Would you like to be an astronaut, traveling the galaxy in your own spaceship? Or fly over land and sea in a jet? Maybe you're the down to earth type. Would you like to forecast the weather in a television studio? Or create your own police sketch while unraveling the mysteries of human genetics?
When you visit Discovery Center Museum, you and your family can explore the world, and even the universe, without ever leaving our inspiring environment. The thrill of exploration and discovery is built into every one of our 250-plus hands-on science and arts exhibits located inside Discovery Center Museum and outside in Rock River Discovery Park.
Below is a list of our current permanent exhibit areas. Click on a featured exhibit area to learn more:
Amusement Park Science
Find out how physics comes into play when you ride a roller coaster and much more.
Rock River Discovery Park
Explore the first community-built outdoor science park in the nation.
Air & Flight
Gravity, lift, thrust and drag - learn about the science behind flight.
Team Up! Explore Science & Sports
Hit the slopes on a virtual snowboard, measure the speed of your pitch, and more.
Discovery Center Planetarium
Explore the night sky with one of our live shows.
Tot Spot
Our area for children under six features rotating exhibits your pre-schooler will love.
Power HouseYou'll be "magnetically drawn" to our exhibit - explore shock, static, polarization, and more. Sponsored by ComEd/Exelon. Wild WeatherOur planet's atmosphere provides a wealth of surprises. Learn about them here. Simple MachinesPush and pull your way around pulleys, levers, and gears! Color & LightExplore how light affects the colors we see everyday in this vibrant hands-on experience. Math & PuzzlesPlay here to learn how dimensions and arithmetic affect our lives every day. Body ShopFrom head to toe, there are a million places to explore on the human body. Start here! Sponsored by Rockford Health System Auxiliary. Art StudioCreate a piece of art to take home in this kid-friendly art studio. Sponsored by Rockford Health System Auxiliary WIFR Kids News StudioWhether you're an anchor or behind the camera, you'll love our interactive news studio! Construction ZoneOperate a crane dressed as a construction worker as you build and create your very own structure. Robotics LabDesign your own mars rover, space station or robot. |
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The speed of sound, or Mach 1, is approximately 700 miles per hour, depending on elevation. Today, commercial passenger jets move over twice that speed. Some military planes can even reach speeds in excess of Mach 3, which is over 2,000 miles per hour! Learn more about the speed of sound in our Air and Flight exhibit.
