Wii so unique in the gaming world? Through high-tech software, you’ll learn how the Wiimote tracks your body movements and transfers your physical skills onto your TV.

Plasma Speaker
We will rock you! Discover how the Plasma Speaker produces a glowing plasma (sustained spark) in air that makes sound without moving parts. Instead, a primitive keyboard or a music source, such as a radio or iPod, produces the sounds.

On-Going Activities

LEGO Build Station
Just how do you construct a building that stands the test of time? Join LEGO education team in creating LEGO structures to see who can build the tallest building!

The Science Behind the Fun
Do you have what it takes? Test your virtual sports skills at the Nintendo Wii gaming station where you can go head to head in some of your favorite Wii sports, including bowling, golf, tennis and baseball.

Picture Yourself on Two Wheels!
Hop on and go for a free ride! A photographer will be on hand to take your child's photo perched on the back of a motorcycle. Files will be captured digitally and sent to you at no cost!

Engineering Adventure
Build a bridge then try to knock it down! Learn about how to complete a bridge and then load test it. Or, dive into the world of electronic circuits to discover how are used everyday. Plus, Dallas Society of Women Engineer members will be on hand to answer your questions about engineering education and careers.

Flight School and Target Practice
Earn your wings…and win a prize! Build your own specially designed paper airplane and launch it in our competition room. Prizes awarded for the fastest, farthest, and most accurate plane!

Origami
Turn your world inside out! Discover the engineering behind this ancient Japanese art form. And use angles and folds to turn a plain piece of paper into a work of art!

Marshmallow Mega Towers
Design your own edible structure! Use your marshmallow joints and toothpick beams to see who can construct the biggest, sturdiest, and most creative building. And you’ll learn how domed roofs hold their shape and support weight.

Scheduled Shows

Electronic Music - Singing Tesla Coils
Get illuminated! ArcAttack employs high-tech wizardry using a uniquely designed DJ setup to generate an electrifying audio-visual performance. These high-tech machines produce an electrical arc similar to a continuous lightning bolt, which emits a crisply distorted square wave sound reminiscent of the early days of synthesizers. These electronic compositions, mixed with popular tunes, will leave you dancing to the beat!

Blast Off!
Blast off! At this dynamic show, you’ll learn about the physics and aerodynamics of rockets. Plus, you can witness a full-scale launch in Fair Park! Build-it-yourself kits will be demonstrated and then on Sunday, you can launch your own stomp rocket in our backyard!