Join Support Calendar Contact

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

</p>
</p>
</p>
</p>

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?

Building Brainstorm

Calling All Young Architects!

Building Brainstorm features hands-on activities that explore the creative architectural design process and encourage collaborative problem-solving. Plan a dream home or a dog house, build a skyscraper model, find the best layout of an apartment model’s rooms and furniture, and much more. This area also features our Rigamajig — a collection of wooden planks, wheels, pulleys, nuts, bolts and rope which allows visitors to follow their curiosity through play. Building Brainstorm is generously supported by CS Structures, Morrison-Maierle Systems, and A&E Architects.

Native Fish Pond

Get Hooked on Fishing

Cast your line, measure your catch, then find out which native Montana fish you caught. Learn about the difference between Montana's aquatic salamanders and our very own Mexican axolotl. Or 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!