The Franklin Institute opens 'Changing Earth' and 'Electricity' exhibits
The life of a planet, the lure of energy
The Franklin Institute will open two continuing exhibits on Saturday, "Changing Earth" and "Electricity," focusing on climatology, meteorology, sustainability and more.
The centerpiece of the "Changing Earth" exhibit is a huge satellite image of the globe. Visitors enter through a projected image of the planet on a fog curtain as they descend into the Earth's atmosphere.
The screen presentation recounts the history of changes in our planet. Viewers also can calculate their carbon footprint, explore seismographs of recent earthquakes, create their own weather, and experiment to see how dams and water volume affect river flow and erosion.
"Electricity" provides interactive ways to learn how that form of energy is produced. Visitors can become conductors for static charge, learning how the body uses electrical signals. Participants will be able to feel the amount of electricity required to power different kinds of lightbulbs and use cell phones to transmit signals that will illuminate LED artwork.
The exhibit features a dance floor that generates power to light itself up, using the motion of people moving across the tiles. Visitors also can take part in a social game to lead a nation through the process of technological and economic development, learning how sustainable electricity generation requires global decision-making.
Support for "Changing Earth" comes from the Sunoco Foundation, the Hamilton Family Foundation, and investors from the Franklin Institute's "Inspire Science!" museum renovation efforts. "Electricity" is presented by Peco Energy and associate sponsor IBEW Local Union 98.
Crafts for kids
On Sunday, the Philadelphia Art Alliance presents "For the Family: Craft Experience for Kids," designed for parents with children ages 4 to 12.
From noon to 4 p.m. on the last Sunday of the month, visitors can experience arts and culture as a family. Sculptor Darla Jackson's first-floor exhibit, "While You Were Out," can be viewed with an educational guide. On the third floor, children can color versions of animal sculptures from the exhibit and take finished coloring book pages home as a keepsake.
Educational tours of the alliance's exhibitions are also available. Each changing exhibition offers new educational guides and activities.
Hayrides to Bunnyland
The Easter Bunny will make an appearance at Linvilla Orchards this weekend for Hayrides to Bunnyland.
Beginning 11 a.m. Saturday and continuing daily through April 3, kids and parents can take a hayride through the woods to visit the Easter Bunny's house. The Easter Bunny will greet children and give out treats. Festivities for the day include pony rides, face painting, train rides.