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Explore over 300 Interactive Exhibits!

Would you like to soar through the sky in a jet, then explore the universe? Would you like to forecast the weather in a television studio? Or show off your coordination and dance moves on a fitness floor? How about using your own body to generate electricity? You can even go outside to our Rock River Discovery Park and navigate the two-story maze, search for dinosaur fossils and make a splash in the water play area.

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 300-plus hands-on science and arts exhibits located inside Discovery Center Museum and outside in our Rock River Discovery Park.

kids playing with tubeThe sky's the limit!

Air & Flight teaches in a visual and interactive way the four basic principles of flight: gravity, lift, thrust and drag. It demonstrates important properties of air pressure, flight and aerodynamics while promoting the principles of scientific inquiry. This multi-faceted gallery features many exciting exhibits!

Experience the power and force of moving air with the Air Cannon. By striking the surface of the air cannon, visitors can see the effects of a blast of air on various objects.

In our Flight Simulator you can hop in an airplane cockpit and experience flying an airplane in a realistic setting! Choose a flight, operate the controls and experience the effects of take-off, flying and landing an aircraft.

There is lots of fun and lots of learning with our ever-popular Air Tubes. Float balls in the air and learn about the Bernoulli effect. Manipulate airflow and watch the effects on a mini Hot Air Balloon as it rises and descends two stories.

Experiment with air in A-Mazing Airways - a 12 ft. by 8 ft. vertical maze of clear tubes. Use gates to change the direction of balls and scarves that move through the tubes.

 

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Discovery Center gratefully acknowledges the following contributors to Air & Flight:

Woodward, Inc.; Illinois Department of Natural Resources; United Parcel Service; Invensys Building System; and UTC Aerospace Systems.