CIRCUS! SCIENCE UNDER THE BIG TOP

February 3–September 2, 2007

Download Teachers' Guide to circus exhibit (pdf)

More than 5,000 square feet of circus spectacle and science—from the high wire to the lemonade…

Do You Dare?

Walk a tightrope 9 feet above ground to understand balance, concentration and the body’s reaction to risk.
Time yourself on a piece of tightrope to see how long you can hold your balance
Twirl through the air like an “Elastic Acrobat” to feel angular momentum at work.
Squeeze into tiny spaces to understand how ligaments and tendons keep your skeleton from collapsing.
Compare your strength to legendary performer “The Mighty Atom” and measure your force while trying to shape a steel bar.
Look deeply into sword swallowing (virtual sword- swallowing only).
Learn to juggle!

From Costumes to Clean Up

Pick a costume for your own circus performance.
Create music to match short vignettes of circus acts.
Listen to circus animal noises and hear what researchers think the animals are saying.
Take a whiff from a food vendor cart and find the secret to pink lemonade and what a corn dog is really made from.
Check out what circus animals eat, and what they leave behind when the circus moves on.

"Circus! Science Under The Big Top" was developed by the Ontario Science Centre, Ontario, Canada.

Note: Separate ticketing and limited access for Elastic Acrobat and High Wire components required during times of peak usage. Call 642-5132 and press 0 for details.

Please remember:The Elastic Acrobats and the High Wire close daily at 4:30.