Exhibit 1: Exploring the Planets
In this exhibit, we took a brief overview of the properties of the planets in the solar system. The exhibit focused mostly on aspects of planetary science such as geology and meteorology. The exhibit portrayed many different concepts, but there were some that were elaborated more for the planets that are more understood. Firstly, the atmospheres of Mars and Venus were shown. Venus' was extremely thick and cloudy, while Mars had a much thinner atmosphere. Secondly, the terrain of Mars was shown, which was shaped by liquid water which is no longer present. Third, the volcanoes on Venus were described, which may or may not still be active. The entire exhibit is very interactive and surface level, not requiring much prior education on the matter. Most of the exhibit is screens of text next to specimens or illustrations of the planets. There were simulations and games about the Mars rovers, Venus' surface, and the asteroid belts. These could be clicked through for interactive information delivery. Some features, like the Mars rover game, were a good source to visualize the planet.
Exhibit 2: Destination Moon
The next exhibit visited was Destination Moon. This one had a large focus on aerospace engineering and lunar exploration. In the entrance, the geology of the moon is explored, which is mostly composed of anorthosite and basalt. Basalt is common on earth, but anorthosite is not. Then, an F-1 engine of the Apollo-11 mission is on display, highlighting the necessary fuel injection process. A moon rover was also on display, with a sample payload on it. Unlike the previous exhibit, there were many more real specimens from the moon exploration, since most of it was able to return. Thus, a lot more information was visually conveyed along with the text of the exhibit. However, like the previous exhibit, everything was simple and surface level, for a general audience. There were interactive components like a moon model with the landing sites, and a game to build the Saturn-V rocket. There were a lot fewer interactive components in this exhibit, and they only conveyed a small portion of the information. Mostly everything was parts from the actual moon landing missions.
Exhibit 3: One World Connected
The last exhibit was not about the space surrounding earth, rather the space within earth. It focused on the interconnectedness of earth in both communication and climate. The first specimen on display was an early AM radio, and the inside components that receive signals. An old satellite's broadcasting system was also on display, with the different transmitter and receiver parts shown. Lastly, a large model earth was in the center of the exhibit displaying the migration patterns of many tracked animals such as elephants and migratory birds. This exhibit was a mix of the previous two. There were many simulated elements such as the large model earth, but there were also many real parts like the broadcasting systems. Surprisingly, this exhibit was a little more advanced than the previous two, since many components of global communication are advanced electrical engineering, and the systems in the exhibit are not explained easily. There were interactive elements present, such as the aforementioned earth display. It was great for displaying a lot of information in a small area, as the consoles surrounding it could change what it displayed.