June 21, 2008 – June 7, 2009

From Thomas Edison to Steve Jobs, inventors throughout history have understood that tinkering – focused activity with the right materials in the right environment – can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs. Developed by the world–famous Exploratorium and premiering at the Fleet Science Center, "Tinkering" will feature a combination of engaging hands-on exhibits and a Tinkering Studio where students and families can explore new materials, test new technologies and build new creations. Fleet exhibit interpreters will help visitors learn the process of inquiry–asking and answering their own scientific questions-then provide them with materials to engage in their own experiments.

TINKERING was made possible by generous grant from QUALCOMM Incorporated and Community Enhancement Program grants from San Diego County Supervisors Pam Slater-Price, Ron Roberts and Gregg Cox.

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February 9, 2008 –September 2, 2008

This hands-on exhibition delves into the world of materials science, or the study of "stuff." A dynamic blend of physics, chemistry and engineering, this field of research studies how things are put together, how they might be improved, or how they can change to create brand new materials. From metals to crystals to magnets to glass, "Strange Matter" will give visitors the chance to dig into the science behind the materials they use every day. Strange Matter uses science to explore the bizarre world of modern materials and provide a glimpse into where the future they might take us.

Presented by the Materials Research Society. This exhibition and its tour are made possible by the generous support of the National Science Foundation, Alcan, Dow, Ford Motor Company Fund, Intel® Innovation in Education and 3M Foundation.

The extended showing of STRANGE MATTER was made possible by a generous grant from the Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust.
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"So WATT! An Illuminating Look at Energy"

Energy is all around us! Did you know there are many ways to convert energy into electricity that is used for everything from lighting our homes to powering computers and appliances? Explore some of the ways we generate electricity as well as learn more about the unique way that the Fleet Science Center is on the cutting edge of electric production. Produced by the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, this "illuminating" exhibition allows you to be a solar engineer as well as learn about conservation efforts you can try at home!

"So WATT! An Illuminating Look at Energy" is made possible by grants from San Diego Gas & Electric and Shell Trading with additional support from the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation.

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Look! Touch! Listen!
Our permanent collection of science exhibits

Spin a disk on its side and watch it do the unexpected. Reach through a twisting tornado. Eavesdrop on friends.

Located throughout the entire Science Center are fun interactive science exhibits that will test your knowledge, engage your senses and maybe surprise you with what you discover about the world around you. Our hands-on exhibits are design for all ages and cover a wide variety of science phenomenon from perception and astronomy to electricity and technology. With over 80 permanent exhibits for you to explore (and more coming all the time) you’re sure to discover something new you didn’t know!

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Aging for All Ages
ongoing

Created by the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center staff, AGING FOR ALL AGES is a 1,200 square-foot exhibition designed for . . . well, all ages! Families, adults and school groups will learn about wellness and healthy lifestyle choices through fun and engaging interactive exhibits.  A video "starring" San Diego's senior adults will highlight growing up and life in our community.

The exhibition AGING FOR ALL AGES is funded by a grant from the MetLife Foundation Partnership for Lifelong Learning. Additional support provided by Aging & Independence Services, a division of the County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Agency.

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This photographic exhibition, created by the Fleet Science Center, looks at the scientific accomplishments and technological spin-offs that have resulted from NASA missions. Explore how scientific discoveries have entered our everyday lives. This exhibition features the latest images from the Hubble Space Telescope downloaded daily via the internet from NASA and presented on a large plasma screen.

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Up to six people can embark on an individualized journey by playing games, exploring science and learning more about such topics as dinosaurs and outer space exploration.  Located in the exhibit galleries’ Virtual Zone, TryScience! is now open.

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From conveyer belts and cranes to air chutes and grocery stores, young visitors, infants through age five, will work, create, play, and learn as they experience the wonders of the every day working world within this exhibit. Throughout the exhibition, tips and strategies are offered on parent-child interaction to encourage children's learning.

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Gallery of Illusions and Perceptions

This permanent exhibition will leave you wondering if you can believe what you see (and feel!). Designed to explore how your sense of sight and touch work, this exhibition challenges you discover how your mind and body can sometimes work together and sometimes work against each other as you observe the world around you.

Take a voyage on our incredible 23-passenger Motion Simulator Ride. Now featuring: Escape From Dino Island.

>> For more information click here.

San Diego's Water: From Source to Tap

City of San Diego Water Department & San Diego County Water Authority:
Visit their web site at
http://www.sannet.gov/water
and http://www.sdcwa.org

An exhibit on water distribution and conservation in San Diego County. Interactive elements include an opportunity for visitors to view the sources of San Diego's water, and the methods of delivering and processing this vital resource. (Co-Funded by the Hans & Margaret Doe Charitable Trust)

For more information on the City of San Diego Water Department Watershed Sign Program please click here.

At DO-UNDO you explore symmetry in time. A video camera records your movements and you can immediately see them played back forwards (as executed) and backwards (in time reversal). Learn which movements look the same both ways and which ones look strange when played backwards.

Visit our interactive demonstration and experiment area upstairs to get your hands on science topics such as electricity, magnetism, light and sound. Pull up a chair and explore at your own pace while asking questions and making discoveries. Trained interpretive staff offer guidance, provide assistance and answer questions that lead to a greater understanding of science concepts and processes.

The Exploration Bar is made possible by The San Diego Foundation’s Weingart-Price Fund with additional support from The Pratt Memorial Fund.