Science fiction is meeting science fact in a new exhibit at Jacksonville’s Museum of Science and History.
Called Science Fiction, Science Future, the hands-on exhibit blends popular science fiction with a look at what’s come true and how generations have viewed the future.
MOSH curator Paul Borcier said the futuristic visions created by science fiction pop culture are among the exhibit’s highlights.
“If you’re a science fiction fan there are certain things you’ll find really intriguing. For instance, if you’re a Star Trek fan of the original series, you’ll find an exhibition display that looks like the transporter room,” said Borcier.
Although the exhibit is meant to be fun, it's based on sound scientific principals and seeks to help visitors develop a deeper understanding of how science fiction ideas and concepts might become reality.
An example is mind control. In one exhibit, visitors put on headgear and attempt to move a ball. In another, a camera picks up visitors' facial expressions and then translates those expressions to a robot.
Another display should be familiar to Harry Potter fans.
“They are probably familiar with the invisibility cloak, and we have an exhibition that simulates that experience by bending light around you so that one minute you’re there, and the next minute you’re just kind of this invisible shadow,” said Borcier.
For opening weekend the MOSH will have a full slate of activities in addition to Science Fiction, Science Future from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday:
- Coding games to learn the tricks behind computer programming.
- Museum-wide scavenger hunt.
- Test your skills at robotics with the Jacksonville Public Library Makers.
- 3D printing instruction with Forge Co.
- A presentation at 2 p.m. of (WTF) What The Fiction, Mars will be held in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium.
Members of the 501st Legion – which is a group of Star Wars fans – will also be on hand.
Science Fiction, Science Future runs through May 13 at the MOSH at 1025 Museum Circle in Jacksonville.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
