The Human Gyroscope in the Museum’s lobby is just one of the many new interactive exhibits the Museum of Arts and Sciences acquired recently from the former Fort Discovery National Science Center in Augusta. Recently purchased from the National Science Foundation, the Human Gyroscope is a fun and exhilarating immersive experience that gives riders a sense of weightlessness.
“It’s a fun, educational, and unique experience and the kids absolutely love it,” said Museum Executive Director Susan Welsh. “Adding the Human Gyroscope is part of our commitment to increase educational programming designed to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and math studies.
We are thankful that the National Science Center chose to partner with us to ensure that many of the Fort Discovery educational assets would remain in the state, and we’re excited to bring these dynamic displays to the Museum of Arts and Sciences where they will benefit the students of Central Georgia.”
Although conceived by NASA as a training tool for astronauts, the Human Gyroscope is an effective educational tool for kids studying physical science. With three concentric rings connected by diametrically opposed ball bearings, the Human Gyroscope offers a rare opportunity for the body to experience space in a three-dimensional manner. Contrary to what most people think, the ride does not cause dizziness or nausea.
In the Human Gyroscope the spinning motion is possible on three different axes, X, Y, and Z. Each time the direction is changed, force in the form of muscle movement is required. The movement on the different axes causes a feeling of weightlessness. That, along with training the body to move to regain balance, made a form of the human gyroscope good practice for the early astronauts.
Other new (but smaller) interactive exhibits are on display in the Newberry Hall, as part of the 2,000-square-foot SPARKS: Understanding Energy exhibition.
The Human Gyroscope and SPARKS: Understanding Energy are designed to teach students about potential and kinetic energy and energy transformations through dozens of interactive displays that demonstrate radiant, thermal, gravitational, mechanical, chemical, and electrical energy. Interactive programs targeting all ages supplement the SPARKS exhibition.
Visitors to the Museum can ride the Human Gyroscope—the ride is included in regular museum admission.
PLEASE NOTE: Closed toe shoes are required. Riders must be at least 48″ tall and must weigh less than 300 pounds.
Ride the Human Gyroscope and train like an Astronaut:
Tuesday through Friday from 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 pm
(Times are subject to change without notice.)
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