Amidst three-hour labs, endless problem sets and stressful tests, it seems like science has lost some of the allure it once had. If you've ever found yourself spacing out in your bio class or doodling your way through a physics lecture, the Museum of Science's newest exhibit, "Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination," provides a much needed reminder that science can, in fact, be fun.
More than four years in the making, the exhibit, which opened on Oct. 27, features a wide variety of interactive displays as well as authentic costumes, props and models used in all six "Star Wars" movies.
Scattered throughout the museum are items that would sell for thousands on eBay: the costume Princess Leia wore in Episode IV, Darth Maul's famed two-sided light saber and Luke's landspeeder model and vehicle, to name a few.
Inventively blending pop culture with education, the exhibit successfully adds new depth to the classic films. Feel like comparing your height with Chewie? Easy. (He was really, really tall, by the way.) Want to develop your own LEGO levitating car? You can do that, too.
While it is easy to get swept up in the fun of seeing these legendary items, there is plenty there to learn. From a purely cinematic standpoint, all of the thought and preparation that went into the movie is on display for fans to appreciate.
Featured throughout the exhibit are interviews with people who worked on the movies. You can learn about aspects of the film like the development of the Wookie species and the intricate thought process behind R2-D2's language.
But the exhibit isn't just about "Star Wars." It also takes a detailed look at the science behind the movie and how applicable it is to our world. Throughout the two main sections, "Getting Around" and "Robots and People," there are displays and hands-on activities designed to educate.
After marveling at C-3PO, you can look at modern-day robots, from toys to those that might prove to be more useful in our society. You also get a sense of the complexity inherent in creating these mechanical marvels as you try to make a robot walk a short distance. Links like this between the movie, real and future world are made throughout the exhibit, combining to provide a truly multidimensional experience.
Outside of the basic exhibit, the influence of "Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination" can be felt all over the museum. In the atrium, a model of the Millennium Falcon cleverly disguises an interesting lesson in astronomy as an adventure through space worthy of Hans Solo. There are also related shows in the Charles Hayden Planetarium and the Mugar Omni Theater, as well as special presentations and lectures throughout the exhibit's run.
Being surrounded by classic film artifacts and robots somehow makes a simple interactive demonstration about one's center of gravity more interesting than a typical classroom setting ever could.
Andrew Wiseman, a Museum of Science employee for nine years, said he believes this is the best exhibit they have ever had. "Personally, it is the most exciting because of the happiness I've seen on people's faces, especially the kids," he said.
How can people help but be happy when some of their favorite classics give them a chance to levitate on a cushion or play with robots? People of all generations can easily regress back to the age they were when they first saw "Star Wars," and discover it all over again in a whole new light. Between the displays and the activities, the movie paraphernalia and the science, there is something here for everyone.
With such expert combinations, this exhibit unveils the magic of science all over again. "Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination" won't magically cure boring labs and lectures, but at the very least, maybe next time you find your attention drifting in lab, you'll be doodling Jedis.
