Science Sunday: Experimenting with Bubbles

Is it possible to make non-spherical bubbles? If so, how? Watch this Science Sunday video to see Mark and Aoife experiment with bubbles. Want even more fun with bubbles? BubbleMania is coming to the Connecticut Science Center from February 15 through February 17, 2020. Take swing music, add humor, and mix it with bubbles!   …

How Turning Down the Lights Opens Doors

If you are not sensitive to sound or light, then you could visit the Connecticut Science Center on a Sensory Friendly Day and not notice any change. For those of us who feel easily distracted or put on edge by what we interpret as chaotic noise, the difference is obvious and wonderful. Calm. That’s what …

A Quick Start Guide to Using NGSS

It is no secret that the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) cannot be learned overnight. The NGSS fundamentally alters the way science has been taught in our school systems for years, and developing a strong familiarity with its concepts will likely require reading more than just this blog post.  That said, here are a couple …

Women in Science Spotlight: Dr. Shelly M. Jones

As part of the Connecticut Science Center’s Women in Science Initiative, each month we will highlight local Connecticut women in a variety of science fields. This month’s Women in Science Spotlight features Dr. Shelly M. Jones, a Professor of Mathematics Education at Central Connecticut State University. She is the author of Women Who Count: Honoring …

Science Sunday: Harry Potter and the “Invisible” Spell

Did someone say invisible messages? Taking a look at Harry Potter for inspiration, this week on Science Sunday we bring the magic to, what we commonly now know as, direct messaging. What is the science of Harry Potter? The first way we have lined up for you to cast this “invisible spell” revolves around an …

Brownie Mix: STEM with Toddlers

My daughter is freshly two. Like many parents, I’m trying to keep her open to a life in the sciences. To be honest, I’m also trying to keep her open to a life in the arts, literature, languages, historical perspective, emotional intelligence, and everything else… and of course, she mostly loves to play basketball. But …

NASA: The Space Agency That Studies Earth

When I hear “NASA” I think of astronauts and moonwalks, but it turns out that NASA has been investigating Earth. Who knew?! From 2008-2017, NASA and Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales used the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations satellite to track Diel Vertical Migration, a daily journey by creatures that feed on phytoplankton. Moving …

Following Connecticut’s Garnet Trail

Welcome to a new year and a new month. Garnet is the birthstone for January, and the almandine garnet happens to be Connecticut’s state mineral. You’ve probably heard of the Connecticut Wine Trail, but have you heard of the Garnet Trail? The Connecticut Garnet Trail was funded by the DEEP Greenways program to promote awareness …

Out of Bounds in the Science Center

Out of Bounds: Mountain Adventure is a little like a Warren Miller film, but with more science. Featuring Olympian Torah Bright, this movie is a journey along the American Cordillera, from Antarctica to Kaktovik, Alaska — with stops in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, British Columbia’s Revelstoke, and Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. Between Torah’s snowboard runs, we …

Connecticut Science Center: Decade of Dedication to the Planet

With its Green Mission and eye toward innovation, the Science Center “didn’t just stop with the LEED certification” awarded in 2010, says Cherie Sweeney, Vice President of Operations. As technology advances, creating opportunities for energy savings, there are adjustments to make — like changing light bulbs. Multiple different types of inefficient light fixtures were retrofitted …

Experiencing Our Changing Earth

If the bridge by Our Changing Earth’s entry looks familiar, there’s a reason. According to recent freeway counts by FHI and Connecticut’s Department of Transportation, 51 million vehicles cross the Bulkeley Bridge every year. Chances are, you have been in one of them. This scale version of the Bulkeley Bridge actually bridges several themes from …

Giving Thanks for the Maillard Reaction

Thanksgiving dinner is a production. One cousin is in charge of both roasting and deep-frying the turkeys. Because the crispy Brussels sprouts with apples and cranberries I brought one time were a hit, I am expected to deliver those every year. Two countertops are covered in desserts, from Connecticut-made chocolates to the requisite pumpkin pies. …

Reducing the Heat Island Effect, Even During Sweater Weather

The urban heat island effect (UHI) may not be at the forefront of your mind in November. This year-round phenomena is more noticeable in the summer, when cities are anywhere between 1.8 to 5.4°F warmer than surrounding rural areas, on an average day. A 2014 study found Hartford to be, on average, 2.5°F warmer than …

Planning a Greener Holiday Office Party

Tasked with planning the office holiday party, but don’t want to ruin it, Dwight Schrute style? It needs to be fun — but not so fun you get fired — and as environmentally sustainable as your budget will allow. After chatting with Trevor E. Furrer, Managing Partner of Riverhouse Hospitality, I have a better idea …

Looking Back at 10 Years of the Connecticut Science Center: A Decade of Dedication with Matt Fleury

Matt Fleury President & CEO of the Connecticut Science Center My role is to help shape and articulate the vision and strategy of the Science Center and advance our objectives by engaging, organizing, and supporting our talented team and Board of Trustees.   What is your favorite memory of the Connecticut Science Center? My boys …

ACCESS Granted – Creating an Opportunity for Diversity and Access

Mother of three, caretaker of her grandchildren, and an educator, Lilian Polanco has always been surrounded by the curious minds of young people who often are no taller than her hips.  As a paraprofessional, Lilian knows firsthand the impact of hands-on learning outside of a classroom setting and how experiential learning is vital to a …

Designing and Redesigning the Science Center

Editor’s Note: Since this article was published in the Association of Science and Technology Center’s magazine, Dimensions, the architect of the Connecticut Science Center building, Cesar Pelli, passed away at the age of 92. Science Center President & CEO Matt Fleury issued the following statement: “Cesar Pelli played a gigantic role in the creation of …

10 Years of Partnership with the Connecticut Science Center & WFSB

With a robot-assisted countdown and a shower of confetti, the Connecticut Science Center officially kicked off a year-long celebration of ten inspiring years. After opening to the public on June 12th, 2009, the Science Center has experienced ten years of successes, challenges, and opportunities, developing many lasting partnerships along the way. One such partnership is …

Happy 10th Birthday, Connecticut Science Center! A Timeline Celebrating 10 Inspiring Years

With the help of two robots, the Connecticut Science Center cut the red ribbon and welcomed its first customers on opening day ten years ago, June 12, 2009.  The Connecticut Science Center has a rich history spanning from the initial conceptual designs and building construction to the development of educational programing, scientific initiatives, and the …

Celebrating 10 Years of the Connecticut Science Center: A Decade of Dedication with Ed Lane and Claudia Davis

In 2009, the Connecticut Science Center opened its doors as a place of scientific discovery, innovation, and exploration; a centerpiece of the community in Hartford, CT. The Science Center was built by scientists, educators, and business, government, and community leaders who shared a vision to inspire children and adults to increase joy and interest in …

Experiencing REAL BODIES: an overview of the REAL BODIES exhibit at the Connecticut Science Center

When you enter Real Bodies: The Exhibition at the Connecticut Science Center, you’re faced with a few questions: What are we made of? Where do we come from? Why are we here? Throughout history, the study of human specimens has shown us the intricate details of our bodies, giving rise to new knowledge and treatments …

President’s Welcome

Welcome to Down to a Science, the Connecticut Science Center’s brand-new blog. As we kick off our tenth anniversary, we are excited to launch this blog to bring together experts, beginners, partners, educators, and the community with one topic we are all passionate about: science. We all know that knowledge can carry us forward, and …