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The Wonder of Light: Touch and Learn

October 29, 2010 - February 6, 2012

Museum: Smithsonian Castle

Location: Great Hall, near the Associates' Membership Desk

Light is a symbol of discovery. On view in a case are objects from the museums' collections related to light. The name of this exhibition is from the theme of the original Children's Room, "Knowledge begins with Wonder."

At the touch-screen table, visitors can try the following hands-on activities: (Table removed 1/9/2012)

• Use a flashlight to view creatures that live in the deep, dark sea
• Use a prism to refract white light into a rainbow
• Use a paintbrush to paint a masterpiece
• Use a stick to build and start a fire
• Illuminate 19th- and 20th-century light bulbs
• Magnify postage stamps featuring images of lighthouses
• Explore the sun at various wavelengths