Event name: American Museum of Natural History
Start time: November 22, 2025 at 10:30am:
At the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the temporary exhibit Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs, which opened on November 17, vividly illustrates the asteroid impact that occurred 66 million years ago and its devastating effects on the planet. Guided by Dr. Holtz, along with Merck and Fletcher, students are introduced to displays that make the science accessible and engaging. Two notable features include the Cretaceous Quiz, presented on an interactive touch TV screen, and The Sound of Life, which uses buttons connected to a sound system, an information board, and speakers to immerse visitors in the prehistoric environment. These materials (screens and boards) were presented in a clear, interactive way that made the concepts easy to understand for casual visitors, ensuring that the scientific ideas were approachable and memorable. By incorporating modern technology and sensory experiences such as hearing, the exhibit connects the ancient event to people today, encouraging reflection on planetary change and human impact while making the distant past feel immediate and relevant.
The museums fossil halls on the fourth floor are organized around the evolutionary tree of vertebrates, with the Hall of Vertebrate Origins divided into four parts to highlight divergent points in their history. Exhibit designers use graphics, models, and the physical arrangement of the rooms to make this organizing principle clear, allowing visitors to see how different groups of vertebrates branched off and evolved over time. During the tour led by Drs. Merck and Holtz, two highlights stood out: the Titanosaur, an enormous plant-eating dinosaur whose massive stomach reflects the long digestive process required for vegetation, though it might opportunistically consume meat if directly available; and Struthiomimus altus, one of the fastest dinosaurs, notable for its bird-like arms and toothless beak, features that foreshadow avian evolution. At the same time, some aspects of the exhibits are outdated. For example, the glass bridge near the Barosaurus has become cloudy and scuffed since its installation in the 1990s, making it difficult for visitors to enjoy the intended view. Updating this feature would require regular cleaning or costly replacement, but doing so would better convey the information and preserve the immersive experience. Another outdated element is the static wall text in certain fossil halls, which reflects older scientific interpretations that have since been revised. Improving this feature could involve adding digital panels or interactive screens that allow updates to be made more easily as new discoveries emerge, though this would require ongoing investment in technology and maintenance. Overall, the fossil halls combine scientific organization with engaging displays, while also reminding us of the importance of maintaining and modernizing exhibits so that visitors can fully appreciate the evolutionary story they tell.
My self-guided observation took place in the Universe Hall, which was organized with a spacious layout that allowed for smooth visitor flow. The hall relied heavily on screens and interactive displays, with some exhibits presented on televisions and others on boards with accompanying text, creating a balance between digital engagement and traditional signage. Among the exhibits, three items stood out: the Willamette Meteorite, gifted by Reba Shulsky David and Dr. Sami David, which originated from a planetary body that may have shattered in a collision while orbiting the Sun; the Search for Life in the Universe sealed sphere, which invited reflection on ecosystems beyond Earth; and the Galaxies display, which visually conveyed the relationship between galaxies, stars, and the broader universe. While information was provided about the origins of these objects, one area that felt incomplete was the sealed sphere ecosystem, where identifying the living species inside would have enriched the visitors understanding. A simple blurb on the display describing what organisms might be seen would have been an effective addition, even within the limited space available for signage. Overall, the Universe Hall used technology and thoughtful organization to make complex astronomical concepts accessible, while leaving room for small improvements that could deepen the visitor experience.
The Space Show this year was titled Encounters in the Milky Way, and its theme explored the movement of celestial objects and their impact on our solar system. The presentation took audiences on a time-traveling journey through the cosmic motions that shape our galaxy, showcasing the paths of stars, comets, and debris, while also featuring visually stunning gas and dust clouds. A highlight of the show was its depiction of the ongoing merger of the Milky Way with neighboring galaxies, presented in a way that was both scientifically grounded and visually immersive. It was clear that many of the images were based on precise measurements and observations, mapping the positions, distances, and motions of nearly two billion stars, rather than being purely special effects. One new piece of information conveyed was about the Oort Cloud, a distant region of icy bodies that plays a role in the dynamics of comets entering the solar system. Overall, the Space Show combined cutting-edge data with captivating visuals to deepen visitors understanding of our galaxys evolution.
Finally, the museum demonstrates a strong commitment to accessibility, ensuring that visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can engage meaningfully with its exhibits. One way it achieves this is through layered educational materials: exhibits often combine simple, child-friendly graphics and interactive elements with more detailed scientific explanations, allowing both young students and professional researchers to learn at their own level. Another important feature is the use of multilingual resources, such as signage, audio guides, and mobile app support in multiple languages, which helps international visitors better understand the displays. The museum also prioritizes physical accessibility, with ramps, elevators, and wide pathways that make it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to navigate the halls. In addition, many exhibits incorporate sensory-friendly elements, such as touchable models, interactive screens, and audio components, so that visitors with different hearing or visual abilities can still engage meaningfully with the material. Together, these strategies ensure that the museums vast audience, from kindergarten field trips to global scholars, can all appreciate and connect with the scientific stories being told.