STRANGE MATTER WEEKEND:
Unleashing the Mysteries of Matter

February 16 - 18, 2008 - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Strange Matter Weekend
"Kids, don't try this at home!" The first ever Strange Matter Weekend strives to bring young minds hand in hand with materials science. At Strange Matter Weekend, visitors will be immersed in the science of materials, mass, and magnetism. Join us as we unleash the mysteries of matter through fun and engaging activities!


Here's what we have planned -

United Stuntmen's Association: Strange Matter Stunt Show
David Boushey, founder of the United Stuntmen's Association and inductee into Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame, has put together an entirely new, action-packed show for Pacific Science Center's
Strange Matter Weekend. His International Stunt School is heralded as one of the foremost stunt schools in the world for the motion picture industry. He, with the help of actor and stuntman Ish Thomason, will be performing three 40-minute shows each day of Strange Matter Weekend at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. These shows will feature real-life stunts and explanations of the Strange Matter that keeps these stuntmen safe. Along with over 30 years of experience and fame, David Boushey brings air-bags, port-a-pits, mini-trampolines, and plenty of scaffolding to "fall" from, into Pacific Science Center's Laser Dome on Feb. 16, 17, and 18. Located in the Laser Dome at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.

Drumming on Density: Sounds of Strange Matter
Have you ever wanted to know why pots, pans and Tupperware all make different sounds when you bang on them? Ben Rud, a talented instructor at the Seattle Drum School, will be demonstrating how drumming on different types of matter produce a wide variety of sounds. Don't miss this exciting performance going on all weekend. Located in Ackerley Gallery, at 11:30 a.m., 1:15, 3:30, and 4:30 p.m.

Creative Ice Sculptures with Steve Cox

Ice Fairy
Witness the capabilities of water in its solid state of matter as Steve Cox creates intricate ice sculptures for your viewing pleasure. Located on the Lower Pads, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Solid, Liquid and Gas: States of Matter Triathlon
This all-ages triathlon is almost too much fun to be considered educational! To win the competition, you'll have to conquer a solid, liquid, and gas relay. The winner will receive a special prize, but the triathlon will be outrageously entertaining for everyone involved. Located in the Ackerley Gallery, at 10:45 a.m., 1:45, 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.


Science on the Go: Mysterious Matter Booths

Science on the Go!
You may have seen their demonstrations at your school, but on this weekend Pacific Science Center's own Science on the Go! will bring their popular presentation to visitors. They will demonstrate the physical properties of dry ice and other matter mind-bogglers! At this hands-on booth kids can touch and play with the strangest types of matter, and even take a bit home! Located in the Ackerley Gallery from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Even more events and activities going on at Strange Matter Weekend:
  • Family Science Workshops: Test the strange effects of water and magnetism on different materials (Ackerley Gallery, at 12:30 and 2:00 p.m.)
  • Fingerprint Lab: View your fingerprints through a magnifying glass and compare them to the fingerprints of other visitors (Building 2, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
  • Strange Matter Stage Demos: Don't miss What's the Matter (12:45 and 3:15 p.m. Monday only) and The Science of Peeps (12:45 and 3:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday only) on the Demonstration Stage in Building 1.
  • Density Layering Necklaces: Make your very own necklace and show off density to all your friends! (Building 2, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
  • Sleeping on States of Matter: Try out relaxing on a waterbed, an air mattress, and a concrete block (Ackerley Gallery, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
  • Invisible Ink Lab: Explore the mysteries of invisible ink, and create your own ink messages to uncover and take home (Building 2, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Entry to Strange Matter Weekend is included with the price of general admission. It's free for Pacific Science Center members.