Lawrence Hall of Science

My bargain sources turned up good luck this week and we got half off a family membership to the Lawrence Hall of Science.  Many kid fun spots are a half hour or more away from us, but Lawrence is just over the hill and not far from Brian's office.  I know Eli doesn't understand the science behind the exhibits and activities yet, but he had a great time learning cause and effect, figuring out how to manipulate various objects, and exploring.

 

The "Pin Art" Wall 

 

Floating Beach Balls
(This is used to teach Bernoulli's Principle, but Eli just loved the fact that columns of air make beach balls levitate.)

 

Logic Games  (Okay.  Yeah.  Eli was just havin' fun scooting the big beads around.)

 

Make Your Own Vertical Ping Pong Ball Track

 

A Ping Pong Ball Cyclone

 

Checking Out the View
(Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco spread before us)

 

Dams and Sluices 

 

Woo Hoo -- Diggin' in Wet Sand
(And maybe learning about soil erosion?)

 

A Mama's Two Cents:
Even if Eli doesn't fully appreciate the science aspect yet, he really enjoys the "hands on spirit" of the place and I got a kick out of watching him figure out how various exhibits worked.  A great part of the learning process is that there are kids of all ages and Eli was fascinated by going over to try what the "big kids" were doing.  On a personal level, my brother and I really enjoyed Lawrence; it's nice to have a place that tots and adults both like.  In addition, one of my friends pointed out that the Hall is large enough that it doesn't feel as crowded as many child venues and I have to agree.  I do, however, have one minor disappointment.  We went on a hot day hoping for some cool indoor fun, but the Hall isn't air conditioned.  It was a little miserable because we were all being so active.  But hot days are few in our area, so this is negligible.  And I should mention that there are some membership perks including half price entry fees for various Bay Area venues such as the Exploratorium and a discount at the wonderful Lawrence science-minded gift shop.

Comments

[Birgit]

Hey Val,

My mom is visiting for a week. We just had a look at some of your past postings - and especially the pictures. My mom's reaction: "What a gorgeous boy!" We both LOVE your blog. Please keep writing!! Love from all of us.

Birgit & Lut

[Valerie]

Oh, how nice! Thanks, Birgit and Lut! I hope y'all have a great visit together.