February First Saturday: Rock, Paper, Stickers—The Science of Surface

From cave paintings, to love letters, to bank statements, or even the plans for the moon landing, writing down our ideas—as words and images—gives them power and helps us communicate across centuries. For writing to last, stylus must meet surface and create an indelible mark. At this Open House, Thomas Jefferson University Chemistry Professor Dr. Thomas Twardowski will present a set of demonstrations that explore inks and surfaces, binding and sticking, marking and fading, to illuminate the traditions of written communications.

Spend the afternoon exploring the ways that paper and other surfaces interact with ink, paint, glitter and other materials. Try your hand at papermaking, shine a light through materials to reveal hidden colors and patterns under the surface, and probe the sticky interactions that make drawing, writing and coloring possible - all while enjoying the Wagner's natural history museum and historic building.

The Exhibit Hall will be open for self-guided exploration of the natural history collection throughout the day. Explore our 100,000 natural history specimens, including ancient fossils, glowing minerals and animals from around the globe. Wander at your own pace or follow the path of one of our themed scavenger hunts. You can also pick up pencils and paper to draw from the specimens on display.

Special thanks to the Society of Plastics Engineers Philadelphia Section and our volunteers.

Schedule:

1 & 3:15 PM: Science of Surface presentation with Dr. Tom Twardowski

12 - 4 PM: Ongoing activity stations:

• Will it Stick? There is surface and there is ink - how do they stick together?
• What's Inside Transparent - use a special light to reveal hidden colors and patterns
• Glitter Beads and Binders - make your own glitter beads, and discover how binders combine with pigments to make ink for writing and painting
• Putty Science - Play with putty to investigate the rich history of written communication, including cameo, intaglio, blocking and more
• Recycled Papermaking - make your own hand-dipped piece of recycled paper (weather-permitting)
• Scavenger Hunts
• Create your own drawing in the museum

• Walk-ins welcome! Advance registration speeds your entry to the museum. Visitors who register in advance do not need to present a ticket at the desk—just your name!

• There is no coat check or place to stow personal items – please travel light.

• The museum is located on the second floor of the building. There are 5 steps at the entryway and a flight of stairs to access the museum. It is not wheelchair accessible.

• To protect the specimens and our historic interiors, photography is not allowed in the museum. Open containers of food and drink are not permitted in the building.

• The Institute does not have a parking lot. Parking along Montgomery Avenue and 17th Street is free and there is no time limit. There is 2-hour free parking on Bouvier Street and on many blocks near the Wagner; there is metered parking on Cecil B. Moore Avenue. The nearest parking garage is at the Liacouras Center on 15th Street and Montgomery Avenue.

A dream that keeps growing…

In 1855, William Wagner had a dream of providing free science education to anyone who wanted to learn, regardless of background or ability to pay. Today, the Wagner offers more programs to more people than ever before! Your support helps us provide free education, not only through the museum, but through a wide range of courses, lectures, field trips, and children’s science programs. Donations also assist us in caring for the museum and library collections and in preserving our wonderful building, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. To learn more about what we do please visit our website.

In keeping with its original charter, admission is FREE—donations are suggested to ensure the future and quality of Wagner's free education programs and to preserve its National Landmark building and collections.

Suggested Donations

$25/Family

$10/adult

$5/student

For any questions, please email communications@wagnerfreeinstitute.org or call 215-763-6529 x17.

If you would like to check your membership status or become a member, please email AbigailC@wagnerfreeinstitute.org or call 215-763-6529 x24.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 W Montgomery Ave, Philadelphia, United States

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