November First Saturday: Bounce, Bend or Break: the Science of Flexibility

NOVEMBER’S FIRST SATURDAY OPEN HOUSE

Bounce, Bend or Break: the Science of Flexibility

Flexibility is a kind of strength! A tree bends in the hurricane but does not break. A snake slithers through a branch and does not fall. A crab scuttles to safety under a rock. Learn how we can harness bendy ideas from nature. Join the Wagner Free Institute of Science, in partnership with Thomas Jefferson University Chemistry Professor, Dr. Thomas Twardowski, for an afternoon exploring the ways flexibility occurs in nature. Investigate the Interesting Ball, learn about properties of putties, and make your own glow-in-the-dark slime to take home, all while enjoying the Wagner’s natural history museum, historic building and teaching garden.

As always, The Exhibit Hall will be open for self-guided exploration of the natural history collection throughout the day. Explore our 100,000 natural history specimens, including ancient fossils, glowing minerals and animals from around the globe. Wander at your own pace or follow the path of one of our themed scavenger hunts. You can also pick up pencils and paper to draw from the specimens on display.

This event is offered in conjunction with STEM Equity Week. Organized by the Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective (PSEC), this groundbreaking initiative aims to unite educators, students, professionals, community leaders, and families in both addressing systemic barriers and promoting equitable access to STEM fields and showcasing the vibrant STEM programs Philadelphia has to offer. View the full list of STEM Equity Week events at phillystemco.org/events.

Special Thanks to the Society of Plastics Engineers Philadelphia Section.

Schedule:

1 & 3:15PM: Science of Flexibility presentation with Dr. Tom Twardowski

12 – 4PM: Ongoing activity stations:

• How High Will it Bounce?
• DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Slime
• Crazy Aaron Putty Giveaway
• Interesting Ball
• Teaching Garden Map
• Scavenger Hunts

Things to Know Before Your Visit

• Walk-in visitors are welcome. Advance registration is appreciated and will speed up your entry to the museum.

• Masks are recommended but not required.

• There is no coat check or place to stow personal items – please travel light.

• To protect the specimens and our historic interiors, photography is not allowed in the museum and food and drink are not permitted in the building.

•The Institute does not have a parking lot. Street parking on Montgomery Avenue and 17th Street is free and metered parking is available on Bouvier Street and Cecil B. Moore.

A dream that keeps growing…

In 1855, William Wagner had a dream of providing free science education to anyone who wanted to learn, regardless of background or ability to pay. Today, the Wagner offers more programs to more people than ever before! Your support helps us provide free education, not only through the museum, but through a wide range of courses, lectures, field trips, and children’s science programs. Donations also assist us in caring for the museum and library collections and in preserving our wonderful building, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. To learn more about what we do please visit our website.

Registration Information

In keeping with its original charter, admission is FREE—donations are suggested to ensure the future and quality of Wagner’s free education programs and to preserve its National Landmark building and collections.

Suggested Donations

$25/Family

$10/adult

$5/student

For any questions, please email [email protected] or call 215-763-6529 x17.

If you would like to check your membership status or become a member, please email [email protected] or call 215-763-6529 x11.