@COSI – #1 Science Center in the Country- and it’s closer then you think! @DiscoverOhio

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CoSI is the Center of Science and Industry, and it’s almost within walking distance of the center of Columbus. Voted #1 Science Center in the country by Parents Magazine, CoSI is a wonderful science learning center where children of all ages (even ones over 18) can learn and interact with science in new ways.
Their exhibits are ever expanding and changing. At the time of our visit, we saw a new exhibit being built called Race, which is about diversity through the eyes of history and science. Sounds pretty interesting, and I am excited to see what they do with this topic. I wish we were able to see it, and am hoping to be able to get back to CoSI during the events duration (January 28-May 6, 2012).

The exhibits which we were most interested in were Ocean, Space and Gadgets. All of the exhibits are fun and engaging, but our favorites were these 3. Ocean has visitors walk through an ‘underwater cavern’, which is actually just a dimly lit cavern to an underwater exploration deck. On this deck there is a submarine you can get into, as well as a one man partially submerged submarine. Also, there is a classroom with lots of ocean critters and educational experiences to partake in. I liked how it felt like we were transported under the sea, while still being open enough for those of us who are a touch claustrophobic to feel comfortable. The kids really liked the submarines and getting to have a hands on experience with them. That was very unusual and super fun for both of them- and I did see a few older kids (and their fathers) go into it as well.

Next we explored Space. Space is all about space exploration and science. Including space shuttles, planetary rovers and even a space toilet to sit on. We had a ‘gas’ trying that out. There is an exhibit all about Niel Armstrong, who was born in Ohio, you can drive a radio controlled Mars Rover over martian terrain, and land a space shuttle. All right there in the safety of CoSI!

“Enter COSI’s Space exhibit through a dizzying black hole, then ride in a space capsule, test your skills as an “armchair” astronaut, or maneuver a rover through a Martian landscape. Explore the effects of gravity on different planets. Learn about life in orbit inside a mockup of the International Space Station or watch NASA TV live in the Galaxy Lounge.”

Last but not least is Gadgets. Gadgets is all about invention and finding out how things work and why. From splitting laser beams to dancing robots to taking apart a dryer- it’s all here. I liked the Gadgets Cafe, where kids are encouraged to take apart and then reassemble old machines and computers. The kids love when daddy tries to fix something, why not let them work it out as well? Not to mention they are not ruining mommy’s computer or daddy’s lawn mower- those gadgets they are working with are there for learning and manipulating. Maybe it will spark a genuine interest in your little one!

Oh- and don’t forget the kids play area- Little Kid Space– created for kids from birth to kindergarten, a place all their own to play, learn, and experience in their own way for their own size! Inspiring imaginative and creative play for the youngest and smallest kids in a safe and secure environment (big kids go to the hangout room, and all family members have to have a pass so they come and go together!) A perfect place for your little learners.

CoSI is a great place to spend the day. I would suggest bringing sandwiches and spending as long as possible exploring and learning with the various exhibits. Not to mention the Extreme Screen Theater- this theatre is a big room, wrapping around a rounded projection screen which also projects 3D movies. These movies are already larger then life, but when projecting a 3D movie it is mind bendingly realistic. We saw the movie “African Safari: Safari In the Okavango”.

This movie was so realistic we found ourselves trying to dodge the reeds as we roared down the river, especially Little Man. Definitely something not to be missed, and it was Little Man’s favorite part of the day. Learning about animals and the scientists who work with them kept him chatting through the rest of our visit in Ohio- and back home. We are going to follow up with a visit to the library and find some books on African animals for him. What a great inspiration for learning, and a great platform to foster Little’s love of animals.
What will CoSI inspire for you?

You can follow @COSI on Twitter and Facbook– this way you will miss nothing 🙂
Make sure you plan your next visit soon, maybe I’ll see you there! Check out some more photos from our visit to CoSI HERE if you ‘d like.

Happy exploring!