The Franklin Institute is a great place to take students to explore all things technology and science, and one of the institute’s primary missions is to help educate people to be empowered to make their own decisions about critical issues that affect their lives.” Through live science demonstrations and a cutting-edge planetarium, booking a field trip here will undoubtedly be a fun, inspirational, and memorable experience for both students and educators.
Explore the Skies through the Fels Planetarium
With the Fels Planetarium, students can explore the night sky without worrying about interference from uncontrollable factors such as weather and pollution, through an uninterrupted astronomical presentation projected on the large, overarching dome ceiling above. Be touched by the clarity and surrealness of this experience while simultaneously learning about the stars above you. This mix of fantasy and curiosity will win over the hearts and minds of young and old alike, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Capture Curiosity with the Live Science Demonstrations
Currently, the Franklin Institute offers two 25-minute demonstrations to choose from: the Combustion Show and the Liquid Air Show. With the Combustion Show, students will learn about the three key elements needed for proper combustion (from a safe distance, of course). At the Liquid Air show, students can expect to see a chilling demonstration using liquid nitrogen. This show is one of the institute’s longest-running demonstrations, and through it, students will deepen their understanding of the relationship between temperature and matter.
Other Exhibits and Experiences
Wondrous Space
Wondrous Space is a multi-floor exhibit that takes students on a journey through the cosmic skies, offering a full-immersion, multi-sensory experience! Here, students will explore life beyond Earth as they travel through space and learn about the unbelievable scale of celestial bodies, how gravity shapes the universe, and the effects of asteroid impacts.
On the third floor of the exhibit, get a glimpse of your possible future, and experience what it would be like to have a career in space. Students will discover what it takes to become an aerospace engineer, design and launch rockets, and see real space technology. Learn how to make a living on Mars and whether reality or whether there are other worlds out there that can support life like Earth. All this is more possible through the Franklin Institute’s Wondrous Space exhibit
Body Odyssey & Your Brain
Walk through the Giant Heart at the Franklin Institute’s Body Odyssey! This exhibit lets students walk through the human body as they explore the complex functions necessary to sustain life. Students can take a trip through the circulatory system, discover the mechanics of the senses and perception, and get a firsthand look at how modern-day technological advancements have exponentially skyrocketed both medicine and human performance.
Another exhibit that may interest those who enjoy the Body Odyssey is the Your Brain exhibit. Here, students explore the inside of the human brain. Find out the functions of the brain, see how neurons fire through a model, and understand the incredible speed at which the brain sends and receives signals as it takes on the daily responsibility of maintaining all the bodily functions.
