Fleet Science Center events and attractions include both permanent exhibits and a rotating event. Each exhibit has to do with an interesting branch of science, as well as the discoveries and breakthroughs that scientists have made that influence the way we learn about these topics today.
On top of the exhibits in the museum, the planetarium and IMAX theater are crucial parts of the Fleet Science Center experience as well. They run educational shows throughout the day.
With so many different science exhibits, you might be unsure what you should prioritize. Here’s a guide that will help you plan your path through the museum.
Sun Earth Universe Interactive Exhibit at the Fleet Science Center
Space Gallery
The Fleet Science Center includes many different exhibits that bring the magic of outer space right down to Earth. In the Space Gallery, you’ll take a look at the different inventions and advancements in science that make space exploration possible, as well as the skills astronauts and researchers need to explore the stars.
Inside the Space Gallery is the Pulseworks VR Transporter, which provides a fun virtual reality experience where you can journey to the moon and the cosmos without ever leaving the ground. It also contains the Sun, Earth, Universe exhibit, which is full of information about NASA’s scientific explorations of the universe and the questions about space these explorations attempt to answer.
Renewable Energy Education
The museum includes plenty of information on various renewable, planet-friendly energy resources. These exhibits show the ways that everyday parts of our homes like water and electricity get to us and what it takes to provide these resources.
In the It’s Electric exhibit, visitors learn about different scientific advancements involving electricity. Interactive stations include information about the science behind batteries, electric charges, and magnetic fields. The centerpiece of the exhibit, the Tesla Coil, is the first system for wirelessly transmitting electricity ever invented.
For a look at how we use electricity as a power source, stop by the So Watt! exhibit. Here, you’ll take a look at energy production, alternative energy sources like solar panels, and ways to get involved in conservation. You can learn more about the San Diego power grid and how it functions in the Power Play exhibit.
Water is another resource in our homes, as well as a potential source of renewable energy. We take the water running from our sink for granted, but so much goes into the process that we don’t see. In the San Diego’s Water exhibit, you’ll discover what it takes to get water to all the homes of San Diego, as well as information about water conservation and preservation.
Illusions Exhibit at the Fleet Science Center
Illusions
Illusions are tricks of the mind meant to make us see something that isn’t really there. With illusions, a completely still image might appear to be moving, and you can start seeing the same image as two completely different things.
The Fleet Science Center’s Illusions exhibit explores these mind-bending illusions and explains what makes them work. The exhibit contains dozens of different illusions that will excite and surprise you.
Shark Exhibit at the Fleet Science Center
Wild Creativity
Science and nature are sometimes viewed as opposing forces, but in many cases, scientists can learn a great deal of lessons from nature.
Many scientists have looked to the natural world for answers to questions and inspiration for creative problem solving in a process called biomimicry, the act of replicating a process from nature.
Not only will guests learn about the biological processes that allow nature’s inhabitants to solve their biggest problems, like the evolution of different beaks among bird species or the physics behind a kangaroo’s jump, they’ll also take a peek at how observing these animals has helped shape innovation in scientific design.
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Illusions Exhibit at the Fleet Science Center
New Science
New Science is an exhibit that reminds us that anyone from any walk of life can be a scientist. Though there are many barriers to diversity in STEM fields, both in the past and present, there are just as many people surmounting those barriers.
Celebrate diversity and intersectionality in different scientific fields as you learn about the ways that people from various marginalized identities are leaving their mark on science, math, technology, medicine, and engineering. New Science hopes to encourage a new future for science: one where everyone is on an even playing field.
Design Zone
At the Design Zone exhibit, mathematics takes the center stage. See how concepts like scale, ratios, variables, and patterns allow problem-solvers from different fields to come up with creative solutions to different mathematical problems.
There are countless challenges in design and engineering that require mathematics to solve. Some examples highlighted in the exhibit include making music, designing video games, and planning roller coasters. Design Zone invites kids to remember these lessons the next time they’re at the theme park or playing their favorite game.
Color in a New Light
Ever wondered about the rays of light and color that form the different spectrums of light, both visible and invisible? At the Color in a New Light exhibit, visitors will explore different hands-on displays as they journey from total darkness to bright and vibrant color.
The journey through the Color in a New Light exhibit takes guests through four different stages, starting with a display on darkness. Next comes invisible rays light infrared and ultraviolet, then the visible spectrum of light. Finally, learn about color through interactive setpieces like a lifesize light wall.
The Ball Pool
There’s always time to have some fun at Fleet Science Center. When kids need a quick break from checking out the exhibits, or are looking to burn some energy, the Ball Pool is the perfect solution.
With over 20,000 balls in a large, multi-person pool structure, this exhibit invites visitors to jump, dive, and play. Kids can put their imaginations to the test coming up with inventive scenarios while they crawl and swim through the Ball Pool.
Studio X
Exhibits at Fleet Science Center don’t just focus on education, but also inspiration. Kids can put the lessons they’ve learned at different museum exhibits to work at Studio X.
With a series of creative crafts, family-friendly design challenges, and a whole new way to learn, the Studio X exhibit provides the perfect outlet for this creative impulse. Activities include building a cardboard marble maze, creating a mobile-like kinetic sculpture, building block towers with real engineering skills, and more.
IMAX Dome Theater
IMAX movie screenings are located in the dome theater. In the dome, visitors can watch screenings of scientific movies that delight and intrigue, encouraging a strong interest in science at any age.
The dome theater has more than enough space for visitors. It includes hundreds of seats, each newly renovated to ensure you have a comfortable experience. Don’t worry about getting a bad seat; with the 76-foot, eight story tall screen and the 16,000 watt digital surround sound, there isn’t a bad seat in the house!
The shows and any IMAX film featured in the IMAX dome theater will be educational and family-friendly. They explore various scientific topics like conservation, invention, and discovery. To learn which movies are currently playing and what showtimes are available, visit the official site.
Planetarium
The Fleet Science Center also includes a large planetarium, where you can enjoy an educational stargazing trip. The planetarium has a wide dome ceiling upon which images of constellations and distant planets are projected.
The planetarium features a number of rotating live shows. One of the most popular is the monthly show The Sky Tonight, which is a tour through the solar system guided and narrated by a real professional astronomer. Other shows include information on various aspects of the solar system like stars, comets, asteroids, and different galaxies.
On Wednesday evenings, guests are invited to head outside and explore the real night sky. Led by members of the San Diego Astronomy Association, use telescopes to see the distant stars of our solar system through a new lens.
Experience the Wonders of the IMAX Dome
Don't miss the IMAX Dome Theater at Fleet Science Center. It's the world's first, offering a 360-degree film experience. Perfect for immersive science and nature films, it's a must-see for visitors seeking a unique cinematic journey.