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Lawrence Hall of Science

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The Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, California

The Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) is a public science center featuring hands-on exhibits and activities. Located in the hills above the University of California at Berkeley campus, LHS is also a resource center for preschool through high school science and mathematics education.

Established in 1968 in honor of Ernest Orlando Lawrence, UC's first Nobel laureate, Lawrence Hall of Science also develops teaching materials and programs for students, teachers, families, and the general public.

Permanent Exhibits

Permanent exhibits at Lawrence Hall of Science include:

  • The Forces That Shape the Bay outdoor science park, which explores the seismological forces that created and still affect the entire San Francisco Bay area.
  • The Sunstones II, a 15 foot granite astronomical sculpture, created by David Cudaback and Richard O’Hanlon and installed outside LHS in 1979. Sight lines in the piece allow visitors to view northern- and southern-most setting of the sun at the solstices and many other important astronomical events.
  • The Nanozone, an exhibit examining the field of nanotechnology. The Nanozone introduces nanotechnology researchers from UC Berkeley and across the country, the latest consumer products made with nanotechnology, and computer games and hands-on activity stations that demonstrate how things work at the nanoscale.
  • The Real Astronomy Experience, where visitors play the role of an astronomer using a telescope and interactive computer stations to track asteroids, map planets, explore Jupiter's moons and name nebulae.
  • The Memorial Room, devoted to the life and research of Ernest O. Lawrence. The room features a biographical film on Lawrence's life, a pair of "Dee" electrodes from one of the first cyclotrons and a display of Lawrence's Nobel Prize medal.
  • A seismograph connected to UC Berkeley’s Seismographic Station, that registers earthquakes occurring anywhere in the world.
  • The LHS Biology Discovery Lab, where children learn about animals. Many LHS classes are held in the Biology Discovery Lab and provides the opportunity for children to observe and interact with animals.
  • The Idea Lab, offering visitors guided discovery activities based on many LHS programs.
  • Math Around the World, an exhibit featuring math games played around the world. Popular games include Hex, Kalah, Game Sticks and Shongo Networks.
  • Pheena the Fin Whale, a life sized model of a Fin whale residing on the LHS plaza.
  • A larger-than-life DNA sculpture on the LHS plaza is another favorite place for young visitors to play.

Planetarium

LHS visitors observe the winter solstice using the Sunstones II

LHS develops interactive planetarium shows for its own planetarium and other small planetariums, and offers regular public stargazing programs at LHS.

Publications and Curriculum

Curriculum and publications developed by LHS programs such as EQUALS/FAMILY MATH, Full Option Science System (FOSS), Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS), Marine Activities and Resources in Education (MARE), PEACHES—a program for early childhood educators, and Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP)reach many students nationwide and around the world. New programs are frequently developed and expanded at LHS, such as Global Systems Science (GSS),Hands-On Universe (HOU), and Seeds of Science - Roots of Reading.

Education

The Hall has an extensive education division. LHS offers year-round youth and family classes and day camps at LHS. Classes focus on a wide range of subjects, including biology, chemistry, astronomy, mathematics, robotics and art. In addition to on-site classes, LHS residential summer camps are held in various locations in California.

Professional Development

The Lawrence Hall of Science offers many workshops and other professional development opportunities for teachers. Online courses for LHS curriculum are also available.

Discovery Corner Store

The Discovery Corner Store offers many science and math products for visitors of all ages. Popular items include science kits, educational posters, plush toys and astronaut ice cream.

University of California at Berkeley

LHS is run by the University of California at Berkeley. LHS staff collaborate with University scientific experts from many fields to develop exhibits such as Big Dinos Return, Forces That Shape the Bay and Nanozone, as well as educational materials for teachers and families.

Location

The view of the San Francisco Bay as seen from Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, California.

LHS is located in the Berkeley Hills on Centennial Drive above the University of California at Berkeley campus, close to Tilden Park. The Hall provides visitors panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Landmarks visible from the Lawrence Hall of Science include the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, the cities of San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, Albany and San Mateo and the University of California at Bekreley campus.

Trivia

  • Exhibits outside the LHS include the magnet portion of a large cyclotron and models of a giant strand of DNA and a whale.
  • The scale model of the Fin Whale on the LHS plaza is named Pheena.
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