Explore Our Exhibits

The Monroe Science Center has over 30 interactive exhibits spanning many scientific topics.

These are just a few examples of the experiences we have on display.

Note: Exhibits are subject to change or be removed without notice. 

A space-themed mural showcasing the historic points in Dr. Darden's life from 1942 to present day

Featured Exhibit Hall

The Monroe Science Center has a featured exhibit space. This area will host exhibits that are featured for a limited time or are new to the center. Expect this area to change and grow.

Our current exhibit features our namesake, Dr. Christine Mann Darden. Learn about the life and achievements of Dr. Christine Mann Darden, a Monroe, North Carolina native. You will also learn about space travel through the years.

Bernoulli Blower
Micro Eye Stations

Bernoulli Blower

Let’s talk about pressure. What makes an airplane fly? With the Bernoulli blower, you will see how air moves around an object, creating different forces on that object, allowing it to fly or float. See how many balls you can keep in the air at one time. How many blowers will it take? Does changing the angle of the blower affect the ball’s stability?

Micro Eye Stations

There is so much to see at the micro eye stations. Using the zoom and focus adjusters, see things up close as you’ve never seen before. We will have specimens available for you to check out. Images will be displayed on a high-def television for surrounding guests to see. 

Ball Wall
Water Table

Ball Wall

Think of this exhibit as a life-size marble run. With some parts being movable and some permanent, you can make different courses for your ball to move across the wall to get to the ground. Take turns using the blower, conveyer, and screw to lift your ball to the top, and use the magnetized parts to move your ball across and down.

Water Table

There are so many things to see at this water table. Think of this table as a little town with a river running through it. Race boats down the ramps and open and close gates to see which path is quickest to the end. Build a fountain with different-shaped wands, find the fog mushroom, and make it rain with the rain cloud.

Paper Airplane Launcher
Sand Table

Paper Airplane Launcher

Test out your engineering skills to create a one-of-a-kind paper airplane. How long does the nose need to be? Are the wings big enough for it to take flight? Afterward, place your airplane in the launcher and experiment with different angles to get it to its destination. 

Sand Table

It’s not your typical sandbox. This sandbox lets you create a biome that you control. Using kinetic sand, a projector, and depth censoring software, you can see your biome change in real-time. Build a volcano, mountains, and hills, make it rain, and see where the water flows.

Sensory Room

Sensory Room

The Monroe Science Center provides a sensory room for guests with special needs. We understand the main exhibit space will feel loud and overwhelming at times, so it will be equipped with various activities to provide a calm and tranquil space for those who need it. We have partnered with a local nonprofit, The Arc, to help us with this project.