Redfield Foundation Supports New Exhibits in Da Vinci’s Corner

Thanks to the generous support of The Nell J. Redfield Foundation, The Discovery was able to update one of the most beloved exhibitions.

Da Vinci’s Corner has been refreshed and now features an array of exciting new exhibits, including a triple turntable, Pendulux, shadow wall, and glow writers. These additions give museum visitors fun, interactive ways to explore the wonders of physics and light.

The triple turntable lets guests experiment with inertia and centrifugal force. With a variety of rings, balls, and three differently sized spinning plates, visitors can see how both plate and object size affect the distance an object travels. The turntable is constructed with a transparent enclosure so visitors can examine the mechanics inside the exhibit and learn how the plates function.

Housed inside a dark room, the Pendulux, glow writers, and shadow wall let visitors experiment with glow-in-the-dark materials. The Pendulux consists of a pendulum bob suspended over a base covered with light-sensitive material. Visitors can use the Pendulux to create unique spiral patterns of light. Next to the Pendulux, museum visitors can have even more fun with light and shadow using the glow writers and the shadow wall. Visitors are encouraged to get creative and make drawings out of light with the glow writers, or they can construct funny scenes by freezing images of their own shadows at the shadow wall.

In the limited amount of time since these experiences have been introduced, many visitors have already enjoyed using them to explore motion and light. Even museum regulars appreciate how the additions have breathed new life into Da Vinci’s Corner.

“I love all the new interactions,” said Tourine Johnstone, who experienced the additions for the first time with her daughter, Alexis. “We haven’t been here in a while, so it’s like discovering this place all over again.”

The exhibits also play an important role for students who come to the museum on school field trips. In “Shadow Stories,” a themed field trip full of activities for first graders, the Pendulux helps engage students in the science of optics and connects their classroom learning to concepts like transparency and opacity.

The Da Vinci’s Corner re-vamp would not have been possible without the help of The Nell J. Redfield Foundation. Our donors and visitors make it possible for The Discovery to provide entertaining and educational hands-on science activities throughout our community.

Please consider making a gift to The Discovery to support educational programming, exhibits, and visitor experiences.