Materials for the Masses: Highlights Tour + Activity (Adult Groups)
Description
Our "Highlights" tours offer fresh encounters with historical artifacts, centered on a single theme that explores science's impact on society. Your group will enjoy a focused tour of a single section of our museum, followed by a guided, hands-on collections activity or demonstration that brings science history to life.
In our “Materials for the Masses” tour, you'll explore the history of modern materials, with a special focus on synthetic textiles like Nylon, Lycra, Spandex, and more. These fibers changed our world, from fashion to medicine, through wartime to peacetime and beyond. You'll look back at the history of natural textiles like wool and linen, then jump ahead to see high-tech solutions like ePTFE. Guided demonstrations will showcase the history of dyes, the technology behind "stretch" fibers, and how high-tech fibers are used today.
Offered At
Science History Institute
The Science History Institute is a small museum dedicated to the history of the chemical and molecular sciences. We tell the stories behind the science: histories of discovery and innovation, challenge and change. Our collections include scientific instrumentation and tools of the laboratory, artwork related to alchemy and early chemistry, photography and archives, a specialized research library with a rare books collection, and a growing digital collection. Our main museum and permanent exhibition are on the first floor, with an additional upper level mezzanine. We also have a special changing exhibits gallery, and regular “pop-up” exhibits in our ExhibitLab and on the exterior of our building façade; please check our website to see what’s new and currently on view!
Our tours and programs are most suitable for ages 12-13 (7th grade) and up.
PLEASE NOTE:
The museum of the Science History Institute will be CLOSED from December 22 2024 to March 7 2025 in order to renovate our spaces and improve visitor experience. During this time, NO in-person school or group tours will be offered. To learn more about possible 2025 virtual/online offerings, please contact Alex Asal at tours@sciencehistory.org.
Details
Subjects
History, Modern History, Women's History, Science
Capacity
50 students
Duration
45 min.
Activity
Tour Groups
Grades
Adult, Postsecondary
Price Options
$3.00 per Person for Postsecondary School
$3.00 per Person for Adults