Field Trip!

We joined the 6th graders for a trip to the Exploratorium today. If you haven't been in decades (I think the last time I went, I was in 6th grade!) I'm happy to report it is very much the same! We scoured the place to find the Shadow Box which has been downsized and moved to the back corner near the Tactile Dome but is nevertheless still there as evidenced by these photos of Tom and Tommy. If you've never been, there's a countdown and a big flash and then your shadows are left on the wall even after you move. There's science to it, but you'll have to go learn that yourself!

Tommy really liked the place, lots of action and fun things to look at and everything can be touched! They even have a toddler area that is gated and fenced in with baby gadgets, etc to play with. We sought refuge there on more than one occaision as we were not the only field trip present and kids get pushy at the Exploratorium!

Here's a picture that will no doubt haunt Tom for a long time. I almost don't want to explain it because it's more fun without...

BUT... the sign says, this toilet has never been used and this water is perfectly clean but most people still won't drink out of it. It's an area about challenging superstitions or preconceived notions. It was right near a ladder you were invited to walk under (I did not...).

Tommy was very cute taking stroller breaks to walk around; usually holding one of our hands but also doing the super cute thing of holding one of each of our hands with him in the middle. Couldn't get a picture of that for obvious reasons. He liked this shadow exhibit that had 3 colored lights and therefore 3 shadows. The former lighting designers were less wowed but enjoyed Tommy's enjoyment! (I had to turn the flash off to see the shadows and thus the camera is slower and thus the blinking face)
We skipped the cow's eye dissection (I remember Mr. Boorman made us watch that in sixth grade!) and reminded kids to "stay with their group" and asked, "where's your adult?" Oh field trip fun! Seriously, check out the Exploratorium if you haven't... good times! Free the first Wednesday of every month and Tom scored a couple of passes for the future!