The South Florida Science Museum

Written by Beth Garrett

Since 1959 the South Florida Science Museum has offered its visitor?s not only a fun, but an educational atmosphere as well. Located in West Palm Beach, Florida the museum has maintained and lived up to it?s mission statement: ? To excite curiosity and further the understanding and appreciation of science and technology ?.

To see and take full advantage of all the South Florida Science Museum has to offer plan on spending approximately three to four hours at this vast center of learning. During this time you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the night sky in the Planetarium, the mysterious deep in the McGinty Aquarium and the natural beauty that Palm Beach has to offer along the outdoor science trail.

The Science Museum?s Aldrin Planetarium

The Aldrin Planetarium, named after the pioneer of space travel, is currently offering several shows. ?Destination Mars? is a simulated future journey. Visitors can join the adventure daily at 1:00pm or catch an evening show on Fridays at 7:00pm. ?Night Sky Over Palm Beach? runs everyday at 2:00pm and Friday nights at 8:00pm. This is a live sky show that explores every aspect of the world above us. ?Sandy, Pepper and the Eclipse? is a show that is sure to hold kids attention. This show begins November 12th and lasts through December 16th. During the holidays ?Star of Wonder? searches the winter sky for the same star that the Magi followed over 2000 years ago.

The Science Museum?s McGinty Aquarium

The McGinty Aquarium displays numerous tanks ranging from 10 to 900 gallons.

Fish from all over the world inhabit these tanks. Monthly, a new creature is added to the aquarium for visitors to learn about. Some of the fish are familiar while others are quite exotic. Marine biologists are available to teach classes to school groups.

Exhibits at the South Florida Science Museum

The South Florida Science Museum has many exhibits designed to teach us about the world we inhabit and the one we are only able to picture in our minds. Permanent exhibits include ?Sound and Resonance?, ?Brain Teasers? and ?Light and Color?. Coming in December is ?Monsters of the Deep?, which looks at prehistoric sea life. Sharks, enormous squids and sea reptiles are some of the ocean?s inhabitants that this exhibit focuses on. Other exhibits include a gem and mineral display, solar system scales and weather explanations. The two acres that make up the science trail is filled with numerous activities to

help us understand Florida?s outdoor life.

Laser and Light Shows

For those more musically inclined the museum offers a variety of rock music 3-D laser concerts. Watch your favorite artists in a whole new light. Britney Spears, Blink-182 and Korn are just some of the musicians featured in these dazzling shows. Laser concerts are weekend events only. The cost is only $4.00 for matinees and $6.50 for evening shows. Laser shows are not covered under museum membership. Glasses are available for purchase for only a dollar.

The South Florida Science Museum is open Monday thru Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m., to 6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Some laser concerts occur after the museum?s regularly scheduled hours. Admission is: $6 for adults; $4 for children; children under 3 and museum members are admitted for free. Planetarium entrance is $2 extra for non-members. The South Florida Science Museum is located on Dreher Trail in West Palm Beach.

For more information on the South Florida Science Museum call 561-832-1988.