Science Studios
The Buffalo Museum of Science remains a dedicated resource for science education in our community and is proud to announce the development of immersive, interactive areas within the museum called Science Studios. In April 2010, BMS was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s 21st Century Fund to be used toward the creation of these studios, which will provide unique learning experiences and help create a better educated population. With the 21st Century Fund grant, the museum hired ROTO Studios, an exhibit and experience design firm, to help create a Master Plan for the complete renovation of the museum and evolution of our science experience.
In order to help shape the plans for these Science Studios, educational partnerships with the University at Buffalo, D’Youville College, and Buffalo State College are already underway. Also, the museum is able to showcase work to the public from the researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Hauptman-Woodward Research Institute.
With proper funding, BMS plans to install or begin construction on two Science Studios a year for the next four years. These Science Studios include*:
Health Science Studio
How many people really know how to take care of their body? After all, you only get one. In the Health Science Studio, visitors can explore anatomy and learn about important decisions they can make to improve and maintain their health. Interactive exhibits give a hands-on approach to disease prevention and treatment and explore the most recent advances in medical technology. Learn more about what’s happening for the WNY medical community.
Earth Systems Studio
Learn about the weather above our heads and the geological phenomena beneath our feet in the Earth Systems Studio. The Earth is always active and visitors of this studio will be able to see how this natural phenomenon affects the Earth’s numerous ecosystems. Visitors will be able to explore dramatic weather events and even learn how the planet’s natural forces such as wind, water, and sun can be used for energy.
Motion Studio
Objects in motion stay in motion, and that is exactly what visitors can expect from the Motion Studio. This studio is an action-packed testing laboratory where visitors can become scientists and explore the physics of motion by building their own devices and conducting their own experiments.
Biodiversity Studio
The Biodiversity Studio features the museum’s existing collection of scenic dioramas and turns it into an informative, interactive experience. Visitors will be able to explore Western New York’s own environment and learn how to identify the region’s plants and animals. Detailed exhibits will also explore the relationship between Western New York’s environment and other ecosystems around the world.
Culture Studio
The different cultures of the world are more alike than you may think. The Culture Studio explores the differences and similarities between facets of world cultures such as toys, food, music, body decoration, and even ideas about the afterlife. The exhibits make it easy and fun for visitors to experience these cultural comparisons.
Insect Studio
Come and learn all about different creepy crawlies in the Insect Studio, where interactive exhibits and media displays make a usually microscopic experience larger than life.
Extinction Studio
The Extinction Studio trades dusty bones and dry facts for an epic narrative about the development of life on Earth. Visitors can explore evolutionary events that made the headlines in the history of this planet. Visitors can also learn the major causes of extinction and fundamentally learn that extinction is merely necessary for the ongoing diversity of life.
Space Studio
Reach for the stars in the Space Studio and you will find that the final frontier is closer than you think. In this studio, visitors will learn about space exploration in depth and even find out what it is like to be an astronaut through interactive exhibits. Also, learn about astronomy and even make scientific predictions about life beyond our planet.
* Illustrations shown were designed by ROTO Studios and serve as conceptual ideas for Science Studio experiences. Actual experiences may vary.
