Science Exhibits & Principles
In the science principles area, visitors can experience the wonders of space exploration, electricity, mechanics, light and wave science and the human body by means of attractive displays, many of which provide hands-on opportunities. The centerpiece in the science exhibits is the Charles H. Townes Center, a special exhibition of dazzling laser technology, named in honor of the distinguished Nobel laureate and South Carolina native whose research helped produce this remarkable invention.
The center also includes exhibits on two other South Carolina Nobel laureates and their research, Dr. Joseph Goldstein and Dr. Kary Mullis, and the state's astronauts, who include Gen. Charles Duke who walked on the moon, the late Dr. Ronald McNair and others.
Numerous interactive exhibits entertain, challenge and educate the visitor in the principles of physics, wave science, forces and motion, electricity and the human body's coordination and stamina. Visual interactive displays highlight the corridor to the museum's science center. These challanging exhibits illustrate the interaction of optical principles and the physiology and psychology of the human eye/brain processing system.