(Don't miss another Carnegie Science Center 21+ night (Beer 21+) on Friday, July 28th, where you can sample beer from 16 local breweries, see demonstrations, hear live music and as explore the science center)
I have not been to the Carnegie Science Center since my son’s
elementary school years. Back then it
was an exhausting rush from one thing to another as you moved along with the short attention
span of your child. I recently learned
about the Carnegie Science Center’s monthly 21+ nights. I was excited to explore the exhibits kid free, with a libation and food in hand,
and listening to live music. Since I am a fan of science fiction movies, a
bonus was this month’s Sci-Fi theme with visits from an array of characters:
Ghostbusters, Back to the Future professor
and time machine DeLorean replica,
Stormtroopers, Jedi Knights, Darth Vader and more.
Reflection
“Experiencing
life like a child, with full absorption and concentration” is the behavior of a
person who has reached their personal best or who is self-actualized in Maslow's psychological theory. I must be
getting there along with a lot of the
others who were at the science center that night because everyone seemed to be enjoying the science just the
way the kids do. The interactive exhibits were being actively explored. Many
grown-ups (including me) were also playing along with, and taking silly
pictures with, the Sci-Fi roaming cast of characters.
I even learned the science behind making my own “Ghostbuster Slime”!
I even learned the science behind making my own “Ghostbuster Slime”!
 |
| Everyone seemed to be enjoying the exhibits (O2HO!) |
There was so much to
do. “Roboworld” is a floor dedicated to
robotics. It has robot models displayed in a film time line, some robots to play with, and a giant robotic arm shooting basket balls to
watch. Another floor, “O2OH!” focused on water and explored the
importance of water and the things living in it. Since I have a health background, I seemed to
spend most of my time on the new "Bodyworks" exhibits, interacting with the
stations on bones, x-rays, and the mechanics of the body and mind. I also visited the miniature railroad and enjoyed the Buhl Planetarium show which was in line with the nights Sci-Fi theme, “War of the Worlds Martians, Mystery and Mass
Hysteria!”
 |
| Made Slime |
 |
| My favorite was the Bodyworks exhibits |
The Science Center and staff went all out to facilitated the fun. I especially enjoyed the older gentleman that
reminded me of a sarcastic absent minded professor who talked me into making
the slime. Classic Science Fiction movies played in the Science Stage, a green screen provided various photo-ops from Star Wars, and the Pittsburgh Penguin’s play-off game was
on a large 4th floor screen so that hockey fans like me could explore
the exhibits and watch some game
action. There was a bar on each floor and "GumBand" (a classic rock band) played most of
the night.
 |
| GumBand played most of the night |
I loved having fun like
a kid without the kid because I actually had the time to read the exhibits!
I would definitely
explore the science center again during one of their monthly 21+ nights (6 pm to 10 pm). The
next one is on June 16th -“Prom night”.
I better rally up some of my high school friends (yes, I still see some of my friends from high school ), find a prom date and some 80’s garb to wear!
 |
| miniature railroad of Pittsburgh from 1800's to 1930's |
Spiritual Reflection
Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)
Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)
Other
Sources
Carnegie Science Center 21+ nights http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/programs/adult-programs-21-plus-night/
Maslow http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html