Exhibits

Did You Know?

When glass breaks, the cracks move at speeds of up to 3,000 miles per hour.

Lower Level (1st Floor) Exhibits

Sawyer Space Dome Planetarium

Abby and Joe Averett Solar Observatory

Animal Enclosures

Peggy and Aaron Selber Space Walk

Anderson/Feazel Family Foucault Pendulum

Demonstration Theater

Exploration Gallery Cluster

Upper Level (2nd Floor) Exhibits

Power of Play

8 & Under

Randolph Querbes Johnson Health Zone Activity Area

Bodyworks Cluster

Math Cluster

Sun, Earth, and Universe Cluster

Solar System Cluster

Franks Foundation Solarium

Rooftop Level (3rd Floor) Exhibits

Peggy and Joe Averett Solar Observatory

Peggy and Joe Averett Solar Observatory & Solar Cluster

The Peggy and Joe Averett Solar Observatory is a multifaceted observatory located on our rooftop and includes a cluster of exhibits located outside the Space Dome Planetarium whose purpose is to enlighten visitors about our closest star, the Sun. Visitors can: explore stories from different cultures about the Sun, examine updates on solar spaceweather and phenomenon, view the sky in real-time through cameras inside the rooftop observatory telescope, and view real-time NASA satellites feeds of the Sun.

Animal Enclosures

The Animal Enclosures contain a variety of animals, most of which are native to Northwest Louisiana. There are both venomous and non-venomous snakes, frogs, anoles, a box turtle, and alligators. The staff often take out select animals as part of the daily interactions with visitors, but you are always welcome to ask staff to bring an animal out again in case you missed the interaction.

Peggy and Aaron Selber Space Walk

The Peggy & Aaron Selber Space Walk is a nearly 15-foot long tunnel that combines a scintillating array of lights and specialized mirrors to replicate a star-field in all directions. Visitors can become breathless as they “walk among the stars.”

Anderson/Feazel Family Foucault Pendulum

The Foucault Pendulum is named after physicist Jean Bernard Leon Foucault and is sponsored by the Anderson/Feazel Family and Anderson Oil & Gas. The pendulum uses principles of physics to prove the rotation of Earth. Foucault first demonstrated this in 1851 in Paris and this was the first time direct proof of the Earth’s rotation was shown (as opposed to astronomical observations). The pendulum uses a combination of sensors and electromagnets to continuously swing otherwise it would eventually slow to a stop.

AEP SWEPCO Demonstration Theater

During our daily, featured demonstrations, the presenter thrills the audience with feats that produce thunderous noise, searing balls of fire, amazing color changes, zaps of lightning bolts, and other experiments that tantalize the senses.

Exploration Gallery Cluster

The Exploration Gallery Cluster contains many of our “fan favorite” exhibits. These beloved, interactive exhibits have sparked curiosity in visitors for successive generations and continue to joyously provide an opportunity to explore varied subjects of science from physics, to logic, to electricity, to engineering and several others topics.

Randolph Querbes Johnson Health Zone Activity Area

The Randolph Querbes Johnson Health Zone is our second floor activity area where staff lead many different types of programs exploring everything thing from biology to space.

Bodyworks Cluster

The exhibits within the Bodyworks Cluster examine the physiology and anatomy of the human body. Visitors can identify bones and types of joints; put together an anatomical puzzle; compare a healthy lung versus an unhealthy lung; view X-ray images and much more.

Math Cluster

The Math Cluster exhibits probe the realm of math using reasoning and logic skills. Visitors can measure, calculate, weigh, manipulate, and “guesstimate” their way to solving puzzles and determining solutions to a variety of exhibits.

Sun, Earth, and Universe Cluster

The Sun, Earth, and Universe Cluster exhibits highlight and examine properties of the planets and other objects in our solar system. Visitors can build and test a satellite to prepare it for launch; gather friends and family to participate in a “Mission to Space”; and use surface clues from planets to determine if there is life beyond Earth. These exhibits are from a collaboration with NASA and the National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE Net).

Solar System Cluster

The Solar System Cluster offers a plethora of information for the planets in our solar system. Visitors can calculate their weight on each planet, compare their atmospheres and orbits, and view the night sky from each planet.

Franks Foundation Solarium

The picturesque Franks Foundation Solarium offers an amazing view of Shreveport and simultaneously hides “science” in plain sight within its architectural design. The angles of the wall, markings in the floor, and glassed ceiling offer science information about the Earth and Sun.

Peggy and Joe Averett Solar Observatory

The Peggy and Joe Averett Solar Observatory is a multifaceted observatory located on our rooftop and includes a cluster of exhibits located outside the Space Dome Planetarium whose purpose is to enlighten visitors about our closest star, the Sun. Visitors can: explore stories from different cultures about the Sun, examine updates on solar spaceweather and phenomenon, view the sky in real-time through cameras inside the rooftop observatory telescope, and view real-time NASA satellites feeds of the Sun.