Hands-on Electricty

Museum of the Gulf Coast will host  “ELECTRICITY,” 16 hands-on electrical experiments on loan from the Franklin Institute, Jan. 21- April 28.

Spark your curiosity of the wonders of electricity in this interactive exhibit for all ages.  Use your body to complete the circuit and discover how series and parallel circuits regulate the flow of electrons along a conductor or “feel” the electricity required to power up different kinds of light bulbs. Insulate yourself from the hair-raising effects of the Van de Graaff generator which demonstrates the effects of a buildup of electrical charges.

Learn how electricity is created and explore the fuel sources needed to generate electricity. Retrace the path of electricity from a common wall outlet back to the power plant. You’ll feel the force of electricity by manipulating electrical phenomena and tackling questions of sustainable energy.

The Museum of the Gulf Coast is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, $3 for children younger than 18, and free for younger than 3.  Guided tours and group rates are available for groups with prior notice, see www.museumofthegulfcoast.org for details.

Families in town for this event will also be interested in adventures at Sea Rim State Park, which include birding and kayaking.