1. Human Gyro Ride
The ride is made up of a frame with two posts between which the outer ring is suspended. This outer ring will rotate forward or backward. A middle ring is attached so that its axis is from top to bottom of the outer ring. The axis of rotation is vertical. A third ring – the inner ring is attached to the middle with bearings on the left and right. The belt support, the feet hold where you stand is at the inner ring. During the ride, you will find yourself rotating about the axis of the inner ring, then the outer ring is rotated, eventually you will not only be spinning head over heels, but also spinning around and around as well!
This interactive exhibit is based on the machine developed by NASA in the 1960′s for use in the training program of the Apollo and Gemini Astronauts. This enabled the astronauts to become comfortable with the simulated experience of weightlessness and the roll and tumble inside their space craft.
We were asked who wants to try this exhibit and because I thought this will make me dizzy, I didn't waived my hand up high though I really want to try! But -- I learned afterwards that riders do not experience motion sickness because of the changing direction of the spin, which keeps the inner ear balanced. How cool is that?
2. Finger Tingler
This is the first exhibit we had for the team. The museum assistants requested us to form a circle while holding hands. He then rotated the crank, which means electricity is produced as indicated by the voltmeter needle. And afterwards, we experienced a tingling feeling or mild electric shock in our fingers! This indicates that electricity flows though our fingers as in a closed circuit.
We just had so much fun that we want to have a second try!
3. Magic Faucet
I really had fun while watching and examining this giant magic faucet! This faucet figure is supported by a clear acrylic tube on its spout. Since both water and the acrylic tube are transparent materials with very close indices of refraction, there is little change in the speed of light that passes through them. There is little reflection and refraction of light and thus, the acrylic tube blends into the water flow. This makes the faucet appear to float in midair. The turbulence of the falling water further hides the acrylic tube and enhances the optical illusion.
This really makes me 'Wow' every single time I visit this place.
4. Distorted Room
This two cute fellows somewhat have the same height. But here, one looks much taller than the other. Why is that?
Since our brain is accustomed to seeing rectangular rooms, we tend to perceive the distorted room as rectangular.The shape of the walls of the distorted room is constructed to make them appear the same as a rectangular room when viewed from the same spot.
This distorted room is also called Ames room, named after Adelbert, Ames Jr., an AMerican scientist who became known for studying and experimenting on illusions involving size and distance judgement.
5. Anti Gravity Mirror
The human body exhibits bilateral symmetry. This means that only one plane, called the sagittal plane, divides the body into roughly mirror image halves (external appearance only). The two halves can be referred to as the right and left halves. The right half is similar to the left half in size, shape and parts.
To an observer the reflection of the exposed half (left side) on the mirror appears to be the right half of the body, so the person looks whole. The lifted leg is also reflected by the mirror. This is why the person appears to be suspended in air and not pulled down by gravity.
6. Wonder House
When we walked into the house, we saw that the floor is horizontal and the walls are perpendicular to it. Based on experience, we know that we can stand upright. However, we have the difficulty because our body tilts.
The sense of balance explains this contradiction between what you see and what you actually experience. We really had fun in this wonder house; but this made me so dizzy but amazed at the same time.
So these are just some of the exhibits you can try here at the Philippine Science Centrum. For more information, you may check them out here. Below are some faqs for Philippine Science Centrum.
Admission Fee
Php 130.00
Note: Teacher/s with ID and 2 years old and below are FREE
Operating Hours
Mondays to Saturdays
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Contact Details
Tel: (02) 942-5136/ 942-4137
Fax: (02) 942-5091
Mobile: 0905-259-7771
pfst@science-centrum.ph
