Discovery Center
The Discovery Center is located in Chilhowee Park and is open to the general public, as well as groups and class field trips. Ten tanks ranging from saltwater Caribbean species to freshwater African cichlids can be found here.
Wentzscopes - Easy-view microscopes with slides on a variety of subjects.
Insects - Large collection of insects from around the world.
Live Arthropods - The word arthropod simply means "jointed legs" and can refer to insects, arachnids and more. Our arthropod exhibit features giant Madagascar hissing cockroaches, millipedes, a scorpion, a tarantula and a black widow spider.
Amphibians & Reptiles - A bearded dragon, a leopard gecko, fire-belly toads and a ball python are currently on display.
Live Honey Bee Colony - View a honey bee colony at work. See if you can find the queen bee! These bees are able to gain access outside to collect pollen, then return to their indoor colony where you can watch them safely behind plexiglass as they work making honey, and more bees!
Light & Vision - A group of exhibits that demonstrate various aspects of light and visual perception, including Convex & Concave mirrors, a duck-under Super Kaleidoscope, Me & My Shadow, and Optical Illusions.
Sound - Giant Whisper Dishes dramatically demonstrate the reflection, transmission and focused collection of sound waves.
Simple Machines - An exhibit that that demonstrates how basic types of machines multiply human strength. Our Lever and Pulley exhibit allows you to experience firsthand the difference between lifting a 100-lb. bag with just your own strength versus using the help of a lever or pulley.
Energy
A number of exhibits that demonstrate a variety of principles. Jacob's Ladder shows how lightning is created. The Atom-Scope allows you to view a dynamic model of an atom, as a scientist would see it under a high-powered microscope.The Liquid Crystal Wall shows how the heat from your hand creates a changing combination of color in this special liquid. The Static Electricity table demonstrates how static electricity moves objects.The Luminscope reacts to sound energy, displaying ever-changing patterns of light at the sound of your voice.
Public Planetarium shows are generally offered each afternoon Tuesday through Saturday at 2pm and 4pm. Depending on Birthday party activities on Saturday's, the times for Saturday shows will vary greatly. It is best to call ahead and see when showtimes will be for any particular day; showtimes are set on Friday for the following week.
Public shows are approximately 30 minutes long, although this can vary depending on the age of the audience. "The Sky Tonight" is the show that is shown to the public, although, again, depending on the age of the audience, the Planetarium Facilitator may choose a more appropriate show.
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