The exhibits come from the Museum’s Launchpad gallery which will close from 2 November while we transform the area into a major new Interactive gallery, opening in Autumn 2016. The ten exhibits, which explore the science of forces, light, energy and magnetism, include:
Seeing through Walls features two connected periscopes separated by a wall. Users have to work out how the reflection of light enables them to see ‘through’ the wall. Wave Power illustrates energy transfer, with waves created at one end of the tank used to generate electricity at the other. The exhibit also demonstrates properties of waves – frequency, amplitude and wavelength – which can be used to help understand sound, light and other phenomena. Magnetic Building gives users the opportunity to feel the force of magnetic attraction while creating sculptures. Wave Power (main image): Waves created at one end of a tank are used to generate electricity at the other, illustrating energy transfer. Also illustrated are many properties of waves including frequency, amplitude and wavelength, which can be applied to the understanding of sound, light and other phenomena.
Organisations interested in providing a new home for one or more of these exhibits (full list below) should express an interest by 15 October by completing this form. A decision will be made by 2 November and successful organisations must be able to collect the exhibit(s) on 23-27 November 2015 from the Museum.
Tom O’Leary, Director of Learning for the Science Museum Group said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for schools and science centres to give a new lease of life to our exhibits outside the Museum, where they will continue to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. I’m delighted young people in South Africa will also benefit from our exhibits.”
Eleven exhibits have already found a new home in South Africa and will soon be transported to the Unizulu Science Centre. The Science Museum has worked with Unizulu Science Centre for a number of years, donating Launchpad exhibits to the Centre in 2007 and visiting in 2012 to provide training.
Derek Fish, Director of the Unizulu Science Centre, said: “We work with 60,000 children a year, with many visiting from rural schools without electricity, running water and certainly no science labs. The Launchpad exhibits have been a huge hit and we’re excited to get our hands on these new exhibits which will greatly assist the work we do.”
