WELCH
HALL OF CHEMISTRY HMNS WELCH HALL OF CHEMISTRY
DON’T OVERREACT!
www.hmns.org/exhibits
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Our Chemistry Hall is moving—and doubling in size—this November.
The new Welch Hall of Chemistry introduces chemistry as the fundamental basis of the natural world—rather than as the dry, abstracted and formulaic discipline that is traditionally presented. Visitors will leave the hall understanding the origins of the Universe and the profound role chemistry plays in our lives. Relocated to the lower level, the new exhibition features state-of-the-art, gigantic touch screens that numerous people can use at the same time. These enormous screens allow visitors to experience chemistry in an exciting new way—and hopefully will inspire a new generation of scientists to keep solving the world’s problems. The Welch Foundation has offered continued support to HMNS to keep the chemistry exhibition current for fifty years. Below you can find a brief preview of some of the electrifying new exhibits you’ll enjoy when you visit.
HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE Travel from the very beginning of the Universe over thirteen billion years ago to the modern world, and even glimpse the future. As the musician Moby put it in his 2002 hit, “We are all made of stars.”
be aware that, just as in the real world, many elements are in short supply. Once your molecule is complete, you can learn its useful characteristics.
CARBON CYCLE
POWERS OF 10 Explore the powers of 10, navigating from the smallest subatomic particles to the expanse of the observable universe, with strands of DNA and ecosystems in between.
Explore the chemical balance that regulates the temperature of Earth’s atmosphere, from the expulsion of CO2 by volcanoes to the sequestration of carbon as calcium carbonate in plants and algae.
INTERACTIVE PERIODIC TABLE MOLECULE BUILDER Creativity is a major component of chemistry! You can construct molecules from elemental building blocks, but
Experiment with what different elements can do. This interactive, computer-based periodic table illustrates how chemical reactions happen by mixing elements together that you select right on the table!