Things to Do

Colossal Hand Grips Johnson City

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The Science Mill’s newest exhibit, the Colossal Robotic Hand, is now installed in the museum’s outdoor Science & Art Park. It’s quite a sight: a 30-foot-tall, stainless steel robotic hand constructed from more than 500 individual, custom designed, stainless steel triangles. It is impressive in a stationary position, but with a remote joystick mimicking the robot hand, kids can easily operate the Hand, making each of its giant fingers move, much like their own. This exhibit is a powerful, interactive icon of creativity, engineering, and design.  And no, the thumb won’t fold over the bent fingers.

Fun For the Whole Family?

Robotic Hand Controller

Photo: Robert C Deming

Kids AND adults will enjoy seeing what this robotic hand will do.  (And what it will not do.)  While you are messing around with this, you are going to learn something about how the incredibly complex human hand works.  The Colossal Robotic Hand’s grand opening is Feb. 10. That weekend, Science Mill visitors can also make a fun working hand with commonly found materials and watch 3D printing of components of prosthetic hands used by the e-NABLE community for those in need of an upper limb assistive device. Plus, they explore the museum’s 50+ interactive exhibits and watch a 3D movie. Meet Creative Director Zach Zamora between 10 and noon on Saturday to find out more about this complex and interesting project.

Program For Adults, Too.

Aquarium at Science Mill

Photo: Robert C Deming

Coming soon is an Adult’s Science Art and Architecture Tour. Explore a science museum that’s not just for kids! Join the Science Mill in Johnson City and explore the intersection of history, science, art, and architecture with guided tours of the museum and its 50+ interactive science and art exhibits. Led by museum staff, tour participants will glimpse into the history of the Science Mill, housed in an 1880 cotton mill, and how its unique architecture blends old and new. Tour includes a short 3D movie and lunch from the Lady Bird Lane Cafe.

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