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Earth in Layers

How old are rocks? Where do fossils come from? What is topography and what do the contour lines on a map represent? Discover how different layers of the earth reveal answers to these questions through our augmented reality sandbox and fossil display. Fossil collection curated and donated by Bill MacBride.

Exhibit Gallery

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Other Exhibits

Physics & More

Playground for the Mind

Set your world in motion! Send parachutes soaring high in the Wind Tunnel; test gravity, velocity, and trajectory at the Ball Ramp; launch a rocket to the moon, and create a colorful pattern with our giant spirograph. Can you find the sweet spot on our Balance Board? Is it possible to blow a square bubble?

Dangerous Nature

Killer or Cure?

From spiders and snakes to mushrooms and oleander, the list of nature’s toxic tenants is long and diverse. Nearly every group of the animal kingdom — and many more in the plant kingdom — are represented by species that produce toxins, in the form of either poison or venom. What's the difference between poison and venom and why are they important in medicine? Visitor challenge: see if you can find our two resident poison dart frogs hiding in their vivarium.

Native Fish Pond

Get Hooked on Fishing

Cast your line, measure your catch, then find out which native Montana fish you caught. Wander over to the 125 gallon aquarium to get a close up view of some colorful koi. Special thanks to Crystal Clear Aquariums for their support!