This hands-on exhibit delves into the world of materials science, or the study of “stuff.” A dynamic blend of physics, chemistry and engineering, this field of research studies how things are put together, how they might be improved, or how they can change to create brand new materials. From metals to crystals to magnets to glass, Strange Matter will give visitors the chance to dig into the science behind the materials they use every day. Strange Matter uses science to explore the bizarre world of modern materials and provide a glimpse into where the future might take us.

Highlights of the Strange Matter exhibit include:

Amazing Magnetic Liquids: Ferrofluids are liquids that respond to magnets. In this area of Strange Matter, visitors will use magnets to manipulate pools of ferrofluids, making them jump and dance.

Amorphous Metals: The unusual structure of amorphous metals make them incredibly hard. Here, visitors will “test” different metals by dropping ball bearings on five different materials simultaneously.

Touch Table: At this interactive station, visitors will find instruments to help them explore the properties of assorted materials. They can use a microscope to get a close look at the structure of common materials, experiment with “Tumble Tubes” and watch a sold material flow like a liquid, play tunes on a wooden xylophone and a xylophone of mixed materials and compare the museum they create, and more.

Zoom!: Some things seem smooth to the naked eye, but what if you could get a much closer look? Zoom from the macro to the nano scale and find out how scientists "feel atoms" using Atomic Force Microscopes.

Structure and Defects: Play with a sheet of ball bearings and discover how this simple model can be used to investigate the secret structures, strengths and weaknesses of metals.