Johnny Chapa
Since its opening in 1980, the Arizona Science Center located in downtown Phoenix, has had a mission statement to, “inspire, educate and engage curious minds through science”. Directed primarily at the younger audience, the science center is made up of four levels featuring a number of interactive exhibits. The first level is highlighted by The Dorrance Planetarium, that showcases shows ranging from the Grand Tour of the Solar System to a Beatles Laser Show.
Upon reaching the second level you can be met by the SkyCycle, arguably the highlight of the second floor, where riders are 15ft in the air on a bicycle that helps demonstrate counter balance. At the third level you have the chance of running into Steve and Robert, the two in charge of running the Ham Radio located within the Digital Lab. Here they can answer all your questions about how people communicate through radio frequency, even teaching viewers how to send their name in Morse Code. On the top level of the science center is Solarville, here everything is directed towards solar power and how it’s all connected.
While most exhibits are directed toward the younger audience, the science center does make an attempt to target adults. Each month they have Science With a Twist, an event that takes place on Friday night for adults 21+. Most recently the theme for the event was “Stranger Things”, the Netflix original series. They also host a Lasers and Liquor night, a laser show that offers drinks as well as music from band favorites such as Nirvana and Pink Floyd. Exhibits are also fully available during this time creating a fun atmosphere for adults.
When considering adults, something that the Arizona Science Center does lack is in the exhibits themselves. Making your way through the four different levels you can almost instantly notice who the targeted audience is. If you visit sometime in the earlier morning you’re more than likely to come across a class on a field trip or parents with their children. A large number of the exhibits are more interactive as a way to involve children and better teach them about simple concepts and while the center does a great job in this, it doesn’t offer much to the older crowd. Aside from special events that occur, as an adult you’re unlikely to leave with a new discovery of some sort. If they were any improvements to be made I would think adding exhibits that could provide further learning to adults would be a good start.
Museum Showcase 