Explore the many aspects of energy with engaging, hands-on activities for for all ages! Witness the power of liquid nitrogen and discover what happens to matter when temperatures drop to extreme cold, have a hair-raising experience with static electricity using our Van de Graaff generator, and make your own ultraviolet ray-detecting ring with solar-reactive beads.

Through these activities and more we will take a closer look at energy’s impact on matter, evaluate renewable and nonrenewable energy resources, see how energy is used in our everyday lives, and learn more about how our energy use impacts the environment around us.

Activities include:

PRAXAIR Cryogenic Stage Show* Witness the effects of extreme cold on solids, liquids and gases. Shows are timed at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm and are an additional $1 for BMS members, $3 for non-members.

BMWi3 Meet the all-electric BMWi3, and BMW's product genius Michael Gugliuzza.

Electrical Mayhem Spark your curiosity with this hair-raising electricity demonstration.

Fire and Ice Witness the effects of extreme cold and discover the chemistry of fireworks!

Wind Power Challenge Design and test your own wind turbine blades. Can YOU generate the most electricity? 

Squishy Circuits Use special playdough to experiment with electricity and mold your own working circuit.

Invisible Light Experiment with UV light and make your own ultraviolet-detecting ring.

Spool Racers Build a race car that harnesses the elastic energy of rubber bands.

Magnetic Painting Using the power of magnetic energy, create abstract works of art.

Energy of Music Explore sound energy and create your own music.

Solar Oven Visit with WNY Sustainable Energy to learn how to fashion a solar oven out of a pizza box!

Waste Heat Demonstration Test the energy efficiency of different light bulbs by measuring how much heat is lost.

Go Bike Buffalo Bicycle Blender Sample a smoothie blended by a bicycle-powered blender!

Hydroelectric Power Discover electricity with an energy stick, Van de Graaff generator and more with the New York Power Authority.

UB GRoW Team Meet the University at Buffalo team that created an award-winning solar powered, energy efficient house!

UB Space Bulls - RoBo Team Visit this team from the University at Buffalo that designed and built a NASA-quality rover.

Activities are included with general Museum admission and free for members.*