Norwich
“Destination: Space!” is broken up into three sections that include hands-on activities, interactive sculptures by Ned Kahn and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11’s moon landing. It also coincides with the Montshire’s annual Astronomy Day, which is set for Saturday, from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission to the museum is $13-$16.
NASA created the exhibit “Sun, Earth, Universe,” which is one of three exhibits. The Montshire received it through the National Informal STEM Education Network.
One of the goals of the exhibit is “to get people to think about ‘how do we explore the universe,’ ” said Marcos Stafne, the executive director of the Montshire.
Through the hands-on pieces, visitors can explore Venus’ topography, the stars and even build their own small spacecraft.
“Definitely building the satellite is a great experience for kids,” Stafne said.
Some visitors have spent a half-hour doing the Venus activity, where they match long colored rectangles to the places on the map.
“It takes a really complex idea and then simplifies it,” said Katie Kalata Rusch, an exhibits assistant at the museum. “It’s exciting to see visitors interacting.”
This is the case for many of the hands-on activities.
“The longer they stay at each of the activities, the more they learn about the science of space,” Stafne said.
“One Giant Leap: The Moon Landing’s 50th Anniversary” explores the historic event. It includes photographs as well as video footage of the first landing and a board where visitors can write about their reactions to moon on sticky notes.
“This gives visitors an opportunity to talk about the moon landings,” Kalata Rusch said. She has especially liked reading what people write. “I’m a moon-landing nerd.”
In “Planetary Landscapes: Works by Ned Kahn” can touch fog that feels like a cloud and learn about Jupiter and Mars.
“I think the Upper Valley community is really interested in space,” Stafne said. “We are really excited to have this exhibit here for the next couple of months.”
Like all of the Montshire’s activities, it is perfect for kids.
“It’s been designed as an all ages experience,” Stafne said.
Additional Events
Each Tuesday at 6”30 p.m. in March, the Montshire will host a lecture focused on “the intersection of science, space and culture.
On July 20, the museum will host “The Eagle has Landed: 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.”
Editor’s note: For more information about “Destination: Space!” visit montshire.org or call 802-649-2200. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
