AirPlay Blows Through TASM
It can’t always been seen or felt, but the movement of air affects humans and their surroundings all the time.
“AirPlay is a highly interactive exhibit that demonstrates how air moves, how moving air affects objects in its path, and how those objects affect the movement of air,” says Kim Jones, museum curator, Tulsa Air and Space Museum.
This hands-on exhibit is at TASM today through Jan. 20, 2008. AirPlay is designed for children ages three to 13 and, says Jones, provides an excellent opportunity for family and group members to learn and play together.
The exhibit is funded by the National Science Foundation and created by the Montshire Museum of Science. The Hille Foundation is the local Tulsa sponsor. The 10 activities include: Air In, Air Out; Aeolian Landscape; Air Cannon; Air Maze; Air Race; Ball Floaters; Fluid Flow; Fluttering Fabric; Sailboats; and Tube Tunnels.
“It’s a fun and entertaining way to learn about air and its properties,” Jones says. “Air blowers propel bright yellow foam balls through air mazes, a snaking transparent hose shows how air moves through tubing, angles, and tees; model sailboats moving along a tabletop driven by fans; and an air cannon shoots puffs of air from across a room.”
Visitors can also paint a wall of fluttering “shimmer disks” with a spray of air and race balls through two paths to see the effects of turbulence. Other activities show where air in a vacuum cleaner goes and how objects are picked up in an air stream, and then balanced on multiple streams of air.
Youth school field trips may be scheduled for the 2007-2008 calendar year. A special educational curriculum is being written for a hands-on learning opportunity utilizing AirPlay to understand the scientific principles of air.
Located at 3624 N. 74th E. Ave., the TASM campus is south of both the Tulsa Zoo and Mohawk Park. TASM is open Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Mondays and major holidays) and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
TASM’s single admission tickets for the Sherman and Ellie Smith Hangar One (AirPlay exhibit included with museum admission) are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors (62 and older), students and military (ID required), $4 for youth (ages four -12), Children under three are complimentary. TASM members are admitted free of charge.
Discounted combo admission tickets to both the James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium and the Hangar One Museum also are available. For information on group tours and prices, call (918) 834-9900, ext. 123. Individual tickets are available for purchase at the door, subject to availability.
For more information, phone (918) 834-9900 or visit www.TulsaAirAndSpaceMuseum.com.
Updated 01-02-2008
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