February 6, 2023
The Science Museum of Virginia’s new touring exhibition opening February 11 ignites imagination and shines light on discovery. Using a variety of science disciplines, 20+ interactive experiences and a sense of fun, “Playing With Light” helps guests discover the science behind how our world is illuminated.
“While most of us probably take it for granted because we’re surrounded by it, light plays a vital role in our daily lives,” said Timshel Purdum, Virginia C. Ellett Deputy Director of Education. “The word light encompasses so much; we forget just how much that general term includes and that it’s more than just visible light. This exhibition covers the full spectrum of light so guests can understand the many pieces and parts, and recognize their differences.”
“Playing With Light” explores our big bright world through a wide variety of STEM disciplines, including physics, technology, material science, biology, engineering and astronomy. Guests can try to sneak past a laser light security block, step inside a giant kaleidoscope, “draw” with infrared “paint,” freeze their shadow, make a laser beam bounce across water and build their own powerful telescope.
Created by Scitech in Perth, Australia, produced by Imagine Exhibitions, “Playing With Light” examines vision, the beauty of rainbows, fiber optic communication, holographic security and laser surgery. Designed for guests of all ages, the touring exhibition features 21 full-body interactive exhibits with a multitude of outcomes in an open-ended and instruction-free style. It offers the opportunity for exploration, creativity and, most importantly, experimentation, a key tenet of the scientific process.
“Guests of all ages will appreciate that this exhibition reveals how science helps us explain and describe light in a fun and engaging way,” Purdum added. “Everyone who experiences the hands-on stations and experiments with the lasers, lenses and lights will leave with a better understanding of the world around us.”
To complement the exhibition, the Science Museum is offering light-themed demos and educational activities throughout the building, as well as supplemental digital content. The Science Museum also offers numerous astronomy shows in The Dome, each showcasing data collected in space and sent back to Earth in some form of light.
The February 10 Curiosity Camp In and March 3 Science After Dark both feature special programming about lights to tie into the exhibition. For teachers planning spring field trips, “Playing With Light” perfectly aligns with Virginia’s fourth and fifth grade standards of learning (SOLs).
“Playing With Light” is on display February 11 through August 20. It is included with regular Science Museum admission, which is $16 for adults; $13.50 for youth (ages 6 – 12) and seniors (ages 60 and older); and $10 for preschool-aged children (ages 3 – 5). Discounts are available for EBT cardholders. Educators, military personnel and Science Museum members receive free admission. Guests may purchase tickets at smv.org.
The Science Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting March 6, the Science Museum will be open seven days a week.
Educational cart activities designed to complement “Playing With Light” are sponsored locally by the Virginia Eye Institute.
About the Science Museum of Virginia
From virtual presentations featuring STEM experts to fun videos on social media to in-person experiential exhibits, the Science Museum of Virginia looks for every opportunity to inspire all Virginians to enrich their lives through science. Helping curious minds discover the connections between — and their connection to — science, technology, engineering and math guides Science Museum staff in all they do. Learn more at smv.org or call 804.864.1400.
About Imagine Exhibitions
Imagine Exhibitions is currently producing over 40 unique exhibitions globally in museums, science centers, zoos, integrated resorts and non-traditional venues, with millions of people around the world visiting their exhibitions each year. In addition to developing successful traveling exhibitions, Imagine Exhibitions designs, opens and operates permanent installations and venues, and consults on building, expanding and directing museums and attractions. With decades of diverse experience in the museum and entertainment industries, Imagine Exhibitions consistently develops exhibitions that educate and excite while exceeding attendance goals. For more information, visit www.ImagineExhibitions.com or find us on Facebook.
About Scitech
Explore your world through wonder! Scitech is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to increase awareness, interest, capability and participation by all Western Australians in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. For more information visit http://www.scitech.org.au.