Liberty Science Center July 2008

July 13, 2008.

We took a quick trip to New Jersey to visit with Harry and Elle and check out the Liberty Science Center. The Center was re-opened about a year ago. It retained the original, and largest Hoberman Sphere; at 18 feet expanded, it's pretty big. And the motors vary the speed of growing and shrinking. I'm not sure if I liked watching it gradually grow or very quickly shrink; both are very cool. (Robert thinks so too.)

Of course, the sphere is just in the entry way. They have lots and lots of fun things. Robert was a little unsure about running the backhoe himself, but both his parents gave it a try.

July 13, 2008 (photo by SZap). July 13, 2008.
July 13, 2008. July 13, 2008.
The dredging and erosion tank was fun too, especially for someone like Robert who really enjoys sand and water tables. They have several big fish tanks with native fish. And one of those big cool swirly tables to demonstrate fluid dynamics. July 13, 2008.
July 13, 2008. July 13, 2008.
July 13, 2008. Then, there was the the I Explore room. Fortunately, we didn't find this one until we'd had a chance to look at several of the other exhibits. It was packed with lots of things perfect for Robert to play with. And they were very good about keeping out the older kids, who might have dominated the play (but let parents -- and grandparents -- in). The ball machine was an early hit with Robert -- especially when Harry discovered how the ball cannon worked.
July 13, 2008. July 13, 2008.
There was a rice table (much like a sand table) and then Robert found the kid cage. It was much like a hamster trail scaled up for the 3-5 year old crowd. At first, Robert needed a little prodding to figure out how to climb the fence to get from level to level -- then he was showing off like a pro. July 13, 2008.
July 13, 2008. July 13, 2008.
July 13, 2008 (photo by SZap). It's good to know that even with all the excitement, Robert still really enjoys a good book. Thanks Harry and Elle for a very fun (if too brief) visit.
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