Exploratorium Exhibits - Rental Group A
Aeolian Landscape is an exhibit in which a miniature wind-swept desert landscape is
recreated by an electric fan and finely ground sand that mimics the process of wind
picking up and depositing small particles. Geologists use the term "Aeolian" to refer
to land formations that are caused by wind — sand dunes and snow are two
common examples. The visitor can change the direction of the fan and notice how
the shape of the miniature dunes influences the pattern of the wind, which in turn
influences the shape of the dunes.
Aeolian Landscape II
451 -
Angel Columns is a large-scale example of a figure/ground illusion. Several full-size
three-dimensional architectural columns are mounted against a dark wall surface. By
looking at the spaces between the columns rather than the columns themselves, it
becomes apparent that the spaces actually form human figures. The exhibit is very
entertaining, especially as visitors first begin to “see” the figures formed by the
background.
Angel Columns
134 -
Radar Magnet (alias Black Sand) uses a large magnet to attract magnetic sand or steel
pellets to form a moldable mound between the pole pieces.
Black Sand (Magnet Table)
185 -
Catenary Arch is an arch assembled out of numbered blocks. The blocks are laid out
on a horizontal board and then tilted into a vertical position. In spite of the fact that
the blocks are relatively slender, they can stand due to their catenary shape. Visitors
can compare the shape of the arch to the shape of a freely hanging chain and see
that the shapes are the same. Graphics, drawings and photographs explain why the
catenary is a good configuration for an arch. The mathematical formulae for the
catenary are also presented.
Catenary Arch
117 -
A spinning disc of fabric undulates in complex ways and organizes itself into a
pattern of circling waves. The pattern of waves is influenced by the surrounding air
currents as well as by visitors who can change the speed of rotation by adjusting a
knob.
Circling Wav