Traveling Science Shows

The Franklin Institute has been putting science on wheels for over 60 years. Traveling to schools, camps, community centers, shopping malls, and corporate events, our instructors present basic scientific concepts with an enthusiasm that is motivating, educating and stimulating to audiences of all ages.

As professionals in biology, physics, and chemistry, our instructors use demonstrations and hands-on teaching techniques developed in The Franklin Institute Science Museum to make learning fun. A cost effective way to supplement education for youngsters, Traveling Science also provides pre- and post- visit materials to continue the hands-on learning experience at your school or community center.

Traveling Science Shows...

• Motivate students to learn about science.
• Demonstrate science concepts using equipment not common in classrooms.
• Reinforce concepts learned in the show with a preview sheet and hands-on follow-up activity for classroom or group use.
• Bring the excitement of science museum learning to audiences everywhere.

Traveling Structures Exhibit

This hands-on tabletop exhibit contains many interactive devices that demonstrate the basic principles and concepts behind different types of structures. The Structures Exhibit is available in two formats, and can be a great addition to your science fair or corporate event. Traveling Science Show staff accompany each exhibit and provide take-home demonstrations for visitors. The exhibit is available for up to five hours. Call 215/448-1169 for more information.
Rental Fees:
Small Exhibit - $425 (plus travel fee); occupies two to four standard folding tables; accompanied by one TSS interpreter.
Large Exhibit - $625 (plus travel fee); occupies five to eight standard folding tables; accompanied by two TSS interpreters. Also available for up to one week: $1,000 (does not include interpreters).

Ready, Set, Science! (2800k)

This Quicktime Movie offers a sneak preview of our Shows.

Save Money by Double Booking!

The Programs

We can now do Hot and Cold, Light and Color, Chemistry, and Electricity (including special hands-on activities), in individual classrooms. Call 215/448-1169 for more information.

Hot and Cold
Grades K-6 and 7- 9

Balloons shrink; bubbles freeze; supple things shatter! It's all part of Hot and Cold. Liquid nitrogen provides the drama as we explore the three states of matter. We demonstrate the difference between heat and temperature and how removing heat effects the behavior of matter. Even the youngest students come away with a new appreciation of hot and cold!

Hot and Cold Show FAQ

Flight
Grades K-6 and 7-9

If you've ever wondered how aircraft are able to stay aloft, this show might help! We use common toys to illustrate the four forces of flight to the delight of child and adult alike. From hot air balloons to jet planes, we trace the development of flight while demonstrating how air supports all kinds of craft.

Flight Show FAQ

Light and Color
Grades K-6 and 7-9

Learn about light, from flames to fluorescent lights. Learn how we make it, how it behaves, and how we use it for more than just seeing. Mirrors and lasers are used to show reflection and refraction. Our instructors bring a variety of special projection devices to demonstrate the basic principles of light and color.

NOTE: This shows requires a room that can be darkened. The darker the room, the better the effects.

Light and Color Show FAQ

Chemistry
Grades K-6 and 7-9

This dramatic program has a wealth of eye- catching demonstrations that bring the study of matter and its changes to life. From simple replacement reactions to more sophisticated polymers, to the always exciting combustion reactions, we give the audience an experience they won't soon forget.

Chemistry Show FAQ

Communications Technology
Grades K-6 and 7-9

Students are immersed in communications technology today. This program helps explain how that technology developed and how our many communications systems operate. Students help us demonstrate the capacity and limitations of various forms of technology from sound amplifiers to radios to digital recordings. Many devices are used in the show, including a tuning fork, music box, tesla coil, modulated laser, photo detector, fiber optic cable, and Marconi radio.

Communications Show FAQ

Electricity
Grades K-6

As the name suggests, this popular program gives youngsters a better understanding of the electricity they take for granted. Volunteers from the audience play an important part in this program as we explore the mechanical, magnetic, and chemical means of producing electricity. Because several demonstrations work best in dryer weather, this show is most effective during the winter.

Electricity Show FAQ

Motion and Machines
Grades K-6

Machines make work easier, but what is work and how do machines help us? Our devices make motion and machines come to life. Members of the audience experience how simple machines help us accomplish more than we ever could using just our muscles.

NOTE: Requires a stage or raised platform.

Motion and Machines Show FAQ

Structures
Grades K-6

This show presents forces and other concepts to explore how bridges and buildings stand or fall through weathering and time. It also examines the relationship between shape and strength. Familiar materials such as paper cups, boards, and giant foam blocks are used in the demonstration.

NOTE: Requires a stage or raised platform.

Structures Show FAQ

You are welcome to send e-mail at:tss@fi.edu

Traveling Science Show Frequently Asked Questions

Reservation Form

Sponsor of the Traveling Science Shows is:
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Subaru of America, Inc. believes in the value of science education to inspire young minds and spark their interest in science, math, and technology. As a proud sponsor of the Franklin Institute's Traveling Science Show program, Subaru's support helps the museum take its programs to nearly one-half million people annually.